US EditionInspired by the Winter Olympics? Here’s a beginner’s guide to kitting yourself out on the slopes
Having skied for over 30 years, these are my recommendations for those wanting to give snowsports a go
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I’m one of the few people outside of theWinter Olympics who can say they ski for a living, having been a professional ski gear tester for more than 20 years (including for The Telegraph).
I live in England but spend theski season, which typically runs from December to April, in the mountains. I also sit on the Snowsport Industries of Great Britain (SIGB) committee, which is the trade association for skiing and snowboarding in the UK.
It all began with a school trip on a local dry ski slope, followed by a trip toVoss in Norway. In my teens and early twenties, I was more into snowboarding – my friends and I boarded across our local hills in Sunderland whenever we had snow.
In my mid-twenties, I lived and worked in a small Frenchski resort for a season, skiing or snowboarding every day, so my skills rapidly improved. Ever since, I’ve spent the rest of my time working in various roles in the ski industry.
I truly think skiing is the best sport in the world, and if you’ve been inspired by this year’sWinter Olympics, here are my besttips for beginners.
1. Give it a go at home
This is my number one tip for a reason. We’re incredibly fortunate that the UK has plenty of slopes on which to have a go.
Whether that’s on a dry slope, which uses carpet-like plastic matting; an indoor rolling ski slope, which works like a huge treadmill with small plastic bristles, or one of thefive indoor slopes that use real snow.
There are also five excellentmountain ski centres in Scotland, plus a few smaller operations in England. Find your nearest facility on theSki Club of Great Britain’s UK Slopes Map.
Ski centres will generally offer lessons, so you can safely learn how to use the equipment and master ski control. They will provide equipment (with built-in security features designed for clumsy beginners) and rent clothes. Many will offer racing or freestyle sessions too, once you’ve mastered the basics.
2. Always wear a helmet
Ahelmet is a must, whether you’re buying one yourself or renting from a ski shop. Skiing can be responsible for traumatic head injuries, which can be prevented or seriously reduced if you’re wearing a helmet.
Helmets are required in most resorts for under 14s and many locations recommend them when learning. Some countries, such as Italy, even mandate helmet use for all skiers and snowboarders.
If you want to buy your own, firstly be aware that they’re not cheap. But theAtomic Revent Lite is an excellent option for a beginner, as it exceeds ski helmet safety requirements while sitting at less than £100.
3. Trust me, you need specialised ski socks
Ski boots are hard plastic shells (although the modern models are a little more forgiving). But a good qualityski or snowboard sock is an essential component in a comfortable fit.
Don’t be tempted to use your regular socks or even football socks, as these may cause pressure spots and real discomfort. Most people will use only two or three pairs for a week of skiing. It may be worth reading my guide tothis winter’s best ski socks, which includes the well-pricedLorpen Snow + Rock Two-Pack.
4. Everything should be waterproof
Awaterproof jacketthat’ll keep you warm and dry will often do when you’re starting out at a UK dry or indoor slope. Make sure you’ve also got waterproof trousers to protect your legs.
Wear a good pair of warm, water-resistantski gloves. If you do want a pair of gloves designed for skiing or snowboarding, I like theDare2B Freeride Gloves for their combination of technicality and value.
There’s no substitute for properly designed ski clothing though, so you could visit yourlocal ski shop, where they can help get you into the best kit for your budget and needs.
TK Maxx also often carries ski clothing, andH&M has started to make its own ski apparel. I’ve also found a few gems in secondhand stores.
5. Learn how to layer
Use the three-layer system. Closest to the body is a wicking base layer to move moisture away from your skin. Avoid cotton T-shirts and jumpers as they hold onto moisture, which can make you cold if you sweat. My value pick would be theRab Syncrino collection, available in men’s and women’s versions, which can also be used for other activities aside from skiing.
On the outside, you need to protect against snow, rain and wind. This may just be a thin shell layer, like a waterproof jacket and trousers to keep wind and moisture at bay. For colder outings, you’ll need an insulated jacket. For women, theDare 2b Flurry II Jacket is an excellent choice, and you can read more recommendations in my guide to thebest ski jackets.
If you want to boost the warmth, wear an insulated mid layer. This could be afleece or gilet you already own, or a ski specific piece. You can even buy electronically heated mid-layers, such as theTherm-Ic Heated Vest, which I tested this January and was mightily impressed by.
6. Learn from the pros
There is no substitute for ski tuition from a trained professional. Skiing is not a sport you can simply buy the kit and learn as you go. The equipment is technical, and you need to learn how to use this gear properly for your own enjoyment and safety.
The fastest way to progress is with private lessons, but this can be expensive. Group lessons can be a lot of fun though, and you’re surrounded and supported by others with a similar skiing ability to you.
If you’re heading to the mountains in the UK, Europe or further afield, the resort website will have information about instructors and lessons in that area.Maison Sport is a great website for searching and booking ski lessons.
7. Get ski fit
Skiing is an active pursuit and resorts outside of the UK are at higher altitudes, so it’s worth readying your body.
You don’t need to go overboard, butgeneral fitness will make a big difference. If you cycle or run, this is a great foundation. If you swim or do anything to keep your cardiovascular system in good shape, this will help.
Your legs do a lot of the work when skiing or snowboarding, so this is a focus area in the run up to a mountain trip. If you don’t already train your legs, many gyms offer ski-fitness sessions as winter approaches, so talk to your local gym about how they can help. Skiing also relies on balance, so anything that helps improve your balance can be of benefit when it comes time to step into your skis.
There are also plenty of videos online you can use, to give a good idea of how to get ski fit.
8. Fuel your body
Using your muscles at altitude demands a lot of your body, which needs fuel to perform well. It’s easy to forget this, especially when surrounded by the delicious food, wine and beer found in ski resorts.
Even with these temptations (I can’t resist a good Tartiflette), remember to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids when you’re skiing. This can simply be water or an isotonic drink to help fend off muscle fatigue.
Consider carrying snacks in your pocket, to keep your energy up between runs.
9. Join a local club
If you give it a go, the chances are you’ll fall in love with skiing. It’s a brilliantly addictive sport. If you catch the bug, joining a local ski club can be a good way to up your ski game and meet like-minded people. You can find UK clubs online atSnowsport England,Snowsport Scotland andSnowsport Wales.
Through these clubs, you can also learn about different types of skiing or snowboarding, including freestyle, ski and snowboard touring or even racing. Who knows, maybe you could be the UK’s next Olympic star.
10. Consider a down day
Even many of the fittest skiers I know schedule a day off skiing in the middle of a holiday, to rest and freshen up for the rest of the trip. It’s especially worth it if you’re not used to a lot of activity.
It can also be a great opportunity to do some non-ski activities resorts have on offer, like the spa, paragliding, snowshoeing, shopping or even swimming. There’s typically a lot more to ski resorts than just skiing or snowboarding.
Now, over to you
Skiing may seem intimidating if you don’t know anything about it. Once you give it a go, you’ll see how much fun it is. The length of the skis makes balancing easy, so you can focus on mastering the basics.
The fact that UK slopes and almost all ski resorts will have kit you can rent, to learn, takes a lot of stress out of your first few outings, and the instructors are arguably the biggest asset in enhancing your enjoyment.
Now, it’s up to you. Give it a go and I look forward to seeing you on the slopes in the future. Best of luck and enjoy the view; snow-covered mountains are a sight that will stay with you forever.
