Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.......!!! (Skiing)

Member Name: Lools_24

Product:	Skiing
Date:	09/02/09 (139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: adrenalin rush

Disadvantages: None

As a qualified ski instructor... my review is totally biased as I LOVE SKIING...

First of all one of the main preconceptions we need to clear up is that of people that don't ski or have never been and when thinking of an excuse for why they haven't previously is usually something along the lines of "I don't like the cold so skiing isn't for me". Believe me the temperature may be -10C and 30cm of fresh snow has just fallen but one thing you won't be is cold.

It's so much fun as a beginner, an intermediate or even an expert. The adrenalin rush is amazing and the scenery is beautiful.

Ski Areas

France

Resort do get busy and package deals are quite expensive. You are looking at around £600 at least per person for a weeks skiing holiday. However the ski areas are well looked after , there are a lot of high altitude resorts so snow is guaranteed and the après ski is VERY GOOD! Val Thorens, Chamonix and Les Deux Alpes are my preferred resorts.

Italy
Good snow conditions. Some of the resorts it is necessary to get a cable car up to the ski area so its not possible to "Ski to the Door" so to speak. Prices for holidays are around £500 so slightly cheaper than France, Austria and Switzerland.

Austria

Some resorts are lower altitude so if there is a lack of snow, large areas of the ski resorts get closed. Fantastic skiing and scenery. Austria is definitely the picture perfect ski holiday. Recommended resorts would be Kitzbuehel, . Austria is also favoured by the British Royal Family so how is that for a recommendation!

Switzerland
Similar prices to Austria / France for a holiday. Resorts benefit from high altitude and good snow, also Glacier skiing at Saas Fee so all year round skiing is possible.

Andorra
Andorra boasts some of the most reasonable package deals for a good skiing holiday in a decent standard of accommodation. The resorts are generally very good for beginners. However there is some snobbery in the skiing world and Andorra is seen as slightly "chavvy".

Bulgaria/ Slovenia
Can't comment really as I have never been however its cheap, but some criticisms I have heard are that hotel accommodation is very poor and transport links can be rather inconsistent. But overall package deals are usually at least £200 cheaper per person than resorts in France , Italy and Austria.

USA/ Canada

If you are looking for a slightly longer trip i.e. 2 weeks head to the USA or Canada. Once in these resorts the generally the ski pistes are wide and are less crowded. The USA and Canada are definitely the place to go. Obviously because of the long haul element from the UK these holidays do cost more (typically around £850 per person for a two week break) however once you get to the resorts the cost of food and drink is a lot cheaper and restaurants and bars are more tourist friendly. USA my recommended resort would be Vail, its boasts the largest single skiable mountain in the Colorado Rockies and suits all abilities from beginners to advance. If you want to go star spotting then Aspen (Colorado) is the place to go. Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz are regulars here.

If you are considering Canada Whistler (British Columbia) would be my first choice. It boasts beautiful hotels, and a great ski area for all abilities. For more advanced skiers it gets excellent snowfall so if you love skiing in fresh powder snow you will definitely get that here.


Pre Skiing

Before you go my advice would be preparation is necessary especially if you have never been skiing before. Even if you are getting lessons in the resort, getting lessons at a ski centre in the UK is a good idea. Learning the basics about how to put the equipment on, walk about, balance and controlling your speed makes your job when you get into the resort a lot easier and doesn't make your first day seem so daunting . There are both outdoor "dry ski slopes" and indoor artificial snow ski slopes across the UK.

Even if you are of a reasonable level of physical fitness, learning to ski is extremely tiring and your legs do burn through tiredness at times. Before you go make sure you do plenty of exercise. Squats and other leg exercise two weeks before you go are a good idea.. It sounds excessive but you will be pleased you have done it once you get out there.

Clothing
Layers are your best bet as it means if you get warm you can take layers off. Waterproof sallopetes and a waterproof jacket are essential. M & S, Topshop and TK Maxx have some excellent ski wear for reasonable prices. Long ski socks are also essential, a hat and at least two pairs of waterproof skiing gloves. A pair of googles and or sunglasses are needed due to the glare from the snow.

Equipment
Unless you plan on skiing more than once a year don't rush out and buy skis and boots as this can work out really expensive. Hiring in the resort also means you don't have to transport the equipment out there, the tour operators offer ski hire and in all ski resorts you will find plenty of equipment hire shops. If you really want to buy your own, just buy your own ski boots, as ski designs change so regularly meaning that hiring lets you try out the latest equipment.

If you do have knee or back problem to quite a serious degree skiing may not be for you. Like any sport skiing does have its risks but it's a case of being sensible and using your judgement to whether you feel confident and safe.

All I can say is if you have never tried skiing then give it a go. Its so much fun and really good exercise however once you have caught the bug you will be addicted....

Summary: The best winter sport... ever