I will soon be going on my first big skiing trip, though the husband has been several times. I’m not saying that I am an expert by any means, but using some of his know-how, I can share a little about what I am to expect. Like so many sports, there’s an initial learning curve that seems steep. But then, after a little while, things get easier. And then much, MUCH, more fun.
If you’re completely new to skiing, the amount of things to remember can seem quite daunting. If you’re a young person about to go with school or a group of friends, there are a million things on your checklist. Or at least there should be. But I don’t think any of this should worry you. Your first day will be quite intense, especially if you have had no dry-slope training at all. But after a week or so you’ll have improved a lot. Nothing, in my opinion, quite captures what it’s like to go from complete novice to quite good in the space of a week or two. But as you’ll soon discover, it’s quite a trip. So here are some oft-forgotten ski essentials.
The Snood
You won’t believe how often this little chap comes in handy. The snood: a scarf-like thing that you wrap around your face to protect you from the cold. If you’re doing ski runs in Meribel, for example, temperatures can get down to minus twenty. And when you’re careering down the hill at thirty miles an hour or more, the wind hurts. Don’t be the hero: pack your snood.
Sun Cream
The first time my husband went skiing, he came back with worse burns under his eyes than when he went on a beach holiday. It seems strange at first, but you need to think about the sun. First of all, you’re higher up in the atmosphere, which means there is less of it above you to protect you from the sun’s rays. But more importantly, you’re effectively cruising on top of a giant mirror; the snow. When the sun’s light hits it, it reflects and bounces right back at your face, almost as if you were facing the sun directly. Want my advice? Pack the factor 30. Have sensitive skin? Make it factor 50. And waterproof.
Thermal Baselayer
Conditions on the mountainside can change fast, wherever you are in the world. At the bottom of the run you’ll feel warm with all those layers, hot even, but at the top you’ll be glad you put them on. There can sometimes be a 20 degree temperature difference between the top of the mountain and the base. You can always take outside layers off if you feel too hot, and then put them back on once you reach the top of the ski lift.
Travel Plug Adaptor
This one doesn’t have anything to do with skiing in particular. But if you’re living in the UK taking things like cameras and mobiles phones abroad can be a real hassle. Make sure you pick up an adapter that’s appropriate for where you’re going. You’re almost certainly going to need it.
Have you been on a ski trip before? What are your essentials?
Linking up to KCACOLS.
*post may contain affiliate links
Only my eldest has been skiing here and he loved it, it was a Christmas list of things that felt never ending though! #KCACOLS
The sheer amount of stuff you need puts me off skiing holidays but the scenery does look amazing. Have a fab time. #kcacols lifeinthemumslane
Emma Jones recently posted…Internet safety for children
As much as the scenery is stunning the cold just completely puts me off lol! I hope you have lots of fun! #KCACOLS
Rachel (Lifeathomewithmrsb) recently posted…I am seeing a Hypnotherapist
I hope you enjoy your trip – I would love to go again. I went on a school trip and it was amazing! Interesting about the 20 degree difference – who knew?!
Thank you so much for linking up to #KCACOLS I hope to see you back again on Saturday 27th when the linky opens again. x
Maria @ Suburban Mum recently posted…Independent Travel Guide to Universal Orlando
These are great tips 🙂
I hope you have a great trip!
Laura xx
#KCACOLS
Laura @ Dot Makes 4 recently posted…Weight Loss- Update
Skiing is amazing!!! Especially on an actual mountain. I’ve only had one ski holiday and like you my husband was way more experienced. He was a great ski instructor but pushed my abilities too far on the first day. I ended up crying on the top of a mountain because the slope was too steep and my legs were too tired. I felt like bambi when he’s legs just won’t hold him up. My tip… Take it easy. Don’t go to the trickier slopes until you’re feeling ready and full of energy. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s so much fun! I went back in day four and conquered the slope that made me cry. Go me!!! #KCACOLS
Great tips! I’ve never been skiing before but I’d love to go. If I do, I’ll definitely remember your advice! #KCACOLS
The Speed Bump recently posted…The Toddler-Taming Syllabus