Olympian Eddie The Eagle shares his top ten tips on how to prepare for your first skiing holiday
Over four in 10 adults are keen to try skiing but are unsure of how to begin, according to a poll. The recent study has found that many new skiers struggle to figure out which essential ski gear they need and are unsure which ski pass is the best option.
A third admitted they don’t know the difference between green, red, blue or black slopes, while some expressed embarrassment at the thought of skiing with friends who are already proficient, fearing they might slow them down. This has left one in five Brits refraining from booking a trip.
Other worries include hidden fees when paying abroad and any other costs unaccounted for which might impact their budget, potentially leaving them short of funds during the trip.
The study was commissioned by international money app Wise, which has published its own guide to ski destinations for all budgets and enlisted the help of legendary Olympian Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards to provide top tips for skiing beginners.
Eddie, who made history as the first Brit to represent Team GB in Olympic ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics, said: “Skiing trips can appear quite daunting. There’s a lot of moving parts and different bits to plan.
“But when you’re out on the slopes with your friends and family, there’s nothing quite like it. Some of the best times of my life involve me skiing, and I’d love to think that others could have the same opportunities to make unforgettable memories.”
A quarter of Brits are unsure about the best time to hit the slopes for optimal snow conditions, with even fewer admitting they’re not familiar with basic mountain safety and skiing etiquette.
And when it comes to costs first-time skiers estimate that a ski trip could cost up to £950 per person, with 31% uncertain about how to budget for such an adventure.
Roisin Levine, head of UK & Europe partnerships at Wise, commented: “There’s a preconception that skiing is an expensive trip, which it can be, but there’s certainly ways of keeping costs down to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.”
She continued: “Going on a new kind of holiday can be daunting, but isn’t that the point of travel? Broadening your horizons, trying new experiences skiing is brilliant for ticking off loads of these boxes, even if it might seem scary at first. And it’s understandable that people have concerns about how much it might cost.”
The most popular skiing destinations among Brits are the Alps, via France, Switzerland, Austria or Italy (31%). While top global destinations include the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in the USA and Canada, as well as the picturesque Pyrenees.
EDDIE THE EAGLE’S TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST SKI HOLIDAY:
1. BUDGET IN ADVANCE AND DO YOUR RESEARCH ON DESTINATIONS
Set aside some money as far in advance as possible and where you can, pay for things like flights, accommodation, and ski lessons, passes and hire in manageable chunks or alternatively look at package deals as they can often be cheaper.
2. DON’T SPLURGE ON SKI GEAR AS A FIRST TIMER
Borrow or buy second-hand. Alternatively, you can also hire ski gear – which is perfect if you’re particularly unsure on if you’re going to love it or not.
3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (OR AT LEAST, LESS AWKWARD)
If you can get up to a local snow-zone or dry slope prior to your holiday, it’ll take the sting out of hitting the slopes for the first time.
4. DON’T SCRIMP ON LESSONS
Get some private or group lessons when you’re there – no amount of natural athleticism can prepare you for skiing – trust me, you need help.
5. BEWARE OF EXTRA FEES WHEN BOOKING YOUR TRIP
Many airlines and accommodation booking websites will rip you off through ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion.’ And when paying for them in another currency, some websites convert the cost for you and add on a markup – always pay in the local currency and check exchange rates on Google.
6. BYO-SANDWICHES TO SAVE ON PRICEY MOUNTAIN MEALS
Cut costs by packing your own sandwiches, snacks and plenty of water.
7. PAY LIKE A LOCAL
Save money abroad by using a card that ensures you get a good exchange rate.
8. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BOOTS
Take your time to get the right pair of boots in the ski shop because it will make all the difference to your experience – you may think the boots are too tight, they’re usually not.
9. DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO OFF-PEAK
Aim for the beginning or end of the season when slopes are quieter – you’ll save money and enjoy a more relaxed skiing experience.
10. HAVE FUN – AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO FALL!
Falling down is part of learning to ski – we’ve all been there (including the pros, believe me!)
