Ski season is almost upon us and if you're not ready yet, it's time to start preparing! From finding accommodation to arranging ski rental to getting your ski clothing together, there are several things you can already start doing now in order to ensure your ski holidays go smoothly this winter.
Now that those pesky summer holidays are over, it's time to start thinking about booking your ski holiday. Tour operators have already started posting enticing packages, and it's a good time to book if you want to take advantage of early-bird deals. Most ski resorts open for the season in November and December. If you're planning on going in the early season, consider booking at a high-altitude ski resort (or, even better, one with a glacier) so you can be sure of having enough snow.
Time to get fit again! After spending all summer lying on the beach, eating barbecues and ice lollies, you may not be in the best shape of your life. Start incorporating some jogging or cycling into your routine now and you'll thank yourself when it's finally time to hit the slopes. Plus, you'll reduce your risk of injuries and stiff muscles, and your technique might even improve.
It's difficult, but not impossible, to start making improvements to your skiing technique before you even leave for your holiday. There are plenty of indoor ski slopes throughout the UK where you can practise your skills, and even watching videos or reading up on certain techniques can help you get your mind in the right place. Beginner or expert, pizza turns or carving, get a leg up on the competition by putting in some prep work beforehand.
If you have your own skis or snowboard, it's also vital to get them in shipshape for the winter season. Make sure your skis or board are waxed and the edges sharpened before bringing them to the snow - you can either bring them to a shop or look up how to do this yourself with the proper equipment. Don't forget to get your ski suit out of the wardrobe too, and check to see if you need to refresh any clothing this year. New goggles, anybody?
Booking your ski lessons and ski hire online are two of the best things you can do to avoid headaches in-resort. It saves you the hassle of queueing in a crowded and sweaty ski hire shop, and it gives you the liberty to browse ski lessons and instructors from the comfort of your own home. You may even get a discount for your troubles. It's easy to get started on Snowplaza, where you'll find links for ski hire and ski schools on every ski resort page.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
