Family skiing holidays guarantee stunning locations, plenty of exercise and most importantly- a lot of fun. However, planning a skiing holiday for the first time can feel a little daunting. Picking a resort, packing the correct kit and getting the right tuition to help you make the most out of your holiday are a good place to start. Luckily, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to skiing holidays to help! Read on to find out more…
How to ski: beginner’s guide
1. Give it a go
Before you pack your bags for the slopes, it’s a good idea to see if this sport is for you. Although skiing holidays are fantastic fun, they don’t always come cheap, so it’s important to know you will enjoy yourself! We suggest heading to your local dry ski slope or indoor ski area for a lesson before hitting the pistes of the Alps, so you can get a feel for it first.
If you’re keen to improve your skills in the mountains, then make sure to book ski lessons in advance of your trip. Tuition is always a good idea, no matter what your level. Remember- even the pros have lessons, it’s called training!
2. Find the right kit for you
Skiing holidays require plenty of planning when it comes to packing your bags. Differing weather conditions call for a variety of layers, and safety equipment should always be a priority. However, if you’re a first time skier, we don’t recommend investing in all of your own kit straight away. Buying your own kit can be costly, and children can grow out of ski wear by your next holiday!
Ski rental shops and clothing hire are widely available in resorts, so you can kit yourself out from head to toe without committing to a new wardrobe. Another advantage of renting kit is you can cut down on the cost of luggage if you’re flying, or free up space in the car! To see a more detailed packing list and find out more about rental services, read our blog about what to take on a skiing holiday.
3. Find the right resort for you
Although most resorts have plenty of options for beginners, some are better suited to first time skiers than others. It can be difficult choosing the right resort for you and your family, especially with the vast amount of options. However, alongside our beginner’s guide to skiing holidays, we’ve put together a blog on the best French ski slopes for beginners to help!
If you’re flying, don’t forget to consider the transfer time to your chosen resort! At OVO Network, many of our partner properties are conveniently located close to Geneva airport, so you can be at the doorstep of your chalet in no time. Browse our full range of destinations here.
Discover the perfect property for your first skiing holiday
4. Decide a time to go
School holidays are the most popular time to visit ski resorts as a family. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the slopes are busier at these times, and prices can increase. So, we recommend booking well in advance if you are planning on visiting throughout the holidays. If you’re travelling without children, then consider visiting your chosen resort at a quieter time.
Another factor to consider when deciding what time to visit is the weather. Most ski seasons typically last from December to April, with exact dates varying depending on snowfall. It’s worth remembering that booking very early or late in the season might sacrifice guaranteed snow. However, the weather can never be guaranteed, and it’s always a good idea to have some activities in mind if the weather isn’t great at some point during your holiday. Take a look at our blog about non-ski winter activities to find out more.
5. Find the right accommodation
When it comes to choosing accommodation for your trip, there are a few things to consider…
- How large is your group?
If you’re travelling with multiple families or as a larger group, you should consider renting a chalet with a capacity to fit your needs. This way you can enjoy the holiday altogether, cook communally and overall- you get the most value for your money.
If you’re a smaller group, an apartment or smaller chalet might suit you better.
2. How close would you like to be to the slopes?
If you’re skiing with young children, a ski-in ski-out chalet is usually the most stress-free option. Not having to worry about carrying skis and poles back to your accommodation after a big day on the slopes means you can spend more time relaxing!
3. Facilities and activities
Just as much fun can be had off the slopes as well as on them! We recommend booking a property with great facilities for all the family such as kid-friendly facilities, hot tubs, saunas or home cinemas. This is a great way to keep the whole family entertained after a day of skiing!
Remember to check the destination guide for the resort you are visiting to find out what activities you can do off the slopes!
Browse properties with hot tubs
If you’re heading off on your first skiing holiday, be sure to browse our full range of partner properties, perfect for a family holiday in the Alps!
Also, don’t forget to follow @ovonetwork and use #ovonetwork to share moments from your first time on the slopes!
