Your First Winter Sports Holiday – What to Consider

There's something enthralling about a winter sports holiday - all that white snow everywhere, the adrenaline of shredding down groomers, the spray of powder as you carve through the trees. You've seen the videos; you've heard from friends about what an amazing experience it is. And now maybe you're thinking that it's time to experience it for yourself.

If you are planning your first winter sports holiday, be prepared: it's a fairly big commitment on time and expense, with many things to consider. From choosing between skis and a board to making plans for kids and picking the right type of trip, here’re some tips to make your first experience a great one.

Commitment & Length Of Trip

As a total beginner, you might think that but you can just head up the mountain for a couple of days and 'try it out'. That might be true if your nearest ski resort is in your backyard, but for those with a significant commute, think again.

Much like any new endeavor, it takes time to learn enough to start enjoying the sport. Traveling all the way to 'just try it out' for a couple of days will do your first winter sports holiday a major disservice. On average, it'll take at least 4 consecutive days of beginner lessons before you become competent enough to ride a ski lift. Only then does that unlock the mountain and make skiing or snowboarding become fun.

Hence, consider spending at least that amount of time on the mountain, notwithstanding transit time and sorting out your gear and lessons. Which leads to the next point...

Be Willing To Take Lessons

No two ways about it, you are going to need professional lessons. Don't rely on that friend who's got some riding experience to teach you - unless he's really good at teaching and is willing to babysit you the entire trip. Invest in taking at least 4 consecutive days of lessons, and be willing to practice outside of lesson times as well.

Most major resorts have plenty of schools and private instructors who are able to provide a service. Choose a reputable one, preferably with glowing reviews, that caters to your needs. Ultimately, the quality of your learning will determine whether or not you learn to love the sport as well.

If you are someone who values your time, consider private instruction for groups of up to 3 people. This should shortcut the time taken for you to become a competent rider and start enjoying the mountain!

Skiing vs. Snowboarding: Which One is for You?

Finally, we get down to the choice of sport. One of the biggest questions first-timers face is whether to ski or snowboard. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Skiing: Generally easier to pick up for beginners. Your legs move independently, making balance more intuitive. If you enjoy roller blades or ice skating, this is for you. Skiing is also better for those who want to explore longer runs, and for those who enjoy the speed. Skiers do much better on flat ground vs. snowboarders.
Snowboarding: Harder at first but rewarding once mastered, offering a more playful alternative to skis. It’s a full-body workout and a bit tougher on the legs, but it can feel more natural for those who have experience in skateboarding or surfing. While snowboarders can find flat sections challenging, at least snowboard boots are way more comfortable to walk in than ski boots.

Per my earlier points on commitment and lessons though, it takes time to get good. If you do want to give each a try before committing, just keep in mind to give it some time to do the sport justice.

Group Arrangements

Who are you traveling with? Family? Friends? Adults only? Or are there kids as well?

A good holiday should cater to everyone on board. If you are planning or joining a group holiday which includes individuals with varying levels of experience, ideally try to ensure that everyone has someone to buddy up with.

Plan Your Lessons: Try to group up so that those of similar experience levels can pair off during lessons
Be Understanding: Not everyone wants to shred the slopes from the open till lifts shut. Let individuals do their own thing
Meal Times: The perfect time for different groups to meet up. Choose a spot to meet for lunch/coffee/apres each day

If children are part of your retinue, it's essential to cater to them, and to make sure everyone in the group is on board as well.

Choose a Family-Friendly Resort: Some ski resorts cater specifically to families with kid-friendly slopes and childcare facilities. Some all inclusive resorts like Club Med are great for this purpose.
Book Ski School in Advance: Kids learn best from instructors, and most resorts have great programs for all ages.
Layer Up: Kids get cold fast, so pack thermal layers, waterproof gloves, and extra socks.
Plan Off-Slope Activities: Not all kids want to ski all day. Find resorts with sledding, indoor play areas, or easy hiking trails.

Prepping Your Gear

Prepping for a winter sports holiday requires quite a lot of additional gear. As a first timer, how much should you buy vs. what can you rent? Here are some things to keep in mind:

Ski Apparel: A waterproof outer shell combined with an insulating base layer. Ski jackets should also come with an elastic waistband that you can buckle on to keep snow out. While some resorts might offer rentals, more likely than not you'll need to purchase your own attire.
Ski/Snowboard Equipment: As a first timer, you'll definitely only want to rent your boots and skis/boards. Resorts come equipped with rental gear and while they aren't the best they will be adequate for your needs.
Helmets: You can rent these at most resorts. While they aren't the most comfortable, they are essential for your safety. Snowboarders in particular can fall backward and hit their heads.
Gloves/Socks: Waterproof gloves and insulating socks are a must. For gloves, choose between gloves vs. mitts (which snowboarders would likely prefer).
Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the snow, so pack sunscreen and UV-protection goggles. Sunglasses will do in a pinch, as goggles can be an investment
Proper Footwear: Snow boots with good grip are essential for walking around icy areas. .

Enjoy Yourself!

While it is indeed a lot of planning and commitment to prepare for, make sure you enjoy yourself too! Explore the resorts, enjoy the apres ski, treat yourself to nice meals, soak in a hot tub after - all of these are part of the experience too! You've already made the effort to come here, so commit to enjoying yourself as well.

Final Thoughts

Your first winter sports holiday is an exciting adventure, but preparation is key and your commitment will go a long way towards enjoying your first experience. Whether you choose skiing or snowboarding, the mindset will make all the difference.