GP’s top tips for first-time skiers (and snowboarders!)

Going skiing or snowboarding for the first time can conjure up a mix of emotions – excitement, but at the same time apprehension about the prospect of stepping onto the white stuff in a pair of skis/on a snowboard for the first time. That’s completely normal. The trick to getting the most out of your holiday is in the preparation.

There are some really handy videos out there to help you get an idea of what to expect, including this fab one on how to survive the chairlift – a daunting prospect for many first timers!

Team GP know first-hand what’s required to ensure your trip is everything you want it to be. We also know that forgetting to bring something can cost you dearly, having learned the hard way!

We’ve done the dry run so that you, or the newbie skier in your group, will have no problem adapting to life on the slopes...

Get your equipment in order

There are lots of websites offering skiing equipment checklists. But we wanted to bring you some really nifty tips that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere. Here’s what you need to know:

Be sure to rent boots that fit perfectly

 Ill-fitting boots make skiing very difficult, but a pair that gives you the perfect balance of comfort and performance can transform the way you ski. Don’t just go with your usual shoe size; let a professional measure you up and give their advice. And don’t forget that socks are also critical – make sure yours are thin and synthetic as opposed to cotton.

Pockets aplenty

Find a jacket that has pockets in convenient places, for example a pocket in the sleeve for your ski pass – the last thing you want to do is lose that! For more advice on jackets, take a look at this handy guide.

Safety first

 Even if you’re a beginner and taking it slow, a helmet is crucial to protect you from very fast (and potentially reckless!) skiers out on the slopes. Make sure your helmet fits your head snugly and isn’t going to shift about as you pick up speed down the slopes (yes, you will eventually pick up speed, promise!). For more on the importance of wearing a helmet and the different options available, this article has some great tips.

Double up on gloves

Get some touchscreen gloves to wear underneath your ski gloves – this means your hands won’t freeze when you get your phone out to capture some snowy snaps. Cold hands really can take the fun of skiing; in fact, once you’ve registered the chill, it’s pretty much all you can think about. A snood and a decent pair of sunglasses (don’t forget the case!) will also come in handy.

Soothe the muscles

 You’re likely to be using muscles that you’ve never used before – or at least not very often – so you might feel a few aches and pains the morning after your first run down the slopes. A soothing muscle rub can go a long way to getting you back out there on day two. If the option or budget is there, a sports massage halfway through your break could also do wonders for your aching muscles.

Protect your lips

You might not usually wear lip balm every day, but while you’re on the slopes, make it part of your daily routine to apply one with SPF to protect your lips from both the sun and the cold. You’ll thank us later!

Power up

Devices are part and parcel of every skier/snowboarder’s kit bag these days – and being a first-timer, you’ll want to capture every moment of the exhilarating atmosphere on both your phone and GoPro. You might even want to get a friend to film you in action so you can see what you’re doing wrong (and right, of course!). We love the Ski Tracks app (0.79p) which tracks your speed and distance. But, of course, your phone will need to be constantly powered up, which is why it’s a good idea to keep a lightweight but powerful GP PowerBank in your pocket at all times.

Once you get to the resort

It’s all well and good packing the right kit, but once you’re there, you might be a little self-conscious about your lack of experience on the slopes – no one wants to fall into the ‘all the gear, no idea’ camp! Again, it’s very normal to feel like that, so don’t worry. Here’s how you can make the best use of your time and feel comfortable in your new surroundings:

Pick up your skis/snowboard locally

 If you don’t have your own skis/snowboard (why would you, it’s your first time?) then you’ll need to rent some once you get there. Research the best places (in terms of service and price) near to the ski slopes, so that you don’t have to go far to return them on your last day.

Check into ski school

The best way of eradicating those initial doubts is to check into ski school. It sounds obvious, but it’s the only real way of developing strong foundations quickly – it’s also encouraging to be with a group of people who are all at the beginner stage, experiencing the same things as you.

Stay within your limits

You might find yourself picking up the basics quicker than you expected – that’s great, but don’t be tempted to tackle slopes that are too fast and technical for your skill set. Plan your routes down the mountain carefully, asking resort staff and ski instructors for advice on which ones to tackle and in which order. It also helps to keep a resort map on you at all times. See…those jacket pockets really will come in handy!

Take regular breaks

 Your body and brain is having to cope with a lot. Take regular breaks to hydrate and refuel. It’s also an opportunity to share stories and explore the resort a bit more – you’ll often find hidden bars off the beaten track. Just be careful with the amount of alcohol you consume; although this may make you more confident on the slopes afterwards, your reflexes won’t work as well.

We hope you’re feeling a bit more confident about your first skiing adventure now? Or, if you’re already a ski pro but have a newbie coming with you, why not share this blog with them now? And, if you’re the one having to organise the trip for your family, check out our tips on planning a stress-free family skiing holiday.

All that’s left to say is good luck, have fun and... can we come with you?!