Skiing

No matter who or what you are, you can learn to ski.

If you picked up a musical instrument for the very first time, you would probably be able to make a noise, but you wouldn’t know how to play it.

Skiing is similar. It’s exciting from day one, but the more you practice, the more you get to do.

That’s why people go skiing year after year.

Skiing on marked pistes is very safe and you’ll see people of all ages from 4/5 year olds to 90 year olds taking to the slopes. Skiing can also be an extreme activity, but only if you choose. Check our advice on getting the right safety balance.

You don’t have to be fit or sporty. People of all shapes, sizes, fitness levels and sporting ability take to the slopes. But it does help if you prepare for your skiing holiday by taking some exercise.

If your friends or family are already experienced, don’t let that put you off going with them. Once you are at the resort, join a ski school and take lessons during the day with other beginners. There are always plenty of people just starting out, so there’s an opportunity to make some new friends while you learn.

Check our recommendations for getting fit and having fun before you start skiing.

Lots of people go skiing with disabilities ranging from a fear of heights or wearing glasses to people who are blind or without a limb. Many such people have found ways to ski to a very high standard.

Ski holidays vary tremendously in price, depending on the resort, the time of year, the quality of accommodation and transport etc. A base figure is around £550 for one week, but this could go up to £1000+ - it depends on whether you want the Rolls Royce version or the Mini! Check out our recommendations on how you can best manage the cost of your ski holiday.

What do I need to do?

• Choose a resort
• choose a date
• book
• go!

Ski-ing is a great way to get to know people. If you are going by yourself you can often meet people in your chalet that you can ski with. Perhaps best of all is to join a group of like-minded people with a similar level of skiing skill and take a chalet together.

Now you’ve got the basics there are four basic decisions to make:

Who will I go with?

Join a group or start your own. Key tip: make sure that everyone has at least someone to ski with of their own level. Check out our ski clubs to meet up with other skiers from complete novice to absolute expert

Who will train me?

You will find professional ski tutors and ski schools at every resort, offering either group training or one-to-one classes.If you want to take some tuition in the UK, visit this site for a list of dry ski slope centres.You can also pick up great tips on ski technique from books and videos, as well as the Internet!

When do I go?

The main skiing season runs from Christmas/New Year through to Easter. Conditions vary depending on the time of year. Generally, you get more and better snow - deep, fluffy powder with no ice - if you go earlier in the year, but it can be pretty cold.

If you go towards Easter, there may be less snow and it may not be in such great shape, but the sun is more likely to be shining. If you do go late in the season, it’s best to choose a resort that is higher up in the mountains - 2000m is a good benchmark.

You can also go summer skiing! Summer skiing is a more limited affair, generally confined to resorts that have glaciers. Prices are generally more expensive. But it gives you two holidays in one! Ski in the morning and take in other activities in the afternoon - tennis, watersports, and mountain walking or just lazing in the sun

Where do I go?

It’s amazing just how many countries and continents offer skiing - including Eastern and Eastern Europe, US/Canada, South America and Australia/New Zealand.

The largest and most well developed ski centres are those in France, Germany, Austria and Italy, together with US/Canada.If you want a taste of skiing, or can’t wait until the ski season comes round, why not try out an artificial ski slope? Dry ski centres are located all over the UK, offering one-to-one beginners’ tuition, including lessons for children.