- In a modern ski resort with its multitude of facilities it is easy to forget you are in the wild, high mountains where the weather can change extremely quickly and be very cold - fundamental items of equipment are a proper ski jacket, trousers and or a ski suit.
- lots of layers under the ski jacket always a good idea. There are lots of modern materials that wick away moisture and keep you cosy and dry in the inside, no embarrassing wet patches when you remove your jacket in the lunchtime restaurant.
- Essential items are good waterproof gloves with an insulating layer (thinsulate or something like it) and a warm woolly or fleece hat, you'll be pleased you have your hat when the snow is falling, the wind is whipping and the chair lift stops!
- Smart footwear may gain you street cred. on the city streets but they'll give you a laugh when they up-end you on the snowy sidewalks of the Alpine villages - soft rubber soled boots or shoes are best for keeping you upright.
- Sunglasses are essential, go without and you run the risk of snow blindness. Ensure the ones you buy fliter out both UVA & UVB rays.
- air is thinner at altitude and therefore more of the harmful UV rays get through that, combined with the fact that you do not feel the suns heat, means you can burn very easily - high factor sun tan cream is mandatory.
- tissues, lip salve with sun screen, sun cream - roll on ones are good, mini chocolate bar for the mid morning munches, small change - some of the high mountain facilities charge for spending a penny!
- Ladies mountain facilities can be few and far between best to avoid that extra cup of tea at breakfast. Gentlemen - careful of those zips!
- Hire a guide; safely get to see places you wouldn't normally, avoid the crowds, skip any queues, get some local knowledge and history.
- there are cyber cafes in most resorts and mobile phones work even up the mountain. Business meetings on the chairlift!
now sells insurance, important to check that skiing is covered and if you intend to ski off piste check for any clauses restricting this.
See our insurance page for details of the cover we offer.
- night life in most resorts goes on until the early hours. However a word of caution remember which company you're with, and where your staying! It has been known for clients to forget after a night on the town and wander about lost! Sleeping in the street at - 30 C is certain death.
- wonderful so long as you drink lots of water, hangovers don't seem to hit as hard in the mountains.
- there are lots of lovely atmospheric mountain restaurants for long relaxing lunches but loose legs in the afternoon may lead to accidents.
- look after your lift pass, most resorts have a trade in lost/stolen ones.
- cooking boiled eggs at altitude can be a challenge. The water boils at a lower temperature so a 4 min. egg takes 6 mins.!
- fresh snowfalls look wonderfully soft and inviting. Don't be tempted to jump off those balconies - snow can hide a multitude of sins; walls fences, cars, shopping trollies etc!
- Altitude, unusual amounts of exercise, the heating in chalets apartments and of course alcohol all cause this - drink lots of water.
- Ski with care for others and within own limits. Uphill skiers and boarders should give way to those below them on the piste. Always give way to those less able and give them lots of room. Never stop in the middle of a piste or on the brow of a hill. Don't ski board at full speed on green or blue runs and lower slopes. Litigation is more and more common - don't be the cause of an accident.
- equipment is changing all the time, the latest is available in the resorts - try it out.
- misting goggles can be a pain. Buy good quality ones and keep them on or take them right off - NEVER lift up and rest on a sweaty forehead or damp hat.
- buy good quality ski wear and if you ski one week a year it'll last for years and years. Don't be bamboozled into thinking you have to change often.
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