Skiing for beginners: Our top tips

Skiing for beginners

Embarking on your first skiing adventure can feel daunting, but fear not – skiing for beginners is both exhilarating and easier than you might imagine. With a bit of preparation and the right guidance, you'll be gliding down the slopes with confidence in no time. Follow our expert ski tips for beginners to ensure your first foray onto the snow is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

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Try it first & get to the right place

Get a first snow taste

Before you make the long journey out to the mountains of Europe it is easy to try out skiing or snowboarding much closer to home. The indoor slopes across the UK, such as Snowtrax in Dorset, provide a great opportunity to discover your passion for snow sports. If you’ve never seen snow before then you can get your first taste here before splashing out for a big holiday. With both gear rental and lessons available these indoor snow domes are a great starting point.

Right place for little kids beginners

While all ski resorts offer beginner slopes, selecting one with a diverse range of easy runs ensures a more enjoyable experience, preventing monotony on the slopes. Opting for a resort where skiing in and out of accommodations is possible is particularly convenient, sparing both adults and junior skiers from the challenge of lengthy walks in snow boots. For families with young children embarking on their first ski holiday, consider the picturesque resort of Les Arcs Panorama . This pedestrianized haven ensures safety for children to explore, boasting numerous snow gardens and playgrounds where little ones can acclimate to skiing in a secure environment.

Right place for all ages beginners

For families with older children seeking thrilling adventures on the slopes, consider the dynamic resort of Grand Massif Samoëns . With its vast ski area and varied terrain, including access to challenging runs and exciting freestyle zones, older kids will find endless opportunities for excitement and skill development. Additionally, the resort offers a range of après-ski activities and entertainment options, ensuring fun for the whole family both on and off the slopes.

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Get kitted out

All the right clothing you need for a ski holiday

Be prepared for cold and wet

When it comes to packing the right clothing, leave nothing to chance. Our packing guide has a list of everything you’ll need but, in short, there are two things you need to prepare for: cold and wet. Snow is both of those things and, as a beginner, you’ll end up sitting in snow quite often over your first few days. Looking fashionable is great, but don’t sacrifice practicality for it. Get a comfortable, warm and waterproof ski jacket and salopettes and stock up on ski socks too. Ski gloves are hugely important as well, and, again, make sure these are warm, comfortable and waterproof. Make sure nothing rubs or itches either.

Have the right ski equipment

Before you even set foot on a mountain, it’s imperative to have the right equipment, especially as a beginner. Don’t borrow skis or a snowboard from someone else. Your height, weight and ability will determine the equipment you use, so it’s essential to hire your own. Read our guide to sizing to find out the right way to measure skis, snowboards and boots, but if you’re hiring your equipment from Club Med, our dedicated staff at the resort will ensure that you head out with the right gear from the off. At Club Med, we carry top brands, such as Rossignol, and all equipment is hired and stored right at the resort, to make life much more convenient. We strongly advise beginners and kids to wear a helmet on the slopes as well.

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Get fit

Preparing your body before a ski holiday

Prepare your body for your ski holiday

Skiing is exercise, and exercise is a lot easier when you’re in shape. Prepare your body for a holiday of twisting and turning by starting an exercise regime in the run-up. Follow our exercise guide or look up dedicated exercise videos online to condition your body. Skiing and snowboarding is a lot of fun for beginners but it’s also hard work, so getting fit will make it much easier and help you get the most out of your time on the slopes. Getting fit in advance of your holiday will also help to prevent any injury and speed up the recovery time of sore post-piste muscles, which everyone gets from time to time.

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Lessons on the Slopes

Professional instructors take care of you

As a first timer, you’re going to need help from a professional to learn the basics and thankfully ski school is included on a Club Med holiday. Discover the best Club Med ski resorts for beginners . Watching tutorials online can help you before you get there, but there’s no substitute for being out on a real slope, guided by a ski instructor. Club Med ski and snowboard schools run from Monday to Friday, starting at 9am, breaking for lunch and then heading out again in the afternoon. Lessons cater for everyone from beginners to black runs, so you can keep learning as your skills progress. If you’re a parent who’s taking children for the first time, we’d recommend sending them to ski school so that they start off learning from accredited instructors. Our internationally qualified ski and snowboard instructors will give your children a fantastic introduction to snow sports. They will quickly develop good skiing or boarding technique in a safe and fun learning environment.