VailSelect.com
Top Class US Ski Vacations

« What To Do Before The Ski Vacation   A Family Ski Holiday For Beginners »

2009
11
October

Ski Vacations for Beginners

by Lawrence Gilbert

Choosing a Ski Resort

For the novice skier, it is advised to select a ski vacation in a location that is suitable to all levels of expertise: That way all members of your group, no matter their level, can make the most out of the vacation. Most destinations do offer various ski runs, ranging from wide, smooth beginner’s runs, to expert courses, which can be to be complicated and a little dangerous.

Beginner skiers should obtain ski lessons from ski tutors at the resort. Ideally, the new skier should take lessons before the vacation to learn the basics. A beginner should lease their ski equipment because purchasing it before learning what one requires from the equipment may be a costly error.

What to Take with you

Beginner skiers often underestimate how essential proper ski clothing is: An average jacket and mitts are not going to be appropriate. Gloves should be waterproof with a grip, jackets lightweight and wind-resistant and trousers (”salopettes”) designed for the needs of skiers.

In addition, skiers should also buy thick socks, a warm hat and scarf, shades (the glower off the snow can be intense) and sunblock (it is easy to get burned). For maximum comfort and safety, a new skier is best to wear thin layers that enable movement, rather than one very thick layer. Most ski resorts stores accommodate ski-clothing rentals.

Essential Extras

A lift pass is required to allow access to the slopes. They can be purchased as part of a vacation package or purchased in resort each day (though you may experience long lines at popular resorts). Prices are based on where you are, but many deals can be located by looking online, asking the hotel concierge, purchasing in advance or buying for a group.

Always check what time the last lift leaves the slopes each day and set up a meeting point and time with your group. It is also an excellent idea to have a mobile phone with you for any problems.

About the Author:

RSS feed | Trackback URI

Comments »

No comments yet.

Name (required)
E-mail (required - never shown publicly)
URI
Subscribe to comments via email
Your Comment (smaller size | larger size)
You may use <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong> in your comment.