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I used to think that a holiday without a beach wasn’t worth going on. Until, of course, I realised that I hate sunbathing. I find the heat oppressive, and contrary to the visions I have of myself as a sun-kissed beach babe, a day in the sun leaves me more accurately resembling Miss Trunchbull after a particularly steamy Bikram class. Plus, the hypochondriac side of me concocts all manner of sun-stroke related fates, and I end up using all my data checking WebMD. Not exactly paradise.
As I got older, I began to long for mountain air, cozy cold climates and all of the melted cheese of the ski holidays I had always rebuffed. The problem was I had missed the final slew of uni ski trips, and with them, my last chance to learn. Or so I thought.
It was my boyfriend, a keen skier, who finally convinced me to give it a go, but I worried that I would fall, that I would get altitude sickness and about the expense. Between the mountains of gear required and the boujie après, skiing would surely set me back more than a luxury, long haul holiday.
I needn’t have worried about any of it. First of all, ski resorts are typically between 1500 – 2000 metres. Altitude sickness doesn’t begin until 2500 metres. Secondly, I would soon learn that falling is part and parcel of skiing, but at such an amateur level, it wouldn’t present any real danger. Finally, I realised that skiing can be both luxurious and savvy, and the assumption that it’s only for the privileged should never stop anyone from experiencing it.
Here’s everything you need to know about learning to ski in your twenties for any of my fellow first-timers…
THE PLACE
Every ski resort has its own unique vibe, and you’ll want to choose carefully depending on the type of holiday you want. Want to party? Val D’Isere, Tignes and St Anton. On a budget? Borovet or Bankso in Bulgaria.
We headed to Courchevel in France, which is known for its picturesque peaks, luxury après, and an even more luxury spa scene (just in case the skiing didn’t pan out). Wanting an authentic alpine experience, we stayed at Les Airelles, where the rooms are chalet chic, with dark wood cladding, comfy sofas and even comfier beds, with all the modernities you would expect from a five star hotel (an in room hammam, personal use of iPads, and round the clock room service). Plus, there’s a Boot Room in the hotel, where beret-wearing staff help you fit your skis and helmet, before escorting you onto the slopes – a godsend for first timers.
Another huge plus of staying at Les Airelles is the spa offering. An indoor pool, jacuzzis, relaxation rooms, hammam and state-of-the-art gym are just the beginning – the spa also offers bespoke La Mer face and body treatments, high-tech Intraceutical facials and even its very own Cryotherapy chamber – great to repair sore muscles after a day on the slopes.
THE GEAR
You will need a lot of gear, or you will soon regret it in the sub zero temperatures. A good pair of gloves is essential, as are thermal socks and under layers. Luckily these can all be bought on the cheap, without compromising on quality.
As a first timer, I didn’t want to buy all the rest of the gear in case I hated skiing and never used any of it again. Luckily, the fashion rental revolution means it’s now possible to borrow everything you need. A quick search on By Rotation and there’s Moncler jackets for £7 per day, and Moon Boots for £5 per day – as well as an array of cheaper options. I decked myself out in Perfect Moment, which is known for its high performance meets on-trend ski wear, popular among influencers and editors alike.
THE SKIING
If it’s your first time skiing, you will need an instructor. I cannot stress this enough. It doesn’t matter how great your mate is at skiing, they won’t compare to an instructor. My instructor, David, from Snow D’Light ski school had been skiing as long as he could walk and had competed at an international level, so I felt completely at ease with him. That’s the thing with skiing – it’s all about your fear level. If you are afraid, you are more likely to fall, so having complete confidence in your instructor is crucial. Plus, no one knows the area like the ski instructors, and David gave us some fantastic recommendations for lunch. By the end of my first day, I was whizzing round the green slopes all by myself, able to control my speed and even turn a bit. Most importantly, I was enjoying it.
I felt so confident after that day, my boyfriend and I decided to explore the blue slopes by ourselves the following day. Big mistake. Huge. After falling over 24 times (and bringing my boyfriend down with me half the time), I had to be rescued by an off-duty instructor, to whom I will be forever grateful.
THE APRES
A huge part of the ski experience is the après, whether it’s a cosy hot chocolate, an indulgent cheese fondu, or a full-blown party. Two slope-side restaurants were included in our half-board, and each offered up a different experience. Le Chalet de Pierres offers an extensive menu of local dishes, meats and seafood, as well as light bites and, of course, fondue, with a vast outdoor dining area with an incredible view, as well as a peaceful indoor setting. La Fruiterie, part of Folie Douche (the famous party haunt situated in many of the big ski resorts) is more lively, with cabaret, quirky yet contemporary decor, and a mouth-watering menu.
THE VERDICT
All these years, I had built up skiing to be this insurmountable challenge. But with the right gear, the right instructor and at the right resort, skiing is a rewarding, feel-good and breathtakingly beautiful pastime that everyone should enjoy.
