Planning my first ever ski trip - please help!!!

I love reading these threads about people starting out on their first ski adventure. It takes me back. I still get as excited now as I did on my first trip 17 or 18 years ago! Hope you all find something that suits and have a truly brilliant time

Hi Dan

I go to regularly to La Plagne (Belle) and it meets a lot of your criteria, IF you go DIY and self cater. We often book Le Quartz and have a reasonably priced week with budget airline and autoeurope car hire. It's fairly quiet, plenty of skiing and some nice restaurants that are cheaper than a lot of other French resorts.

However as a learner I would suggest looking to see if Crystal etc. are doing the 'learn to ski' packages - they include lift pass, equipment and lessons at a very good price. We used to learn to board in Bardoneccia (can't remember how to spell it!) in Italy. Being in Italy was great for the food (very reasonably priced) but the skiing was limited compared to La Plagne so I'd look for another resort in Italy. That said, ESF in France also do packages for beginners of lessons and lift pass but a self-catering France trip is probably better when you don;t have to pay for lessons.

Try Arinsal in Andorra! It's quite cheap to get to and is a linked ski area so lots of scope for your girlfriend to ski more difficult runs. Nice little village with plenty bars and restaurants if you want it. We went for the first time last year and are going back on the 30th Jan.

Hi Dan
I am sure you will have a great time. My wife and I are off to Passo Tonale in a couple of weeks – our first time to Italy having previously skied in Austria for several years. It looks good for beginners/intermediates – that's what I am hoping for.
I have almost always used Crystal and would recommend you have a look at them – I don't have any links with the company except as a customer!
Lots of people have commented on where to go – here are some comments on other points.
The suggestion to get a taster session somewhere (I used Snowdome at Tamworth in Staffs) is a good one. Getting the boots right, as your girlfriend can tell you, is absolutely critical. They do feel strange, and it is vital to get the right size.
Clothing – I assume you have a good ski anorak – and the insulated water-resistant trousers are essential – TXMAXX do them at very reasonable prices. In resort they are usually silly prices. In fact, any ski clothing in resort seems to be expensive. Get good skiing gloves too from TKMAXX.

Wear layers – you'll be warmer. I use a vest, thin zip-neck base-layer shirt, thin zipped fleece and then the ski anorak. I also use one of those "Buff" type tubes instead of a scarf – brilliant as the wind doesn't get into your neck. A hat/headband (to protect your ears) or helmet are also useful. Goggles or sunglasses are a must (I wear glasses so goggles are better for me than sunglasses).
Gloves are another essential – the general advice is never to ski without gloves on. Mine have inners as well, in case it is really cold. And I also have thin silk inners on top of that in case it's really, really cold.
Good, proper skiing socks – on no account wear short sports socks inside your ski boots – you will be very uncomfortable.
Lip balm – keep one in your pocket as your lips can get cracked in the low humidity air.
Keep a piste map on you when you go.
I usually take a small backpack (10 litre size) with a bottle of water, muesli bars, and perhaps a few other bits and pieces.
OK – have a great time!
:D

Hi Dan
From what I know of your list I'd go for Les Arcs, either 1950 or 2000 if you can get a good deal.
Tignes is great but one of the most expensive places on the planet :roll:.
France, on the whole, is an expensive place to ski but if you can get a good price including catering then go for it.
Enjoy :thumbup:

Les Arcs would fit the bill if a deal can be found. Take a look at Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites though - great for beginners but is linked to Marilleva and Madonna. There is a bus to Passo Tonale also.

I only know about Tirol. In one way I would second the vote for Seefeld, as I have done most of my skiing there. It has a nice town, lovely scenery, and well run ski facilities, catering well for beginners (though there is a steepish bit at the bottom I found challenging as a beginner, & I fell there often, especially as the snow gets softer in March).

On the other hand, here in Tirol it seems to me the less known resorts, which are not near any town, are in some ways better, as they are quieter, whereas Seefeld can be very busy, and has high percentage of people who are not very experienced, which may increase the danger. There one German guy went straight into the back of me and knocked me down while I was skiing slowly down a gentle slope in a straight line.

Les Arcs and Les Gets are great places - the other piece of advice I can give is definately get a bit of practice in before you go even if it has to be on a dry slope ( very differnet that the real stuff) but better to get a handle on standing up turning and stopping that way you can jump a ski class and start skiing on proper greens and blues and maybe at the end try a red. Enjoy your hols - you willo either love it or hate it Im pretty safe in saying everyone on here loves it and being a woman (single mum at that) I definately give up a holiday in the sun for a ski trip and If I could afford it would go at least 4 x a season - sadly though I work in a school and cant get the time off - being in charge of attendance it doesnt look good if I go out in term time!