Winter & Ski Home Family Skiing Learn To Ski in France

It’s really never too late (or too soon)...

So, you want to learn to ski, but where do you start? Here are some hints and suggestions for beginners hoping to ski in the mountains of France.

When is the best time to go?

Raw beginners can learn to ski at any time during the ski season (typically early December until late April) and expect to get tuition with one of the licenced ski-schools which operate in just about every ski resort (or ‘station’) in France. Our advice, though, is to avoid the busiest periods and instead take advantage of the quiet weeks, when you could have the pistes virtually to yourselves and your accommodation will be significantly cheaper.

Early Season — the weeks before the Christmas and New Year peaks, — may offer a bargain ski break but beware, as snow conditions may not be good until later in the season. If you're considering an attractive offer check the live webcam images for the area on offer before deciding. Snow cover can vary enormously between ski areas.
Good For: those who can get away at short notice and take advantage of early snowfalls.

January — until the French schools begin their half-term holidays in early February — can be an excellent time for learning to ski. Snow conditions are often at their very best and slopes have relatively few skiers, but it can be very cold...

March and early April — avoiding the two weeks around the Easter Holidays. You should still have good conditions, even though it should be becoming less cold. Beware of south-facing resorts at this time of year, as their lower slopes can get very slushy in the afternoons, creating difficult conditions for learners. Find a resort which is predominantly north-facing or which offers some easy, high- altitude terrain.

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Essential Clothing

Beginners will need to buy or borrow some basic ski clothing. Buying clothing to learn needn’t be expensive, with sports outlets such as Decathlon selling “basics” at very reasonable prices. Beginners spend more time standing around and falling down than other skiers, so wear several layers, a polo neck, a hat, and in really cold weather, some thermals as a base-layer.

Essential Items - a practical minimum kit :

Ski-jacket with an inside pocket — many resorts have a hands-free lift pass which can be placed inside your jacket on the left-hand side but not next to your mobile phone. Don’t be tempted by padded or puffa jackets, which will soon overheat you when the sun shines.

Salopettes. It's personal choice whether you have shoulder straps or not, but many women prefer not to, for obvious reasons.

Ski-socks. Our tip is to spend a little more on two pairs of smooth, fitted ski-socks rather than a temptingly cheap pack of towelling-lined ‘tubes’. Your skin will thank you.

Ski-gloves or mittens must be waterproof — look for ones which have a clip allowing you to attach them to your jacket. Losing them (or dropping one while on a chair-lift) is something you’ll want to avoid happening.

Hat. Much of your body heat is actually lost through the top of your head, so keep it covered unless it’s a really sunny day. You’ll also find that riding ski lifts can be very cold, however warm you feel on the slopes – a good ski-hat will roll down to protect your ears.

Sports sunglasses. Don’t wear expensive sunglasses; get a pair of cheap sports glasses designed to take shocks — and make sure they absorb 100% UV, which is higher at altitude. In really cold conditions, or if you experience bad visibility during falling snow, you will be more comfortable (and be able to see more clearly) with ski goggles. Lenses are tinted in various colours, lighter ones generally being more usefulas light levels drop in poor visibility. Dark lenses, logically, are intended for brighter conditions.

Never ski without sun protection. It may sound crazy but you need extra protection at high altitudes – even in January use a quality, high-factor sun-block. Buy it before you leave for the mountains; it will be cheaper...

Equipment Hire

Shoe size, weight, and ability. Trained hire shop staff will do their best to fit you with the correct size boots, and the skis most suitable for a beginner. Try to make a note of your European shoe size and your weight in kilos before you go, although most hire shops have English-speaking staff who tend to be familiar with British shoe sizes and imperial units. You will be asked for your weight and your skiing ability. Always be honest about this – your answers will determine the precise settings on your skis which will release you safely should you take a tumble — if the settings are incorrect and your feet remain fixed to the skis you can twist a knee, or worse. Either way, you won't be skiing again that week.

Boot fitting. When you try on ski boots for the first time you won’t believe how tight they can feel. However, once on and correctly fastened they should become more comfortable. When you ski you’ll be leaning forward, so try to do this by bending your knees slightly when you try on the boots; your toes should not feel cramped. When you start to ski, if your boots feel loose or if you experience any discomfort (tingling, cramps or sores) don’t be afraid to return them to the shop. Skiing should be fun but in the wrong size boots you’ll be miserable. The staff will check that the boots are being fastened correctly and, if necessary, exchange them. Since your ski bindings must be adjusted to the specific dimensions of the boots you’re using, have your skis with you for re-adjustment.

The right skis. If you feel your skis aren’t doing what they should, have a talk with your ski-instructor, or discuss the problem at the hire shop and get their advice.

Where to stay

Faced with so much choice, choosing somewhere to stay on your first skiing holiday can be confusing. Here’s some insight to help you in your decision-making.

Sociable types could opt for a catered chalet or package deal — great if you want to avoid cooking and love meeting other people. Beginners may prefer to be with a group of other learners, to share experiences and get mutual support.

A good option for couples who want to relax away from the crowd are hotels offering half-board deals. These are often terrific value but you have to be prepared to take what’s on offer for the evening meal and may feel that you’re missing out on visiting restaurants.

Self-catering holidays will definitely save you money on your first ski trip, and often well beyond. Budget apartments are often located beside the ski slopes but may lack the space, comfort and facilities you might expect. Go for a mid-range apartment and you will find the greatest choice, with some amazing offers outside the busiest periods. Many new apartment complexes have pools and spa facilities as well as being ski-in/ski-out. Learners should enquire whether the ski access is suitable for beginners, though, and remember that you may need to walk to your ski-school meeting point on the first day or two, so ask whether this is possible.

© Julia Moss