Beginners Skiing

Tickdick00

Me and the missus are two forty-something first time skiers!

We want to go in January. We've been offered accommodation in a catered chalet but have read mixed reviews about this sort of accommodation.

We are both avid non-smokers. Is smoking allowed in these chalets? The thought of being cooped up in a house full of smokers does not really appeal ( sorry to all you smoking skiers out there!)

Whats the catering like? Any other advice would be welcome

We've had a couple of lessons on a dry slope but wish to join in a "Learn to Ski" class in the resort.

Can anyone recommend a good resort for absolute beginners please?

Thanks for your help

tomstickland

Skiing is great fun. You'll never want to go back onto a dry slope once you've been on real snow. I did a similar thing as you - 3 lessons on dry slope then went skiing.

I stayed in a catered chalet and it was great - big breakfast, afternoon cakes, food and wine in the evening, a good social too. I'm sure you can specifiy non smoking chalet.

Arkwright007

It's never too late to enjoy skiing, the only regret you will have is that you did not try it earlier! Going for catered accommodation is ideal for the first time out, it will give you a group of friends who will be only too eager to share your tales of falls and near misses.
We all have fond memories of being soo tired, embarrassed and challenged, but having a fantastic experiece. Good luc, go for it

barginunter

Lots of resorts are suitable for beginners - have a flick thru some of the tour operators brochures for descriptions. Your first ski holiday is the most fun you'll ever have. All chalets I have stayed in have been non-smoking. Chalets are immensly sociable - all that ski-chat round the dinner table fueled by gallons of cheap plonk!

shockingmoment

Catered chalets are great - usually. Fab food, lovely afternoon cakes, free flowing wine with meals, great chalet hosts (depend on tips so.....), and almost always non-smoking (just ask). Take some slippers as shoes not usually allowed indoors!

The groups are usually great too - again ask who's booked in. A load of couples or same sex groups....? Usual mix - couple who talk ski ski ski, did you see etc etc but then more normal folk as well.

You'll love it. Just do it.

Where are you going? January is good for a cheap deal.

Soldeu is tops for ski lessons / beginners - groups are great for socialising. You did the right thing with dry slope before you go.

When you get there - get your skis / boots as soon as you arrive. If you wait till the following morning - there'll be hundreds doing what you're doing! You can take your time and GET PROPER FITTING BOOTS. Not the 1st pair they throw at you! This is MOST important.

Plus it means your frst up the mountain and can choose morning or afternoon lessons (morning is good - makes you get up and you get the best snow and its less crowded and you get the afternoon to practice what you've learnt).

andyhargreaves

Well-fitting boots is most important advice. Also, try to get a BASI (British) ski school rather than local ones.

Andy