Your first skiing lesson is bound to be the most awkward, and knowing what to expect will help you be more comfortable with the situation. Your first session will begin with an introduction from your instructor. This is very important. You need to be comfortable with your instructor’s ability as they will be responsible for your safety. 

After the introductions, you will be taken through some basic slope etiquette. This will include how to carry your skis safely and comfortably, which is important for your safety and the safety of others. It will help you to feel more at ease on the slopes. Once you are familiar with the basics, you will less like a complete novice.

Next you will be shown how to put your skis on and take them off. Getting this right will save you the embarrassment of having to ask someone to help you out after you have trudged along to the lodge, skis still attached.

Once your instructor has taken you through the basics you will start learning to ski. Most resorts include lessons in their ski deals so you will be in the company of other beginners who are also just learning.  So don’t be afraid. In addition, most importantly, have fun!

Some deals offer irresistible prices; the latest availability details are updated online every day. Websites feature the best opportunities in resorts worldwide, including popular and lively ski areas, such as Portes du Soleil and Paradiski in the French Alps, as well as those that are less well known, such as Saalbach in Austria and Geilo in Norway.

Last minute ski deals often include return flights from the UK, transfers to the ski resort and chalet accommodation. Good bargain hunters will take the opportunity to consider both exclusive package deals and those advertising one specific feature, such as great savings on accommodation.

Accommodation Choices

Skiing is not a cheap holiday option, however increasingly holidaymakers are choosing adaptable ski holidays choosing accommodation in skiing apartments and chalets, where self-catering is the preferred option. Usually, apartments, ski chalets and hotels have a good selection of discounts available for last-minute holidaymakers.

Some of the larger tour operators offer apartments and flights at very competitive prices; often these are at the cheaper end of the market, and therefore very useful where budgeting is a consideration. For last minute hotel and ski deals, where the standard of accommodation and the resort are not of principal importance, then good value ski holidays are a very attractive option.

The Centre features a main slope that is 160 metres long, making it an ideal choice for serious downhill skiers. Two lifts allow skiers to get easily to the top. There is also a 100-metre slope for beginners. This slope features rope tows, which are quite beginner-friendly. Besides skiing, visitors can also try snowboarding, tobogganing, or ringoing. Both of the slopes are covered in real snow.

The facility has a ski school that provides lessons. The instructors are affiliated with the British Association of Snowsports Instructors. The school has also received awards from the organisation. Classes are offered for beginners, as well as skiers that are more experienced.

A shop, Snow+Rock, is on-site that sells apparel and gear that may be necessary. One of the things that the staff can do is help people be properly kitted. Participants will not have to guess at whether they are using the right equipment or not. This shop also sells running gear and mountain bikes.

Skiers will also have the opportunity to enjoy some good food during their visit. The restaurant, called The Edge, serves a variety of foods. Breakfast pastries with fresh coffee are very popular. Buffets with hot and cold foods are frequently made available. Entrees with wines or other selections from the full bar can also be ordered.

During the typical winter months, skiers are usually guaranteed impeccable fresh snow to cover the slopes. Many ski resorts turn themselves into winter wonderlands with world-class amenities, challenging runs and a six month long season. This is why snowboarders and skiers from around the world go to Canada to ski.

Some of the most well-known ski resorts are in the western portion of the country, along the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Mountain Range. Here is where skiers will enjoy some of the best skiing the country has to offer.

Along the Rocky Mountain Range are Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resorts. These ski resorts can be found within the regions of Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta. All world-renowned and varying in challenges, they are perched in the most spectacular settings in Canada. Exquisite panoramic views can be admired from any of these ski resorts.

Heading further west into British Columbia is the Coast Mountain Range. It is here where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. It is also here where skiers will find the infamous Whistler Ski Resort. Deemed as one of Canada’s ultimate destinations, Whistler is a fully functioning village hosting two of the best ski mountains in Canada.

The five main skiing areas in Scotland are the Cairngorms, Lecht, Glencoe, Glenshee and Aonach Mor.  The Cairngorms are near the town of Aviemore, north of Perth and just south of Inverness, the self-styled capital of the Highlands.  Accommodation options include local hotels, bed & breakfasts and self-catering cottages.  A small railway helps skiers reach the top of the slopes.

The Lecht is in the Eastern Cairngorms.  It too is near Aviemore.  The main ski resort in the Lecht has 12 ski lifts and onsite ski equipment hire.  Glencoe has relatively fewer slopes than the Cairngorms but provide a change of scene.  Glencoe is renowned for its natural beauty and is close to Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.  Visitors can find accommodation in one of a number of hotels, B&Bs or self-catering cottages in the village of Glencoe or surrounding areas.

Glenshee is near the towns of Blairgowrie, Braemar & Ballater.  Each of these towns has a number of accommodation options.  Aonach Mor is near Fort William on the West coast, near Ben Nevis.

Whether you have been skiing your whole life or are a complete beginner, Oberstdorf will welcome you with open, snowy arms and there is never any need to feel intimidated.  At 2,240 metres high, the Nebelhorn is the highest peak in the region and offers unbeatable skiing experiences and incredible scenery along with a network of first-rate facilities for visitors.  It is reached from the valley of the Allgau by cabin railway, which takes skiers from there right up to the highest station in Obertsdorf, and the journey itself is a popular attraction even if you don’t want to ski.

Over 400 separate peaks can be viewed from the station, wrapped in mist and untouched, including the Zugspitze and the Santis in Switzerland.

The Nebelhorn is covered in a thick blanket of snow the whole year round and all skiers are welcome to experience a valley run that is the country’s longest.  Even the kids needn’t feel left out of it, with skiing schools for toddlers and a fun park at the Seealpe Station.  There is also childcare available at all stations.

Soldeu’s vital statistics are favourable, with a snow range of 1710-2650m whilst the village is 1800m above sea level. There is a large sports centre offering ice-skating, indoor swimming, and squash a convenient 10 minute bus ride away.  There are even trips to the thermal baths at Caldea for less than €30 on average.  Soldeu’s value stretches to eating out, which is very reasonably priced representing great value for money.  A typical meal ranges from €15 to €30.

The ski runs rival most mid-size resorts and the main runs are above woods and generally open.  The resort features mainly blue and red runs, making Soldeu great for beginners and intermediates.  The more advanced will appreciate the fun off-piste skiing down to El Tarter or Soldeu village.  The resort is the ideal place to learn to ski and snowboard, with lessons and instructors from Soldeu’s award winning school are always available for you.

The lack of tax on drinks makes this resort a lively one with many lively bars and clubs. There is plenty to do here day and night to keep even the most demanding entertained.

Ski Deals

Ski deals are available for almost any family’s budget.  Book early and you may save even more.  The chalets tend to fill up quickly, so plan early.  Most deals include the accommodation and lift passes.

Traditional Christmas Family Fun

We all have our own ideas about Christmas traditions.  If you decorate the tree on Christmas Eve you can do that in a French mountain chalet.  Sip wine by the fire and tell stories of old?  There’s a wonderful atmosphere for that in a cabin surrounded by lovely snowfall.  A meal is cooked and enjoyed by all.  Ski chalets come equipped with full kitchens so you won’t miss a single Christmas pudding or turkey.

Create New Traditions

If it does not snow where you reside, you will thoroughly enjoy the snowy hillsides and surroundings in France at Christmas time.  Make it a new tradition to build a family of snowmen, one for each member of the family.  Don’t forget Dad’s top hat and scarf!  Send the children sledding down a slope outside the chalet or just relax by the fireside and exchange your gifts.  Why not add some delicious French chocolate to your list of new traditions?

Southern Spain is best known for its summer beaches and high voltage nightlife, but as the country is the second most mountainous in Europe, it’s not surprising that it has winter sports facilities to rival those in the Alps.

The best known of the Nevadan resorts is Pradollano, Europe’s most southerly ski resort – in sight of Morocco on a clear day.  Pradollano has the advantage of being easily accessed from Malaga Airport, which makes it a great choice for UK skiers.

Thanks to the 320 snow cannons around Pradollano, the ski season extends to five months of the year, and the slopes provide runs for all levels of ability.  There’s some excellent off-piste skiing for the specialists, and snow boarders are well looked after as well, with ample opportunities for power riding off-piste.

Après-ski in Pradellano is lively, with a good mix of restaurants, fast food outlets, clubs and bars.  Accommodation-wise, Pradellano caters for all budgets – from luxury hotels to simple hostels – delightfully cheap, cheerful and very Spanish and a great place to find cheap ski deals. 

Down on the coast there are great places to explore if you can drag yourself away from the slopes.  The beautiful town of Grenada is worth a visit and winter is an excellent time to wander around the magnificent Alhambra; the site is less crowded, and much more enjoyable.

For the younger crowd more attuned to the buzz of Val d’Isère or Méribel, they might believe that it’s too sedate and balk at the limited nightlife, but don’t be fooled there are bars aplenty and for most, clubbing after a hard days skiing is not to everyone’s taste, there are some great bars including the very respected Cosy Tane and others on the main street or close by.

Most skiers still travel up the mountain on one of the frequent trains that wind slowly among snow-laden pine trees and mountain streams to busy Kleine Scheidegg station. From here you can carry on up to Eigergletscher where there’s an excellent station restaurant with dizzying views, some off-piste slopes and access to more interesting red and black runs, including the fearsome Lauberhorn downhill. Or you can take the lovely long swooping blue runs through the trees to Brandegg. When here, you must stop for apple fritters at the restaurant before continuing on your way down to Grindelwald. After the rich cool mountain air, be prepared for the shock of traffic fumes in Grindlewald. Whilst here you can then make you way to Grindelwald’s  ski area, before travelling back to Wonderful Wengen by picturesque train.