Right i've done it...I booked my first trip!

Good value for a first timer TBH.
However, top tip - get some decent socks and do not wear tubes at all cost!!

Snapzzz,
The modern lift passes have some sort of very clever electronic chip in them, which is read at the lift turnstile through your jacket, so that you are allowed through. You put it in your top inside inner pocket, left or right, remembering not to put anything else in with it, like a mobile phone for example which could interfere with the system.

They are quite amazing. You can recharge them from home, by paying on the internet, and somehow they work once you get there, for the particular dates you've paid for.

But I always have an anxious moment, the first time I go through the turnstile, in case something has gone wrong (the same as I do with electronic visas and plane tickets).

Ally

My husband , my son now 12 nd muself started skiing 4 years ago and now we would not dare miss a season we are hooked on it, it s a great family holiday. As everyone else said its importand to layer up to keep warm and anywhere we have being its always being pretty sunny so bring sunglasses and suncream for face and especially something for the lips and chapped lips and coldsores can become a problem. I bring 3 pairs of thermals and always wear my undies underneath( id feel funny without them!) but that is a personal choice. Avoid tube socks I got them for my son one year and they were a disaster, there are plenty of woolen ski socks in TK makk ro choose from. also another thing we find usefull is a thin pair of thermal gloves which you wear inside your ski gloves for extra warmth. it is so important to keep feet and hans warm. Enjoy the trip ye will have a ball! 8)

I am glad you are so excited about skiing, I like you wanted to ski for years but no one to go with unfortunatly, I went for the first time in March this year after taking six lessons at xscape at Castleford which I found invaluable for when I got there. First couple of days was hard work but then it all just seemed to click and I was off, I cant wait to get back and am planning at least two trips for early 2010.

As regards your daughter I saw so many kids there in ski school that looked like they were loving it so im sure she will be fine.
Oh im also 36 and just wiched I had started years ago, have fun.

Buy the best quality thermals you can afford, especially for your daughter. They are quite thin and lightweight and can be rolled up in your luggage: I wear a fresh thermal vest each day: I wouldn't be seen in yesterday's clothing! L.

ltd wrote:Buy the best quality thermals you can afford, especially for your daughter. They are quite thin and lightweight and can be rolled up in your luggage: I wear a fresh thermal vest each day: I wouldn't be seen in yesterday's clothing! L.

I dont agree with that. I bought £2.50 thermals from Primark, and I find that in Europe I am often too hot wearing them, so tend to go with base layer and jacket with a thin fleece on colder days.
Thermals would be essential for Finland or Canada maybe.
I'd get cheap ones in case you have a really cold spell but not worth spending much money on IMO.

I agree with Tony_H, on my first ski week the slope was littered with base layers that people had discarded because they were too hot!
If it's really 'brass monkey apendage removing' cold when you're there, you can always get what you need locally. I doubt you'll need it for a first week though.
Wouldn't be a bad idea to have good quality base layers available for your daughter...just in case.

I too agree with Tony, you don't need to buy expensive items for base layers.

You do need to be prepared for the cold though, if there's no sun and the temperatures are like this week in the Alps, it's going to be pretty cold sitting on those lifts!

Good gloves are essential.

Also I find those thin neck warmers very useful. They can be pulled right over the face and they easily fit in a pocket when not needed.

Good socks are also essential.

And boots. What can I say? I have seen poor fitting boots ruin a persons holiday, They are not easy to get right, I presume you will be hiring them out there, take your time with fitting. Snug but not tight - your foot should not move around in the boot. It should not be tight on your calf either. I've had to change my boots in the past (before I bought my own), sometimes twice. Some of the guys who help with the fitting a brilliant - others are.....less experienced let's say!

And as Caron said earlier CUT YOUR TOE NAILS!!!