Ski holidays
Most people go skiing because they find it to be an extremely challenging way to work out, stay fit and have lots of fun. Group ski holidays continue to steadily increase year by year as the social side of the sport grows. Like other extreme sports, skiing enthusiasts live off the "buzz" that skiing provides them with, an adrenaline rush which many enjoy and actively seek out.
Skiing allows you to interact with nature and appreciate its power. The scene from the top of a snow-covered mountain can be picture-postcard spectacular and this, for some, is enough to convince them to brave the ski lifts and get to the top of the mountain.
Like most things in life the more you practise the better you get, and the feeling of mastering something which initially seemed impossible gives you a great sense of achievement.
The social side of a ski holiday is appealing to travellers, whether experienced skiers or not, as there is plenty of fun and activity to be had off the slopes as well as on. In the 5000 years since skiing first began it has evolved and developed into many different types of skiing, some the most popular of today include:‘Alpine Skiing’; travelling down different gradient slopes, ‘Cross-Country Skiing’ – this is a less intensive way to ski and takes place on flat land, covered by snow, and ‘Freestyle Skiing’ –a relatively new discipline involving the development of tricks and jumps over runs and ramps.
Beginners
Your first experience of skiing can be stressful and hard work at first, but once you master the basics in your own time the main emphasis will be on the fun and thrills.
It is advisable to invest in a few lessons at a dry ski slope or real snow slope before you go, as you will then benefit from not being an absolute beginner. Making sure that you are correctly instructed on the actual slopes is also a must. Some suggest you might actually find it easier and faster learning to snowboard than to ski at first.
Top tips
- Skiing is an extreme sport recreational activity which can leave you exposed to the elements, and although it has a relatively low injury rate in recreational activity terms, you still need to take extra precautions when going on the slopes.
- Try and make sure you are quite fit before you hit the slopes to enjoy the experience fully.
- Take out insurance such as a winter sports policy to guarantee peace of mind.
- Taking children? Try and find a child- friendly resort with a children's club to give parents a holiday too.
- Always check the weather forecast before you set out.
- Put extra clothing in your rucksack just in case the weather changes drastically.
- Never ski on slopes or in weather conditions which are beyond your ability.
- Stay on Piste in the correct skiing zone and avoid avalanche-prone areas.
- Re-hydrate with lots of water as you will lose a lot of moisture through sweat.