Beginner Ski Holiday Guide: Tips and What to Expect

Planning your first ski holiday is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. Here’s a helpful guide to take the stress out of your trip and help you enjoy your first time on the slopes!

Ski Clothing & Kit: What to Wear

When skiing, layers are your best friend as you never know if you are going to be cold or warm on the day!
Start with thermal base layers to keep warm, add an insulating mid-layer (like a fleece), and finish with a waterproof ski jacket and trousers.

Don’t forget ski socks, waterproof gloves, goggles, sunglasses, extra layers, snow boots or sturdy shoes to walk around in resort if it is snowy and a good bobble hat to keep your head warm when not skiing!

When skiing, layers are your best friend as you never know if you are going to be cold or warm on the day!
Start with thermal base layers to keep warm, add an insulating mid-layer (like a fleece), and finish with a waterproof ski jacket and trousers.

Don’t forget ski socks, waterproof gloves, goggles, sunglasses, extra layers, snow boots or sturdy shoes to walk around in resort if it is snowy and a good bobble hat to keep your head warm when not skiing!

TSI Clothing & Kit Tips

Pack sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – the sun is strong at high altitudes even when cloudy!

Hiring Ski Equipment

Most ski resorts have plenty of rental shops, often right by the slopes or even in your hotel. You can hire skis, boots, poles, and helmets in any of these.

There are also companies who bring your skis to you, saves you having to leave the chalet or hotel.

Your accommodation provider might have a deal with a certain ski hire shop, so make sure you ask them before your hire yourself.

Most ski resorts have plenty of rental shops, often right by the slopes or even in your hotel. You can hire skis, boots, poles, and helmets in any of these.

There are also companies who bring your skis to you, saves you having to leave the chalet or hotel.

Your accommodation provider might have a deal with a certain ski hire shop, so make sure you ask them before your hire yourself.

TSI Ski Hire Tips

Pre-booking your equipment online before your holiday can save time and money, plus it ensures the right sizes are available for you and that you don’t end up with the wrong ski equipment.

Let the staff know you’re a beginner, they can set up equipment relevant to your ski level

Make sure boots fit snugly but comfortably; ill-fitting boots are a common cause of discomfort and remember you don’t buy your shoes 2 sizes bigger!

For TSI recommend ski hire shops in Morzine, please take a look on our partners page

Pre-booking your equipment online before your holiday can save time and money, plus it ensures the right sizes are available for you and that you don’t end up with the wrong ski equipment.

Let the staff know you’re a beginner, they can set up equipment relevant to your ski level

Make sure boots fit snugly but comfortably; ill-fitting boots are a common cause of discomfort and remember you don’t buy your shoes 2 sizes bigger!

For TSI recommend ski hire shops in Morzine, please take a look on our partners page

Choosing a Lift Pass

For beginners, start with a nursery or beginner slope lift pass. This option is usually cheaper and gives you access to all the areas you need while learning but check as each resort is different, not all resorts offer a good beginner option.

It is also worth checking with the ski school you have booked lessons with as to which lift pass you will need.

For beginners, start with a nursery or beginner slope lift pass. This option is usually cheaper and gives you access to all the areas you need while learning but check as each resort is different, not all resorts offer a good beginner option.

It is also worth checking with the ski school you have booked lessons with as to which lift pass you will need.

TSI Lift Pass Tips

Ask your Accommodation Provider to see if they have a deal with the lift pass office

Early birds deals are great, look out for these in the Summer and Autumn

Check to see if there are any family discounts, at the end of the season they tend to offer kids go free for certain lift passes

Please see below links to purchase your lift pass directly with each resort lift pass office, these can all be purchased before your arrival to pick up in resort.

Morzine
Les Gets
Avoriaz

Ask your Accommodation Provider to see if they have a deal with the lift pass office

Early birds deals are great, look out for these in the Summer and Autumn

Check to see if there are any family discounts, at the end of the season they tend to offer kids go free for certain lift passes

Please see below links to purchase your lift pass directly with each resort lift pass office, these can all be purchased before your arrival to pick up in resort.

Morzine
Les Gets
Avoriaz

Booking Ski Lessons

Ski Lessons are essential for your first ski trip, don’t let your mates teach you as it will end in tears!

Ski Schools in resorts offer group lessons, great for meeting other skiers and private lessons, ideal for one-on-one focus and a quicker learning experience.

Booking in advance is essential when wanting to book a British Ski Instructor, especially during busy holiday seasons as they all book up very early.

Ski Lessons are essential for your first ski trip, don’t let your mates teach you as it will end in tears!

Ski Schools in resorts offer group lessons, great for meeting other skiers and private lessons, ideal for one-on-one focus and a quicker learning experience.

Booking in advance is essential when wanting to book a British Ski Instructor, especially during busy holiday seasons as they all book up very early.

TSI Booking Ski Lessons Tips

Check the instructor-to-student ratio in group lessons to ensure personal attention.

Check the language the lessons are delivered in.

Consider multi-day packages; consistency helps learning.

Don’t forget to Contact TSI to book your ski lessons in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.