This time last year I was getting ready to go on my first ever ski trip. How I had made it to nearly 29 and never been I have no idea. Though I was pretty terrible at it, I really enjoyed the trip. So if you haven’t been before, I would really recommend going. The views are stunning, the atmosphere is relaxed and it is fab trying out something new and using up lots of energy.
If you are planning a trip before the season is up, or want to get ready for next seasons skiing, then here are some of the things that I think we got right for my first time, as well as the things that I would avoid. I would definitely want to get some practice on an indoor slop like Chill Factore back at home before leaving!

Do Check How Far Away The Resort Is
This might sound like a bit of an obvious one. But when you go skiing, you need mountains. You aren’t going to find many of them too close by to cities and airports. When were were choosing where to go in Colorado, we opted for Breckenridge. There were other resorts like Vail and Aspen but they would be a good three hours drive from the airport. After a long haul flight it isn’t what you want. So do check how fast the airport transfers to the resort are. If you’re going to be renting a car, you don’t want to have to drive for miles and miles trying to stay awake!
Don’t Forget Lip Balm with SPF
In the cooler temperatures and at altitude, your lips can really dry out much quicker than normal. Plus, with the sunshine on the bright white snow, it does reflect and you can catch sunburn on the part of your face that is exposed. Which is pretty much your mouth and nose! So if like me, and you get dry or cracked lips white easily, then make sure that you take a good lip balm with you. It needs to have an sunscreen in it ideally, as something like vaseline wouldn’t cut it.
Do Book Your Equipment & Lift Passes Ahead of Time
When we were planning our trip we weren’t sure if we should book our equipment ahead of time or just hire some at the resort. So unless you’re taking your own, then it is a good idea to book ahead. Luckily we did so and it made the process much quicker, as well as cheaper. The same went for lift passes. So check your resort and what is available beforehand.
Don’t Plan Too Much
We had all sorts of ideas when we were originally planning the trip. We thought we might head down into Denver one evening for a baseball game. Then one night we could go to the cinema and one night we’d go workout at the gym. But at the end of a day’s skiing, you are exhausted! So most nights it was going for swim or hot tub, dinner and movies. Even then half of us feel asleep watching them! So don’t stuff your schedule full of stuff. It will be exhausting to fit it all in.
Do Take a Day Off Skiing
If you are on your trip for about a week, then having a full six or seven days worth of skiing is pretty intense. So my advice would be to have at least one day off. We took a day out in the middle of our trip (that did also happen to be my birthday). We still went out and did something but it was just a little less physical. We went snowmobiling up some mountains 13,000ft mountains and to be honest, was one of my most memorable things from the trip. So see if there is snowmobiling, sledding or something like husky dog rides near to where you are staying.
Have you ever been skiing before? What would your tips and advice be?
*collaborative post
Such great tips – I went skiing when I was in school and I dislocated my hip! Kaz 🙂
We are not a ski family but 2 of my kids had a fab time giving it a go on a Frech exchange last month. Something I’m sure they will be keen to try again #KCACOLS
I’ve never been on a skiing holiday and I’m 32! I did try learning to snowboard once but I only did Level 1 and 2. I’m not sure if it would be my sort of holiday but your post does make it sound appealing! #KCACOLS
I haven’t been skiing ever. It’s something that I’m sure I would love if I went but I’ve stuck to sun sand and sea for too long. Never say never though and it always looks amazing in other peoples pictures.
Mainy
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Fab tips! I would love to try skiing one day, it looks so fun! x
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I’ve never been skiing (30 years old so even worse than your 29!) but would love to try it someday. Something makes me think I won’t be very good at it though! I love your photos from your trip.
#KCACOLS
What great tips, I have never been skiing before but it is something on my list!
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My skiing days are over but I could handle the apres ski I think.
I would have loved to go skiing at some time, but my knees are a bit dodgy from years of football and cricket, so it’s probably not a good idea…
Good tips! It has been years since I went skiing but I do remember the burnt lips because I didn’t, stupidly, have SPF in it. Lovely photos too. Pen x #KCACOLS
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Thanks for this. Something I’ve been giving much thought after a few friends have recently been.
Great ideas.
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I must admit that I have never ever gone skiing but it looks like fun and yes, lips balm is a must and a break too. Your legs must be hurting with so much sport! A stop at the bar to savour some wine is necessary! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday.
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This is brilliant. I have bookmarked it for future
I’ve never been skiing but when Rory is a little older it’s something I’d live us to do as a family! Fantastic tips which will come in handy for ski virgins like me! #KCACOLS
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