Ski holidays are extremely popular, and they’re enjoyed by millions of people from all across the world. They can offer an exciting, action-packed getaway where you’ll get the chance to enjoy some of the world’s most stunning scenery.
However, ski holidays can be dangerous. Moreso than any other kind of holiday, proper planning and preparation are absolutely crucial. Failure to do so could derail your holiday quickly and could see you or a member of your party getting hurt. We’ve compiled a guide on preparing for a ski holiday. Keep reading to check it out.
Check The Conditions
Skiing is highly weather dependent. Obviously, there needs to be snow before you can ski. It’s not quite as simple as that, though. The type of snow can dictate how easy or difficult the skiing will be. Fresh snow is most desirable, this creates a fluffy texture that is perfect for skiing. Other weather conditions are important too. You can expect it to be cold, but if it is too cold it could be uncomfortable and lead to a less-than-pleasant experience.
Whether you are heading to Cortina d’Ampezzo or La Plagne, checking the weather ahead of your trip is incredibly important. Check out the snow forecast from Piste Pro, this can give you an idea of what conditions to expect on the slopes.
How Fit Are You?
You might think skiing looks easy. After all, you’re just sliding down a snowy hill, that doesn’t sound so hard, does it? Think again. Skiing is actually very physically demanding, and is one of the most rigorous forms of exercise you can take. It works out a range of different muscle groups, particularly in the legs and lower body, and is fantastic for building conditioning, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
If you’re still carrying a bit of holiday weight and feel like you could be fitter, it would be sensible to do some training before heading off on your ski holiday. The last thing you want to do is to exhaust yourself and have to get rescued on the slopes and brought back to your lodge. Not only will this be terribly embarrassing, but it could also be a potentially dangerous situation.
Focus on building up your cardio before your ski holiday. There are various ways to go about this. You could go for a jog or a run, take up cycling, or go for a swim. Any of these can be used to build your endurance before you head off to the mountains.
Get The Right Equipment
To make the most out of your ski holiday it’s important that you have all the necessary equipment. Obviously, you’re going to need skis. However, sometimes it’s better to rent out skis from your resort, as transporting them via plane can be expensive and complicated.
You’re going to need warm clothes too. Think a jacket, hat, gloves, and thick woolly socks. You’ll need goggles as well. You’ll be surprised at how fast you go when skiing, generally, you’ll be travelling at between 10 and 20 miles per hour. Goggles can help protect your eyes from flying debris, and they can even prevent you from suffering snow blindness, which is caused by the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow.
Conclusion There’s a reason ski holidays are so popular; they’re action-packed adventures set amongst truly jaw-dropping surroundings. However, your trip needs to be carefully planned and properly prepared to ensure it is safe and enjoyable. Check the weather conditions before you go, make sure you are fit enough to handle the physical demands, and pack the right gear and equi