How do I get started?
The view from the Saulire ski area between Courchevel and Meribel, with the 3,855m peak of Grande Casse behind
Unless you have ice-skated or rollerbladed in the past, skiing is likely to be a completely new experience, but get it right, and it can be fun and addictive. As a beginner, don’t try to organise a ski holiday yourself; put yourself in the hands of a specialist tour operator who can offer you a travel and accommodation package. Tour operators often have reps in the resort to help you through the confusion of the frst few days. Stay in a catered chalet if you can – these are mountain houses or apartments that offer communal dining, laid on by the tour operator. The atmosphere is usually upbeat and sociable, and you can pick up advice from fellow guests and chalet staff. Self-catered apartments can be a cheaper alternative, though resort supermarkets are often expensive, making the saving minimal. It’s a good idea to book some ski lessons to learn the basic skills and manoeuvres, such as how to turn, slow down, stop and use the ski lifts. Do an internet search to see if there’s an English-speaking ski school in your resort, and if you want to learn the ropes quickly, consider private lessons where you’ll receive one-to-one coaching.