How to Prepare Before Leaving for a Ski Trip

You’ve already imagined yourself sliding through fresh powder, discovering new activities with your family, and enjoying a delicious hot chocolate by the fire. But have you thought of everything? Whether you’re just thinking about your next ski holiday or you’ve already booked the trip, it’s a good idea to know how to prepare before you go. We’ve put together a list of things to do and double-check before your holiday begins. Get ready for the slopes!

Book Your Stay Early

First come, first served! Book your ski holiday early so you can plan your stay exactly as you want and avoid surprises. Decide whether you’re going with family, as a couple or with friends, choose an apartment, hotel or chalet, and pick between ski-in, ski-out convenience or a relaxing spa after the slopes. Booking early also gives you more time to plan and may unlock extra-good offers with our early booking deals.

Choose a Ski Resort That Fits Your Level of Skiing

Are you a seasoned skier or is it your first time on the slopes? There’s a lot to consider before booking a skiing holiday, but if it is your first time on the slopes, it is essential to pick a beginner-friendly ski resort.

Although almost all ski resorts have slopes suitable for first times skiers, it can be advantageous to pick a smaller ski resort with a wide array of green slopes. Once you get the hang of it, you can advance onto the steeper blue slopes and work your way to up.

Whatever your level, treat the mountain with a little humility. Even the professionals fall sometimes. Are you completely new to the slopes? Give yourself a few days, enjoy the breakthroughs and book a skiing lesson. A good instructor will help you get more comfortable on the slopes and you’ll enjoy your skiing even more.

Think About Booking Services You Might Need On-Site

Are you planning to book extras such as ski or snowboard lessons? It could be a good idea to arrange them in advance. Via My Sunweb you can check what’s available for your trip and add extras to your booking. Getting everything sorted before you leave makes arrival smoother and helps you maximise your time on the slopes.

Get in Shape 1–2 Months Before

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned athlete, here are a few tips to help you avoid aches, pains and, most importantly, injury on the slopes. Start building your cardio at least one or two months before your ski trip. To ski well, you also need to strengthen your lower body. Here are three exercises you can easily do at home without equipment:

Squats: Stand tall with your back straight, feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower with control while inhaling, keeping your core engaged and knees tracking over your toes. Exhale as you stand back up. Alternatively, try jump squats to improve your cardio.

Lunges: Step one foot forward into a long stride. Lower your back knee towards the floor. Keep your chest up and your core engaged. Push through your front heel to stand up again. Keep your front knee in line with your toes and your back heel lifted. Breathe in as you go down and breathe out as you come up.

Planks: Great for developing core strength. With your forearms on the floor and your toes tucked, hold the position for 20–60 seconds whilst keeping your body in a straight line and your core engaged. Rest, then repeat.

How to Pack Before Leaving for a Ski Holiday: Think Simple and Practical

Pack only warm, comfortable clothing. Worried you’ll forget something? To prepare for your ski holiday, here are the essential clothes and accessories to pack:

If it’s very cold: In the French Alps, Austria and Italy, temperatures often drop below zero. That’s why it’s essential to pack the right clothing. The simplest approach is the three-layer rule:

First layer – breathable: Wear close-fitting base layers/thermals that wick moisture and keep you warm without making you sweat.

Second layer – insulating: Wear a fleece for your upper body, plus fleece or thermal leggings for your lower body if needed.

Third layer – protective: Choose a waterproof, windproof ski jacket or parka and ski trousers, with a little room to move. Both should fit comfortably over your layers without feeling tight.

Footwear: Our extremities are very sensitive to the cold, so invest in good waterproof boots and warm ski socks.

Accessories: Cover your extremities, including your head and hands. Take a fleece-lined hat and GORE-TEX (or other waterproof) gloves.

In Case of Bad Weather and Lots of Snow:

It’s not always sunny on the ski slopes… Cold wind and snow may well be part of your ski holiday. In this case, it is very important to choose your goggles carefully. There’s nothing more unpleasant than not seeing the terrain or bumps on the slopes, so opt for anti-fog goggles. Quality gloves are also essential. You want to find a pair that is both waterproof and insulated. As for the jacket, it is best to have a waterproof one in case of snowfall. Staying dry is key! You can also invest in a down jacket for extra warmth.

If It’s Sunny and Warm:

The sun is out! You can then shed a few layers and work on your tan on the ski slopes! But be careful, there are some rules to follow to avoid getting sweaty and uncomfortable while skiing:

Light upper layers: wear base layers that wicks away perspiration and does not get damp.

Protective sunglasses: sunglasses with a category 4 protection factor are best, as they reduce glare by 90%. Think about the colour! This will affect your perception of contrast and brightness. Orange, yellow or pink sunglasses are ideal for low light. Brown sunglasses are great for overcast and cloudy weather. Grey sunglasses are the best for sunny days.