{"id":29120,"date":"2018-11-16T06:00:47","date_gmt":"2018-11-16T14:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=29120"},"modified":"2025-08-25T01:05:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T08:05:50","slug":"newbie-skiing-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/newbie-skiing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST SKI TRIP"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you\u2019re considering a skiing holiday, you\u2019ve booked your first one, or you\u2019ve said no to joining your semi-professional-skiing friends for the millionth time (time to message them and book that flight!).<\/p>\n

I recently went on my first ski trip at the age of 25, and here are my top tips focusing on the dumb things no one ever tells you but you need to know.<\/p>\n

1) Remember To Put On Suncream<\/h2>\n

Sun cream your nostrils \u2013 I\u2019m sorry what? Sun creaming your face seems obvious but up your nostrils are completely vital too! The sun reflects off the snow right underneath your face and will burn your nostrils to a red, raw crisp, like mine.<\/p>\n

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2) Zip-Up Your Pockets!<\/h2>\n

Zip up your pockets \u2013 and no not for the obvious reason that your possessions may fall out. I learnt the hard way that unzipped pockets end up full of snow when you fall over, which in turn melts into slushy icy mush in your pockets which is very unpleasant for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n

3) Sit Down Last<\/h2>\n

Always sit down on the ski lift last \u2013 once your instructor\/friend\/family member has explained how they work, make sure you ALWAYS sit down last so the other passengers take the impact of the lift upon entry (and you avoid bruises). Maybe you should put their needs first unless you’re with children.<\/p>\n

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4) Air Out Your Gloves<\/h2>\n

Air out your gloves \u2013 again, it seems obvious saying this out loud, but nobody told me, and I ended the week with hands that smelt like Fromage. Apparently, you shouldn\u2019t keep your gloves zipped up in your bag all night and instead air them like boots. Don\u2019t be the smelly cheese hand girl like me on Day 5.<\/p>\n

5) Don’t Think About Anyone Else <\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t think about anyone else \u2013 the majority of people who surround you on the slopes (including the 5-year-olds) can ski a lot better than you. So don\u2019t concern yourself with dodging them or looking behind you, they are more than capable of effortlessly avoiding you and some take joy from gliding in and around newbie skiers.<\/p>\n

For even more fun, go with a group of like-minded people to Austria with Travel Girls Getaways<\/a>! See photos from our last Travel Girls Getaways Ski Trip<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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6) Avoid The Baby Ski School<\/h2>\n

Ski schools are your nemesis – picture a train of 4-year-olds less than 1 metre apart following their instructor in a line, cute right? No, there will be at least 10 and they will take over the whole of your Green Slope. If you are anything like me, you will crash into a trail of children at least twice during your first week. Let them go first.<\/p>\n

7) Bring Sunglasses And Ski Goggles<\/h2>\n

Sunglasses AND ski goggles \u2013 you need both! And not just because you want to look hella cool snowploughing down the nursery slope but the weather changes so fast up the mountains! Ski goggles get very sweaty when the sun is out, but equally, if it\u2019s snowing, goggles stop your face being covered in ice-cold precipitation.<\/p>\n

Side Note – no one can see you crying underneath your ski goggles if your boyfriend decides to take you on a Red Slope on your first day. I\u2019m a lucky girl.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>What To Pack For A Ski Trip<\/a><\/div>\n

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Pay Less, Travel More<\/h2>

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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8) Don’t Drink And Ski<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t drink and plough. Yes, you have seen those girls on social media boomeranging their wine glasses at the top of the mountain, BUT if you mimic this, you may face plant. Or potentially worse, choose a Black run instead of your go-to Green Slope.<\/p>\n

Alcohol-infused decisions are never your friend, and don\u2019t let that bottle of wine tell you you’re an Olympic pro on your second day in the mountains. Breaking a bone is never fun.<\/p>\n

9) Ask For Advice<\/h2>\n

Ask for \u2018how to hold your skis\u2019 lessons from a trusted friend. Picking up your skis, boots and poles is all very overwhelming \u2013 trying on different boots, clipping, unclipping, sitting, standing, sweating.<\/p>\n

Then, you are expected to walk out of the shop to make space for other skiers, but you have no idea how to carry your equipment, let alone walk in your ski\/space boots. Carrying your skis can\u2019t be described in words so do yourself a favour and ask a friend.<\/p>\n

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10) Act Confident<\/h2>\n

Act confidently, and no one will question you. Wear the fancy kit, pose for those photos and spam everyone with snowy mountains. Nobody has to know you are face-planting most days, walk the walk, and you will get away with being a snow queen.<\/p>\n

11) Wear A Backpack<\/h2>\n

Wear a backpack. I was warned not to bother and just take myself on the mountains as wearing a small backpack may tip me over\u2026? However, I undoubtedly would be unbalanced 90% of the time, so I may as well carry my much-needed possessions with me. A water bottle<\/a> is a must, as is packing emergency snacks to avoid hangry Sarah.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t bother bringing the fancy camera up the mountain as you will fall over and break it. I opted for the GoPro, which also meant I could capture great videos of me plummeting headfirst into a ski school, and it didn\u2019t matter if it was covered in snow.<\/p>\n

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12) It’s Not A Holiday<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not a holiday \u2013 although you will have booked time off work, told everyone you know you\u2019re going away and updated your social media, you will not be relaxing. I repeat this is not a holiday.<\/p>\n

Sure, it can be relaxing for those who can ski, and they will have a great time. On the other hand, you will be pumped full of cortisol and adrenaline every moment your skis are attached to your feet. When you finally get back to your accommodation, you will be so ridiculously exhausted that relaxing sounds like too much effort, and food followed by the bed is your best option.<\/p>\n

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Bonus Tip: Travel Insurance With Ski Coverage<\/h2>\n

It is easy to forget to check your insurance coverage when you are caught up in the excitement of booking your ski trip, but this is something you should not overlook! Buying a new pair of ski goggles because you forgot to bring yours is possible, but getting insurance after a ski accident is not. <\/p>\n

Travel Insurance<\/a> is something you should never leave home without and, in fact, something you should purchase as soon as you book your trip should unforeseen circumstances stop you from going on your trip. <\/p>\n

Our recommendations for insurance coverage are: <\/p>\n