- markgeorgy
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST SKI TRIP!
Congratulations, you have reached the point that you decided this all looks too fun to miss out on, and you want to give it a go. We salute you! We didn't all grow up in a skiing family either. Being in the mountains for the first time is a hugely rewarding and invigorating experience and that stays with you for life. What you want to know is how you are going to get the most out of your trip. We are here to help.
Tip #1 - Dressing for the occasion and layering!
Here is a little secret-you don't ever have to feel cold! No, this does not require wearing your entire wardrobe, and it's true. The essentials for how to dress for the mountains is layering.
Your 3 key layers are as follows
Outer layer
Mid-Layer
Base Layer
Your outer layer is exactly what it says on the tin and keeps the elements out. This layer should be waterproof and also typically offers some warmth and wind resistance. It is made up of your ski jacket, salopettes and gloves. The mid-layer should keep the warm air in and can be a fleece. Finally, your base layer is what's directly against your skin, consists of your thermals and good ski socks. This layer should wick away moisture and should be close-fitting. A few extra things you want to throw into your day pack is a buff, inner gloves, a down layer if the temperature really drops.
Tip #2 - Good Coaching
This is your first trip and while you may have aspirations of dropping cliffs and being on magazine covers, it won't be happening yet. The value of good coaching can not be underestimated. You will likely be progressing for your whole life as well as in the early weeks. The fundamentals will be the foundation for the rest of your skiing career and help you get the most out of every trip. This year we teamed up with ESI, a ski school in Morzine. A boutique ski school that only selects the best coaches. Whether you are linking your first turns or looking for the waste deep powder, they will push your skills to the next level and with a huge grin across your face while you are doing it.
Life is like skiing. Just like skiing, the goal is not to get to the bottom of the hill. It’s to have a bunch of good runs before the sun sets.
-Seth Godin
Tip #3 - Don't worry if you are sore at the end of the day.
You are just sliding down a hill, right? No, you will be surprised how, without noticing, you have been working out all day on the piste. Your legs will be sore and probably a few places you didn't expect like your shoulders from not being able to fully relax yet. Don't worry, a few simple stretches or dip in the hot tub/ sauna will have you in top form for the next day. We have you covered once again, at Hôtel Le Petit Dru there is a full spa to get your muscles loosened up and ready to go for the next day of riding.
A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to Freedom.
-Warren Miller
Tip #4 - Bring a backpack
You won't believe it till you experience it, the temperature on the mountain can vary so wildly on the mountain one moment you can be sitting on a deck chair in the sun sipping a beer wearing only your thermal on top. The next hour you could be on a lift wearing all the layers you brought with you. A backpack is good to have, not only for your extra layers but some spare sunglasses/ goggles, your lip balm and of course your water. You want to get one that has a waist band and a chest strap to stop it from moving around. If it's not something you may be using every year, decathlon has reliably good quality gear at reasonable prices.
Tip #5 - Don't be intimidated
Lastly, don't be intimidated. Skiing and being on the hill is all about fun. It's always good to push just outside your comfort zone every now in every aspect of our lives. Skiing is no different, but the key is to be enjoying yourself. Don't be intimidated by pros blasting down the hill or that piste that looks a bit scarier than the last you one you rode. Take it easy, have a good time, that's what it is all about. If the conditions are getting a little gnarly, time to get a drink!
At Destination Dental CPD we are about bringing the fun into dental education and bringing that to the mountains. If you are a seasoned skier, or it's your first time, you are in good hands. Our 2023 event will be a blast. Secure your spot now here.