No matter your age, it is time to learn to ski or snowboard. For many people, the idea of clipping a couple of pieces of plywood to your feet and pointing them down a mountain can seem completely absurd, and utterly terrifying.
However, there is a reason why skiing and snowboarding continues to soar in popularity. More and more holidaymakers are choosing the mountains over a standard beach holiday year after year. If you didn’t grow up skiing as a child, it shouldn’t mean you should have to miss out when your friends plan that annual ski trip.
Here are just a few reasons why you should take the plunge learn to ski or board as an adult;
Learning to ski (or snowboard)? It’s not as hard as you think
You don’t have to be natural sportsperson or athlete to ski. Like anything it just takes practice and building confidence. You will be shocked at how quickly you can improve in just a day and seeing that progression is incredibly rewarding. I definitely recommend starting out with an instructor for those first few days on the snow.
Should you start with a private instructor or group lesson?
They both have their merits and it really depends on your group. If you are the only beginner you might want to try a group lesson for beginners. It will allow you join others at the same level and can be fun and rewarding. It’s also more economical on the wallet. On the other hand, you may just have that need for speed – to progress quickly and get onto those red runs. One-on-one lessons will see you improve very quickly over a couple of days and exploring more of the mountain before you know it.
Sainte Foy has four excellent ski schools to help get you started. In no time you will find your ski legs and be making your way down the mountain. Most ski resorts, including Sainte Foy, have exclusive beginner areas away from speedy skiers and the other slopes, so you’ll have a calm, gentle slope to find your feet on.
Cutting Edge Ski & Snowboard Equipment
Even if you have no idea what you’re doing (yet!) there has never been a better time to learn to ski. The science behind the equipment is cutting-edge, the boots comfortable (I swear). With our partners at Skiset, we kit you out in all the latest gear. There’s a choice of packages that include ski boots, skis, poles and helmet. If you are snowboarding there are packages to include snowboard, boot and helmet. When you go to collect your gear they will make sure everything is set up safely for your particular ability and weight so you don’t have to worry about it.
What to Wear on the ski slopes?
It can seem very daunting choosing ski outfits, but they can be the make or break of your day. Being warm and comfortable is essential, but it need not break the bank. These days one can get togged up at reasonable prices and with wise purchases, that ski jacket can double up as an every day bad weather jacket too.
We recommend layering – not only because it offers flexibility for warmer or cooler days, but the component parts can be used in other sports and for recreational activities. Consider a roomy waterproof (or water resistent) breathable shell jacket with maybe a down gilet underneath. Microfibre or wool mid layers are perfect and make sure you have enough thermals. They absorb sweat (or wick it away from the body) and are the closest to the skin so make sure you have enough for a change.
Embrace a New Challenge by learning to ski or snowboard
By the time we are adults we don’t often come across something that we have literally no experience with. So it’s completely fair that when presented with a pair of skis (or a snowboard) it can be a slightly daunting prospect. However I can promise you that pushing through the initial wobbles is certainly worth it! As somebody who knows how it feels to be a complete beginner as an adult, I certainly felt out of my comfort zone on my first day, but it was also incredibly exciting! We can get so complacent and stuck in our routines that we forget to challenge ourselves, to put ourselves outside of our comfort zones and experience something completely new. Who knows, you might discover a passion you never knew about!
Keeping your muscles supple and body comfortable
You know how a new sport gets you using muscles you didn’t know you had – skiing or boarding is no exception. Don’t forget to look after yourself in those first few days and there’s no better way than to book in a massage. Through our partners Massage Me you can book the treatment of your choice and have them come to your chalet. What a treat!
Get Outside on the ski slopes
There’s a reason that so many people are drawn to the slopes, and its not just for the après ski scene, fantastic food and mountain air. Learning to ski or board allows you to explore the mountains in a breathtaking way that wouldn’t be possible on foot. Skiing or boarding gives the ultimate sense of freedom!
Ski Holidays, especially in Sainte Foy
Forget beach holidays, the mountains are where you will want to be year after year once you’ve started skiing or boarding. With incredible pistes and gorgeous luxury catered chalets or self catered properties you cannot go wrong. No longer will you miss out when your friends book that Winter Ski holiday every year. Which is exactly why when your friends or family suggest that skiing holiday, your only acceptable response is, yes! Learning to ski will be the best decision you ever made. Go out there, hit the slopes, and you won’t regret it.
Part of a larger skiing group or wishing to progress?
Don’t forget that even if you are part of a larger group, (some, or many of whom already ski) – the slopes of Sainte Foy offer lots of choice for everyone. There’s room for everyone to learn from beginner through to off-piste. Who knows you may find you love it so much that you’ll be booking an off-piste or all-terrain course before you know it.
If you’re unsure where to start, please feel free to contact our sales team, either by phone, email or livechat. They all know Sainte Foy intimately and are skiers or boarders themselves. They know what it’s like to start out on a new sport and can offer helpful advice for your first visit to Sainte Foy and the slopes.