Skiing For Beginners (Part 1) – What, And When

So, you have had enough of your friends and family boring you with the latest snow reports in July, how great a skier little Jonnie is, and how many couloirs they skied in Bulgaria, and you have decided rather than to beat them (literally), that you are going to join them! So what next?

I guess the first two questions are what and when. Lets deal with the when, and move on after to the where. It used to be a rule in thumb that January wasn’t great for beginners, your first holiday after all needs to tie you in, and January can be a little chilly. Whilst still more prone to colder days, the changing climate has shifted this a little. So if cost is an issue, late January is a good choice as snow is generally quite good and days warmer. February, unless holidays dictate is probably best avoided as for your first time why pay premium rates to ski a nursery slope? March however is a great option, especially the first couple of weeks when the snow is typically still in good condition, the days are moving towards spring time (although it can snow a lot as a consequence) , and are therefore quite warm (great when you are stood around listening to your instructor) and prices are a little more reasonable. April, well with spring conditions, we suggest not. Typically pistes are hard and icy first thing, not ideal for learning, and heavy and sticky just after lunch, again not ideal conditions to learn and best left to the addicted skiers get in their fourth week of the season!

So where, well if money isn’t an issue, Courchevel has to get a vote, with wide open pistes at 1850, and snow sure pretty much all season. It has a great centre and good bars and restaurants, and you won’t find it difficult to get in to après skiing in any one of the many chic bars and restaurants, an important part of your introductory vacation. But if your budget is a little more price conscious, the Milton Keynes of Europe, without the cows, La Plagne is one of our recommendations. It is higher enough to have good snow at most times of the season, and whilst it isn’t the prettiest of resorts its convenience and excellent English speaking instructors will take the pain out of the first introduction on snow. It is also reasonably snow sure resort, and has gentle pistes that won’t leave even the most nervous of skiers a petrified mess! Others iworth considering in our book nclude La Clusaz, Megeve, Obergurgl, and for that little bit of Swiss glitz – St Morritz.Gastro fans will love Megeve (claims the most Michelin Star restaurants outside of Paris - but not sure if this is the case but judging by the number of Parisian diners it may be true(!)), and St Morritz for the swiss equivalent. Oh, and yes, they aren't the cheapest places to learn as a consequence!