4 Useful Tips for First-Time Skiers
One of the best activities you do in Winter is to go skiing! There’s something about whizzing through the snowy slopes beside stunning views of the Italian Alps. But if you’ve never gone skiing before, we can imagine how daunting it is. Many first-time skiers are scared to make a fool of themselves - and we can’t blame them. Perhaps, it’s the thought of tripping over your feet or just being completely confused about what to do. But do keep in mind, anyone who starts something new will always feel intimidated! So, you’re definitely not the only one feeling a little unsure. But good news, we, Albergo Miramonti, have compiled a few useful tips and tricks to help ease your nerves a little. So without further ado, let’s begin with our first top tip:
RENT EQUIPMENT, DON’T BUY.
It’s incredibly tempting to buy the latest, shiny equipment when you’re starting a new sport - new helmet, new goggles, new everything! But we advise that you put that credit card back in your pocket and consider renting instead, especially if you are going to your first skiing holiday. If you intend to purchase brand new gear, you will run the risk of getting inappropriate and incorrectly-sized equipment, and you will end up wasting your money. Remember, this is your first time skiing, so treat it as a ‘trial’ before fully committing to the sport. At the end of the trip, you might discover that skiing is really not for you, and you will be stuck with expensive gear that will never be used again.
GET IN SHAPE BEFOREHAND
You don’t want to spend a lot of money, arrive at the ski resort and realise that you don’t want to drag yourself out of bed! You may think that basic skiing moves aren’t physically demanding, however, if you’re doing it for several hours a day, and continuing it over a week - you will find yourself increasingly exhausted. Therefore, being in shape can significantly benefit your ability to learn skiing; it will equip you with better stamina, strength and mental preparedness. So if you do decide to get in shape, we recommend you do some cardiovascular exercises, as well as some yoga stretches to get you to increase both flexibility and endurance. Why not have a read of The 5 Best Yoga Poses for Skiers?
DO SOME RESEARCH
The number one culprit to why first-time skiers feel intimidated is that they don’t know anything about it. What’s the right position? How do you make this move? Am I doing this right? - These are some common questions that one might ask themselves. To truly feel a little bit more confident, you should try and do some research about the sport, before you go ahead and do it yourself. This could be searching for ‘How-To’ videos, reading guides and articles - literally anything you can find on the internet. If you know anyone who’s a ski enthusiast, then it’s also worth asking them. While you’re conducting your research, why not have a look at the Best Ski Destinations in Lombardy? Personally, one of our favourites is the Aprica ski resort, which is less than 20-minutes drive from our Alpine Hotel.
TAKE PROFESSIONAL LESSONS
When in doubt, you can always take professional lessons from expert skiers. This is the safest way you can learn how to ski - and definitely way better than just being taught by family or friends. You can take group lessons, or if you have some extra cash, you can also take private lessons. Either way, you will learn the correct techniques and gain the foundations to ace the sport truly. When you get to the ski resort, there is definitely a few ski schools you can attend to.
Why not stay at Albergo Miramonti? We are located within the Alps, with a Hotel Spa, relaxing Cigar Lounge and an Italian Restaurant that serves local Valtellina Cuisine.
For more articles about the Italian Alps and Northern Italy, read our blog: