Skiing FAQs

Skiing FAQs

• Where should I go for my skiing holiday?

  Many countries around the world boast ski resorts on beautiful snow covered mountains to offer an unforgettable ski-ing experience. France as a leading tourist destination is one of the most popular among ski enthusiasts. The French Alps welcome thousands of skiers each year. Other countries like Canada, Norway and Sweden, which are home to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas and can guarantee long lasting snow conditions, are also popular skiing and snowboarding holiday destinations. Eastern European countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Slovakia offer well equipped ski resorts, ski schools, good ski slopes and runs but for much less than their Western counterparts. Great skiing holiday destinations if you are looking for a cheap ski holiday bargain. If you plan to take all of your family skiing this winter the French and Swiss Alps offer a cosy family atmosphere in the ski resorts, providing well catered ski chalets for families to recreate the comfort of their own home. If you are booking with a bunch of friends and are looking for a great choice of entertainment Andorra could be your place, famous for its young nightlife.

• How do I book a skiing holiday?

  Leading travel websites like Expedia and Lastminute.com specialise in skiing holidays in destinations all over the world. Many other travel agents and tour operators can also take care of all your ski holiday arrangements, from flights and hotel reservation to organizing airport transfers and car rentals.

• Can I go on a skiing holiday at any time of year?

  Skiing is a winter sport and is mostly practiced during winter months. But these do not necessarily go from November to March. In countries from the Southern hemisphere the ski season usually runs between June and October. Ski resorts in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia welcome you with guaranteed snow when everyone is booking summer. So if you'd rather do some skiing while everyone is baking under the sun, look for ski resorts in countries further south from the equator.
  Many resorts also offer indoor slopes with artificial snow and special arrangements to make skiing possible all year round. Alpincenter in Germany has one of the largest indoor slopes of 540 metres. Dry slopes also offer the opportunity to practice skiing and prepare for the winter season any time during the year. Snowflex, an artificial material produced in West Yorkshire, UK is used in dry slopes to mimic the snow. There are several ski centres in the UK that use dry slopes and allow skiers to practice skiing all year round. These include Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, Aldershot Ski & Snowboard Centre, Sheffield Ski Village, Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre and many others.
  Sunny Dubai is a home to the world's third largest indoor ski slope. It was opened in 2005 in Dubai Emirates Mall. What a day! Sun bathing in 40C degree heath outside and skiing inside!

• I am not an experienced skier. Can I take skiing lessons while on holiday?

  Ski lessons for beginners and intermediate skiers are provided in most major ski resorts under the supervision of qualified instructors. First timers are usually trained on gradual, even and un-crowded slopes. It is important that you are well prepared for ski lessons. Even experienced skiers do some exercise to get fit before they head off on their skiing holiday.
  An interesting fact is that you can practice with a stepper at home. Stepper exercise helps develop and strengthen muscles in the legs, hip and calf which are really important for skiing. Steppers are convenient home gym equipment as they take very little storage space.

• Do I really need all that skiing equipment?

  Ski equipment is really important for safe and comfortable skiing. It also helps you stay warm and dry while on the piste. Ski and snowboarding boots are especially designed to attach the skier to the ski or the snowboard and to ensure control and stability. Ski goggles are also really important as the whiteness of the snow and the winter sun can hurt your eyes. As skiing is mostly practiced during winter weather, jackets and trousers are very important to keep you warm and dry. There are many brands that specialise in ski and snowboarding wear and equipment like Roxy, Salomon, The North Face and Rossignol.

• What other activities can I do on a winter break?

  Beside skiing and snowboarding, slopes are great for toboggan and sleigh rides, especially for kids. Lack of skiing and snowboarding skills is no excuse to miss a great snow break. Most resorts provide ice rinks for skating, you can take an exciting mountain tour by snowmobile or a dog sled ride, or take a lift ride to have bird's eye view of the mountains.

• 10 tips for safe skiing

  
  
  1. Get in shape early by following a fitness routine before you go skiing.
  2. Invest in high quality ski equipment and check your skis and boots are in good condition before you put them on. Make sure you wear protective gear to cushion vulnerable areas if you fall.
  3. Always wear sun protection even if it is cloudy as the sun reflection on the snow could severely damage your eyes
  4. If you are a first time skier never try alone, take time for lessons with an experienced instructor. Always ski on slopes designed for beginners and don't try the steep and deep ones before you feel confident in doing so.
  5. Always ski at a safe speed and have control over your moves so you can stop at any time. If you fall or need to stop, move from the trail as quickly as possible to avoid obstructing the other skiers.
  6. Obey posted signs and keep off closed trails and areas
  7. Keep a map of the region with you and always know where you are.
  8. Even if you are an experienced skier, take ski lessons if the resort is new to you and learn the slopes from an instructor.
  9. Never ski alone
  10. If you are using a ski lift make sure you know how to load, ride and unload safely.
  
  Have fun!