First time Ski-ing holiday. Are these things I've heard correct? Suggestions Required

EconomicsGirl

That's interesting. When we went end of May the snow was white and scenery / views really good. It was about 30C on the ground. I think we may well have been lucky with the weather.

Also went to the Ice Palace and it was good to have a boat ride in a mountain. It's not really a beginner's resort out of winter but its funny to see the difference.

The place in France we go to is quite reasonably priced and good for beginners.

rugbyleaguesmate

Can recommend Finland for beginners, Levi. lessons, lift pass, transfers and just south of Arctic circle makes it a different experience!

silverwhistle

I first went skiing in (aargh) 1977, and then on yearly package holidays to most of the big resorts and a few smaller ones, but invariably on my own. This century I lived in the western Italian Alps for 7 years and so am unredeemably biaised towards those resorts. I go back for a couple of weeks every year and self cater (read, I know the good value pizzerias!).

The resorts you mention are expensive, and as beginners you won't really benefit from their scale (except height is good for snow conditions).

But there isn't really any advice here I'd disagree with. I can't comment on package holidays these days, but I used to go catered chalets which could be good fun as a singleton. Now I jump in the car (an oldish hatchback) and head south. Last year I took my girlfriend for the first time and sharing the driving made it _much_ easier!

What hasn't been said is that skiing is a sport so some fitness preparation will help you get the most out of it, and you can even find evening sessions at your local gym/sports centre these days. Don't get hung up on equipment, I still buy stuff from Aldi and Lidl and Decathlon, and a lot of the gear can be used in other situations.

Allow me to show my bias by saying have a look at Pila, which is just above Aosta. Good nursery slopes, well prepared pistes and reasonable prices. Down in the town below you can get a decent pizza for €7 and a beer for €5.

koloko

The less you take up the mountain the better.

You need card/cash/phone/ski pass

You don't need walkie talkies, baguettes, 3 jumpers, 4 litres of hi-action energy drink, chocolate bars, binoculars, go pro, spare gloves, headphones, portable iphone battery, changeable hats, passports, insurance details, kitchen sinks............