Learning to ski is a fun and exciting experience. Not only will you learn a whole new range of skills, but you’ll be taking in some incredibly beautiful scenery while you’re doing it. But before you start looking at ski trips abroad, it might be worth taking a few lessons in the UK first, which will take you through the basics and give you more confidence to tackle the slopes.
Which are the best indoor ski slopes in the UK?
There are lots of indoor slopes all over the UK where you can have a few lessons with qualified instructors on real snow. Here are some for you to check out:
Which are the best dry ski slopes in the UK?
There are also lots of dry ski slopes where you’ll learn on a special material which behaves like snow:
There are unfortunately only a handful of actual snow resorts in the UK, such as the Nevis Range, Glenshee, and Cairngorm Mountain, which are all in the Scottish Highlands. The unpredictable British weather makes it a little difficult to plan a ski staycation, so why not head a little further afield to some of Europe’s most picturesque spots to show off your new skills?
Where can beginners go skiing in Europe?
There are hundreds of ski resorts in Europe, but not all of them are suitable for beginners. If you haven’t had any lessons before, you’ll need a resort which offers quality tuition and easy, confidence-boosting slopes. Here are some of the most beginner-friendly resorts for the perfect first ski trip:
If you are planning to go abroad for your first ski trip, it’s important to check your luggage allowance if you’re flying. Sometimes you’ll need to pay extra to fly with ski equipment, so it will probably be easier to hire equipment at your resort. Otherwise, roll your clothes to save on space, and stuff socks into your shoes, and put goggles or toiletries into your ski helmet to make sure there’s no wasted space. Pack heavy items as carry-on so you can keep your checked-in luggage under the weight limit, and wear bulky items such as your ski jacket so you can save some much-needed space in your suitcase.
And don’t forget these ski holiday travel essentials too:
What do I need to drive in Europe?
If you’re planning on driving to your ski resort, remember to take your driving license and a Sat Nav or directions (or use the GPS on your phone) so you know where you’re going. There are also a number of other requirements which you might not be aware of when driving in Europe, so take a look at our checklist to avoid getting a hefty fine:
In many European countries, it's compulsory to have certain equipment with you too. It does vary according to which country you’re travelling to, but usually it includes some or all of the following:
Before you travel, ensure your vehicle tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date. And give your car a thorough check over to reduce the risk of breaking down (check brakes, fuel, oil, tyres, coolant, electrics, screen wash etc). You can also buy a Euro Travel Kit which will include most of the essentials needed to drive in European countries (listed above).
If you’re hiring a car rather than taking your own, most firms will usually provide all the necessary safety equipment, but it’s the driver's responsibility to make sure everything’s on board before you drive off.