How to prepare for your ski holiday?
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Have you decided to go skiing for your next vacation? Is it your first time going and have no idea of this type of destination? Are you wondering how best to prepare your stay before departure?
Booking a ski holiday can be a daunting experience, as there are so many places to choose from and so many factors to consider, especially for a first timer.
But rest assured, if the intention is already there, there is only the most complicated step left: Getting ready.
In this article, you will first discover how to organize your ski holiday taking into account the right factors for your stay and finally what you should take with you for a successful holiday.
So that you do not miss anything and that you are not overwhelmed by the trip, here are some tips from our experts.
Take a pen and paper to write down our ideas and enjoy the best ski holiday!
I - How to organize a ski holiday
1. Choose the ideal ski resort
Skiing holidays cannot be improvised overnight. If you want to spend your winter holidays on the ski slopes, the first thing to do when planning your ski holiday is to choose the destination.
To choose the hotel or chalet that best meets your expectations, take into account the number of ski slopes for each level, accommodation, nearby restaurants, places to relax at night.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to explore at least 3 months in advance and to book at least one month before departure.
2. Choose the ideal period
Now that you know where to go, you need to know when. This is one of the determining factors for a perfect ski holiday.
Pick the right resort and you'll be sure to have a magical time. Pick the wrong one and you could end up spending your vacation carrying your skis up a steep hill after an exhausting day battling bumps.
But how can you be sure to choose the ideal period? First of all, you have to ask yourself what time of year you want to travel. This is an essential decision to be made from the start depending on school holidays and your professional availability.
December is a good option as many resorts offer discounted lift passes. The only risk may possibly be the lack of snow at the start of the season.
January is normally an ideal month for snow, but it can get quite cold and the days are shorter. But if you're looking for snow and no queues, this is the perfect time.
February is probably the busiest month due to the high season. In addition to the world, prices are climbing faster than vacationers are climbing the slopes. We recommend, if possible, to leave later, especially if it is the first time.
Finally, for the months of March, April and the arrival of good weather, this is the ideal time if you are a fan of sunny terraces and long days. Be aware, however, that Easter is surely one of your last chances to ski in winter, with calmer slopes than in February.
3. Choose according to your ski level
If you have beginners among you, does the resort have a beginners area and children's slopes? Ideally an enclosed area to facilitate learning and build confidence.
Or is your group more advanced and need a large area for entertainment? Advanced skiers may like the steep slopes. On the other hand, beginners or intermediates will feel much more comfortable on the incredible wide and perfectly maintained slopes for which many resorts are renowned.
Check the skill and experience level of your group and choose accordingly. We want to reassure you, most resorts offer a great mix of runs, which is perfect for a varied group.
4. Provide good insurance
Not to be forgotten among the preparations for your ski holiday: insurance. Despite all forms of preparation and precaution, we are never safe from accidents that can occur when practicing an activity in the snow.
It is therefore important to take out insurance. Contact your insurer beforehand, and make sure that all family members are covered. If you are already insured, check that the contract includes risk coverage.
II - What should you bring when skiing?
Many things go through your mind as you prepare for your first ski holiday. You are very excited about this new experience, but also nervous and unsure about what to expect. As we saw earlier, good planning is an essential way to reduce this tension.
This handy list we've made available to you will reduce stress and ensure you have everything you need to fully enjoy your first experience.
If you don't have some of the essential items (skis, poles, etc.) listed below, you can still rent them at most resorts. On the other hand, for the rest, it is better to do it in advance.
Let's take a closer look.
Skis, poles and bindings
If you do not have skis, you will need to rent them from the resort. Hire staff are knowledgeable and will guide you through your choices, making sure your skis and poles are beginner-friendly. They will also help you adjust the ski bindings according to your size and ability.
Skiing boots
We advise you to buy your own shoes, even if it is your first time. You will be much more comfortable and enjoy the experience more.
So yes, it is possible to rent ski boots on site, but this is generally not the best thing to do. Shoes are designed to fit your feet, and should be comfortable for a successful experience.
Ski helmet and goggles
Safety is paramount and you should not risk a head injury. There are a large number of different models, so you should be able to find one that suits you and works well.
Glasses, on the other hand, allow you to improve your vision while fighting against glare and precipitation. If you rent a helmet at the resort, it may be worth renting your goggles as well.
These often fit differently depending on the helmet, which helps to ensure that they fit.
Ski jacket and ski pants
It is also essential to wear warm, insulating and wind and water resistant clothing. Weatherproof clothing will keep your body comfortable and dry in all conditions.
Getting cold is the quickest way to ruin your day, so ski jackets and pants are essential.
Base layers and mid layers
Base layers are what you wear under your jacket and pants and are often just as important, especially in colder climates. They will protect you from wind and humidity.
Normally, to ski, you need three layers: one that adapts to your body, another that keeps you warm and a final one that insulates you from the water. That is why you must have several options with you, because from one day to another they may have gotten wet and you cannot wear them due to the accumulated humidity.
When putting on your clothes, avoid cotton products, as they are neither waterproof nor breathable. Synthetic materials or wool are the most effective.
Ski gloves and socks
Gloves or mittens are also very important ski items. As your hands will be in contact with the snow throughout the day, waterproof gloves or mittens are a must.
Your gloves or mittens should also offer enough dexterity to allow you to easily hold the ski poles.
In addition to your hands, keeping your feet dry is essential to enjoying your day. It is best to choose wool or synthetic socks to keep your feet dry.
A good sunscreen
It may seem weird at first, but sunscreen is required.
Even if the weather is cloudy, the sun burns, and even more in the mountains, where you will be at high altitude.
Also, to complete your sunscreen kit, pack some quality sunglasses and a lip balm to protect your lips from both the sun and the air.
A travel vanity
To be sure to take everything with you, it is wise to carry a vanity that can hold all your items.
For example, you can bring your sunscreen, your lip protection, as well as other creams to protect your face without forgetting your beauty products. And yes, you also have the right to wear make-up on the slopes!
Finally, you can also take a backpack which will be very useful on the slopes if you want to bring scarves, hats, medical kits and other small items such as a phone or a camera.
In summary
As you will have understood from reading this article, the success of your ski holiday depends heavily on the quality of your preparation. Several weeks in advance, you have to decide and choose the ski resort you want to visit and what you need to pack.
When you've confirmed that you have everything on this list, you're ready to hit the slopes.
If you're missing any of these items, at Sogaïa we offer a wide selection of vanities and travel cases to make sure you're ready to go skiing for the first time.
Quickly discover our collections, and make your stay a breathtaking experience.
