Going on a family ski holiday can take a lot of organisation, especially if it’s your first one. Seeing as there is lots to consider we’d thought we’d put together some top tips on how you can be prepared so that both you and your little ones have an unforgettable experience in the mountains. At Andorra Resorts we have been helping families plan, book and ski their first ski holidays for the last ten years, so have all the experience to help you have a fantastic time.
First time skiing families
Prepare for layers
If you are going to be surrounded by snowy mountains, the urge might be to wear as many layers as humanly possible but as strange as it sounds, sometimes it’s not as cold as you think. It’s really important that your clothing is right on the first day, as being comfortable is very important. For your first day in particular, while you are learning the basics, there will be a lot of standing still but as you progress you will be moving a lot more which naturally makes you warmer. The easiest way to prepare for this is to have multiple layers, some of which can be easily removed if you are getting too warm. For anything under your ski jacket, thin layers work better than thicker ones as they give you better manoeuvrability, are easier to store if you take them off and still provide warmth as the air trapped between the layers will heat from your body and keep you warm.
For a more detailed guide, why not read our Beginner’s guide to ski clothing here.
Ski Boots
There’s no escaping the fact that ski boots are not the most comfortable piece of footwear that you ever are going to try on, but there is plenty you can do to make sure that they don’t give you discomfort. If you are getting hire boots, it’s so important to get a good fit. Staff in the hire shops will help you as much as possible, but during busy times they may be helping multiple people at once so it’s good to know the basics. Firstly, and vitally, the only thing that should be inside a ski boot is one sock and your foot. If you introduce a second sock or tuck any layers below the sock line – including thermals, it can cause you major problems. These can bunch up inside the boot, forcing pressure onto your ankles causing pain.
Get Ski Fit
Unless you regularly attend a gym, or exercise classes like yoga or Pilates, then it’s likely that skiing will use muscles that you didn’t even know you had. Generally, children are ok as they have a more active lifestyle, but for us adults it can have a bigger impact. The easiest way to combat this is to get prepared – there are certain exercises and stretches that you can do in your own home with no equipment to help prepare your body for the new challenges it will face. Try and fit in a few minutes a day to get your muscles prepared, that way it will definitely have a positive impact on your first skiing experience.
Try our easy to follow routine, designed by our Vallnord expert Esther here: Pre-ski fitness
Lessons are essential
Just like with anything technical, it’s best to have a person teaching you that really knows what they are doing. When choosing your resort, it’s important to take into consideration the ski school and what services they offer as that’s going to make a very large impact on your stay – at Andorra Resorts we’re always happy to recommend Arinsal as a great place for beginners and families due to the high quality of the ski school and the friendly nature of the resort. This season, new and exclusive to Andorra Resorts, we are excited to offer a family ski saver package that includes everything you’ll need to get on the slopes, lift passes, equipment and lessons, all for one great-value price. This is the perfect option for beginner families that are planning their first snow-sports adventure and you won’t be able to find it anywhere else.
Our websites are packed with useful information about travelling to Arinsal, Soldeu and Pas de la Casa but if there are any specific questions you have then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Andorra experts – we’re here to help.