Ski trip to-do’s and don’ts. By a complete rookie.
Rejoice! Ski season is upon us. A few years back I would have grunted a few mean comments on the idea of escaping somewhere cold from the cold Nordic winters I’m spending half of my life enduring. If I’m spending money on a holiday, it better be to somewhere hot and exotic. But in a few weeks, I’m heading to my second ski trip to Northern Sweden and I’m surprisingly excited. Here’s what I’m doing differently this year, and so should you.
You’re not going to be constantly freezing
Goes without saying, you’ll need your ski clothes and equipment. I’m a very light packer and I prefer feeling comfortable to looking fashionable or extremely pretty when traveling. My biggest mistake when packing for my first ski trip was, that I was assuming I’ll be constantly battling icy temperatures. From several pairs of thermal underwear to woollen socks and massive sweaters — I barely used any of them. You might be traveling somewhere snowy and cold, but once there, you’ll (hopefully) be keeping physically active or chilling in your cabin by the fire. Don’t forget to pack regular breathable clothes so you’d also feel comfortable indoors. Don’t over-do it thinking you’ll be freezing most of the time.
No, you’re not allowed to eat more
Downhill skiing or snowboarding is a great form of exercise, combining both aerobic and anaerobic activity and burning a lot of calories. But that doesn’t mean you can pig out and “compensate” the calories by eating a ton more than you usually do. If you’re anything like me you’d want to take this awesome week of skiing as something you actually benefit from physically and return back home a little fitter than you were when you left.
It’s not all about skiing
Doesn’t matter where you’re off to, I’m sure there’s lot more to to see and do there than just hitting the slopes. Try to take some time off from skiing and go around exploring the area. Check out how locals live, go somewhere off the beaten track and enjoy another activity besides skiing and snowboarding. Go on a snowy safari on a skimobile, relax in a spa, or go horse riding. Depending on where you go there might be reindeer rides or dog sled tours available. Make sure you have all kinds of fun and have a few great stories to tell when you return home.
No shame in hitting the kids’ slopes
The worst thing you could do as a beginner on a ski trip is to overestimate your skills. Hitting the black slopes right away might at best bruise your ego and at worst break a few bones. It’s really not worth risking your health or your mood. Hit the kids’ slopes instead and try to get a hang of it. I was on a tight budget on my very first ski trip. Kids’ slopes didn’t only provide a safe ground for practicing, but eavesdropping on parents teaching their 4 years olds (who were already better than me) provided a great opportunity to get a free tutorial. Sure you’ll look ridiculous and you’ll get a few odd looks, but this might be your only chance to get a little better at skiing and go play with the grown-ups on the green slopes in no time.
Ski virgin? Have a look here
Easy on the booze
It’s tempting — after ski drinks, beers in the afternoon, red wine by the fireplace at night, a few shots of Jaegermeister when you’re feeling a bit nippy before hitting the slopes. Surely it’s a bad idea to do extreme sports when you’re less than sober, but in my opinion ski trips are an ideal time to simply detox your body. Spend time in the outdoors, do sports, stay away from all kinds of gadgets and technology, eat well, go to the sauna and enjoy quality time with friends. You don’t have to avoid alcohol completely, but the trip (like any other holiday) doesn’t have to end up being an excuse to drink or a pseudo-celebratory event where you treat yourself to a drink or three every single day.
Did you know your insurance might not cover your ski accident if they find out you weren’t sober?
At the end of the day, as a beginner, you will be clumsy and you will look silly, your ego will get bruised and you will at times think it’s a stupid sport and you’ll never get a hang of it. That might be true, but it doesn’t mean it’s not fun to just try. I still suck, but that doesn’t mean I won’t go on my next trip and try to make the best of it. And who knows, maybe I’ll get a little better after every time I go.
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