Taking the plunge and deciding on a skiing holiday is probably one of the best holidaying decisions you will ever make. Nothing beats the pure exhilaration of hitting the slopes for the first time – and when that is combined with the relaxation and comfort of a skiing resort you’ve got the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

But to make sure you get the most out of your skiing holiday, it’s important to plan your visit – especially if it’s your first skiing holiday and you’re not yet familiar with ski resorts and holidays on the slopes. To that end, here’s a useful guide to help you plan your first skiing holiday.

Before you leave…

Before you head off on holiday to your ski resort of choice, there are several things you can do to make sure you make the most of your skiing holiday. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that skiing can be a strenuous activity, and can become even more so when you’re on the slopes everyday. It can be useful to get some exercise in before heading off on holiday. Cardio training like running, cycling and rowing is a great way to keep fitness levels up, which can help you enjoy the pleasures of skiing much more and even progress quicker. To help with this, a lot of gyms run ‘ski-fit’ courses.

As well as general exercise, it is also a good idea to get some skiing practice in before hitting the slopes for real. Whether you are a seasoned skier or a complete novice, a bit of practice beforehand goes a long way when you’re careering down the mountain! Ski lessons are a great way to either ‘keep your eye in’ or learn to ski from scratch before your ski holiday.

What to take with you…

It may be stating the obvious, but skiing holidays are a bit different to the usual city breaks and beach holidays – and therefore need a bit of extra planning.

As well as the usual stuff like passports, local currency and travel documents, skiing holidays need specific insurance policies and a lot of ski resorts will need photos for lift passes. On top of this you need to take along the right skiing equipment. A lot of this, like skis and snowboards can be hired at ski resorts, but it’s a good idea to pack warm winter clothing to make sure you’ve got plenty of options to keep warm. A handy backpack is also recommended so you can take supplies out with you up the mountains and keep you stocked up for the day.

One mistake a lot of first timers make is to not pack sun cream and lip block. Despite the snow and cold weather, the sun can be extremely strong when you’re high up – so high protection is recommended.

If you’re planning your first skiing trip, the above will serve as a good guide to the kind of preparation you need to make before you leave on what should be an exciting and memorable holiday. If you have any other hints or tips to plan a ski holiday, please share them in the comments below.