Top tips to make the most of your ski-holiday

My family and I (“the Vannemerwes“, as we’ve become somewhat-infamously known as to the outside world) not-so-profoundly embarked on a long-awaited “ski-adventure” after a 13-year sabbatical since our last ski-trip together in 2011.

We set off to Livigno, Italy, and collectively compiled a few “nice-to-knows” for anyone considering a ski-trip, but who may be daunted by any aspect thereof.

Our group consisted of an assortment of skiers, ranging from first-time skiers to intermediate skiers and even a self-proclaimed pro, and these were the “top tips” to make the most of your ski holiday:

Seriously consider ski-lessons BEFORE setting off on your trip
By far the biggest “ski-hack” would be to find a local ski-school and go for a few lessons BEFORE you set off on your first ski-trip.

At first, we were skeptical, but the success of this was proven when our first-time skiers managed to conquer a “blue slope” (lingo for an easy slope) on their very first morning! It was smooth sailing from there as the confidence grew, and they were comfortably skiing “red slopes” (lingo for intermediate slopes) by later that afternoon.

For our Johannesburg-based friends, we would highly recommend The Ski Deck (link below), as they were fairly priced and very professional. Five stars!

The benefit of this is two-fold. Firstly, you’ll save a lot of money as the ski-schools at the ski-resorts are a lot pricier, whereas the local ski-schools would work out much cheaper. Secondly, you’ll save a lot of time when you arrive at the ski-resort that can actually be spent on the slopes, as opposed to spending that time trying to conquer the “baby slope” (lingo for a baby slope).
Ski passes and equipment rental
When booking your accommodation at a ski-resort (info of our provider below), more likely than not will you be asked whether the purpose of the trip is to go skiing. In other words, finding information is fairly simple.

It is important to understand that this is likely to be one of your bigger expenses, and it would be important to set aside these savings:
- 6-day ski-pass totaled around €265, which is seasonal and depends on the resort; and
- 6-day ski-rental totaled around €250, which includes skis, ski boots and a helmet. Some ski-rental shops include discounts up to 20% when booking an appointment online, so definitely worth finding a shop and booking online before heading inside.
Tip: Ski-passes for children are usually free, but you would need to rent the equipment. The “age-limit” may vary, so best to double check to make the most of this benefit.

What to wear, what to wear
Our group’s preference for ski-attire on the slopes also varied substantially – some opted for the “one-outfit would do” approach, whereas others ensured not to be an “outfit-repeater“. For the purpose of this post, we’ll just highlight the essentials – it’s up to you (and potentially luggage allowance) to decide the extent of the wardrobe:
- Ski-jackets and pants
  It is important to understand that South African winter jackets differ significantly to those used for skiing. We would highly recommend: (i) borrowing ski jackets/pants for the trip; (ii) renting from a ski-school (link to The Ski Deck below); or (iii) consider buying ONLY IF you are convinced you will ski again.
- Ski-boots
  These are included in the rental.
  
  Disclaimer: Ski-boots are exceptionally uncomfortable. Best to size-up, take your time when trying them on, and keep those toenails short. They will explain it all when you get there. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
- Ski-socks
  You will thank me later, but best to try investing in proper “mid-shin to knee” length ski socks (or borrow from a fellow skier-friend).
- Ski-gloves and thermal gloves
  Same comment, best investing in proper ski-gloves (or borrow).
  
  Tip: Thermal gloves (may be worn under ski-gloves) do allow you to more “easily” get by when ski-gloves are not needed, e.g., when drinking a beer or zipping-up a jacket. Not a necessity, but a “nice-to-have”.
- Thermal undergarments
  You can easily buy these from your local Woolies. It will go a long way in ensuring what’s unfrozen remains unfrozen.
- Buff or scarf
  On those extremely cold days, you will definitely be grateful to have one of these. A gentle reminder that temperatures will likely range anywhere from -15’C to 0’C. As a South African, we are NOT used to this, so cover whatever you can.
  
  Tip: When buying any attire, it would most likely be cheaper at a wholesaler outside the ski-town, if you are renting a car.

Knowing where to go
Maps of all the available slopes/routes should be freely available when purchasing your ski-passes or renting your equipment. Take one, or two, or more – this will be important!

Generally, slopes are categorised as blue (“easy”), red (“intermediate”), black (“advanced”) and off-piste (“there is no slope, you’re on your own). For first-timers, blue slopes and red slopes are your friends – steer clear from the black slopes, as these can get quite steep and intimidating.

My advice would be to map out your route the evening before the ski-day. Take caution of the different slopes (and alternatives, should some of them be closed on that particular day), and note the restaurants along the routes to catch your breath and enjoy a nice meal, or just a casual drink.

Most ski-resorts will have a “fairly intuitive” public transport system, so use this to your advantage (typically, the cost of this is included in your ski-pass).

Save up to enjoy your pit-stops
Lastly – you may have heard the term “apres-ski” being thrown around when talking about ski-trips…

This is essentially just lingo for the “celebratory drinks after conquering a day on the slopes“.

These, along with daily meals/refreshments on the slopes, do add up and can become quite expensive. If you want the full experience, we highly recommend you set aside some “pocket money”, such that you are able to enjoy the hot chocolate, coffee or beer (or whatever floats your boat).

Tip: The music is exceptional. Have your Shazam on standby.

Anything we missed? Feel free to share!