PRE-HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS - before your holiday
So you've done your research, booked your skiing or snowboarding holiday and now spend your evenings checking the snow reports to find out whether it's snowing in your chosen resort. What else should you be doing to prepare?
Lessons in the UK
One obvious step is to book yourself some lessons in the UK.
There are plenty of dry ski slopes in the UK offering group or one-to-one tuition for winter sports beginners.
Lesson prices vary between facilities but as a guide:
- Group adult lessons usually cost from £11 - £25 per session
- Private one-to-one adult lessons usually cost from £20 - £50
Although it doesn't compare to the real thing, a dry ski slope will give you experience of having skis or a snowboard attached to your feet.
You'll get used to balancing on your skis or board and you'll gain invaluable experience of riding the lifts.
Instructors will teach you the basic techniques of turning, stopping and getting up after a fall - yes you should expect to fall over occasionally!
Don't worry if you don't master it on your first few attempts on a dry ski slope. Many people find real snow much easier.
You can experience real snow year-round in the UK as there are now seven indoor facilities with real snow slopes.
These indoor facilities can be a great way to master the basics before your skiing or snowboarding holiday.
The only real difference between these facilities and the mountain runs is that you are inside and the runs are much shorter – up to about 180 meters.
You will not normally be allowed to use these facilities as a recreational skier until you can confidently link turns.
Therefore, as a beginner you will need to have some tuition before you can use the facilities on your own.
Fitness
Skiing and snowboarding are both physically demanding sports. The fitter you are, the more likely you are to enjoy your skiing and snowboarding so try to take some exercise in the time leading up to your holiday*.
Don't overdo things though. Carrying an injury caused by too much exercise will also affect the enjoyment of your holiday.
Don't worry if you are not a member of a gym.
There are many ways of improving your fitness levels without paying for gym membership.
You can work on your cardio-vascular fitness with activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling.
When it comes to improving strength, consider exercises that target the leg muscles such as lunges and squats.
You should also work on improving your core body strength through carrying out a range of abdominal exercises.
Finally, don't forget about balance exercises and stretching as these will improve your flexibility and help keep you injury free.
* If you do not take part in regular exercise or suffer from any medical conditions you should consult your GP or a medical professional before undertaking any new exercise regime.
Holiday Shopping
As is the case with most holidays, you will probably have to purchase some holiday essentials before departing on your skiing or snowboarding trip:
Insurance – Specialist winter sports insurance is essential. See the Ski and Snowboard Holiday Insurance Costs section of this website for further information or visit the Links page for a selection of winter sports insurance providers.
Sunscreen - factor 15 minimum - The sun's rays are much stronger at altitude and 'panda eyes' aren't cool! Try to buy smaller tubes and bottles that will fit in your pockets. Also use a lip balm with sun protection.
Clothing and Equipment – Appropriate clothing and equipment are essential to ensure you enjoy your skiing and snowboarding holiday in safety and comfort - for a selection of ski and snowboard gloves, goggles, hats and socks visit the Origin Sports Shop.
