Find brief answers to many frequently asked questions regarding skiing and our ski vacation site. We hope you'll find the information on this web page useful and we will be happy to assist you in planning and booking your trip. SkiVacation.com is constantly growing and will keep adding more and more skiing data in order to improve this ski travelling site and make it better meet your needs. If you have any other questions regarding skiing, instruction or resorts, please don't hesitate write to us using our Contact Us page and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- How dangerous is skiing?
- As a beginner, should I rent or buy my own equipment?
- Do I really need to spend a bunch of money on expensive ski clothing?
- How should I get started?
- Is traveling to and from the resorts easy?
- Can anyone learn how to ski?
- How long should my vacation be?
- Which resort should I pick if I only speak English?
- Do I need to pay in order to use your travelling site?
- How can I contact your travelling site?
- How dangerous is skiing?
Skiing is about as safe or as dangerous as you make it. While there is always some danger in the sport, most problems are due to pilot error. Pay close attention to posted signs They're There For A Reason! Ski in control and within your own limits. Don't ski in closed areas.
The injury rate for skiing has been fairly level at about 3 injuries per thousand skier-days. These injuries include everything from minor bumps and cuts to broken necks. The most common of all ski injuries are to the thumb and knee.
- As a beginner, should I rent or buy my own equipment?
Rent. Don't even consider buying your own skiing gear until you've tried out a few different types of equipment. Most rental shops will allow you to rent either basic or demo gear. The basic rental gear is good for the first few times on skis but you should rent some demo gear before purchasing your own equipment.
It is not recommended to borrow any equipment from friends. Even if they do happen to be your exact size and level of skiing, at the very least you should have the bindings inspected and adjusted by a qualified technician.
- Do I really need to spend a bunch of money on expensive ski clothing?
Yes and no. Expensive clothes are not necessary. If you're working on a budget then a pair of wool pants, a good warm hat, a good pair of gloves and a warm jacket will work just fine.
DON'T FORGET: If you get cold you won't have a good time.
If you are going to buy yourself proper equipment for all weather skiing, then take a look at this helpful list:
- Buy silk or polypro ski socks and thermal underwear.
- Buy stretch pants or a lined shell. Stretch pants are usually warm but may not be all that waterproof. Shells are usually more versatile but many people don't think they look as good.
- Wear various layers over the torso which may include a polypropylene pull-over and wool sweaters.
- Wear a light gore-tex or similar kind of jacket. Heavy lined parkas are warm for those storm days but you can get the same warmth and far more versatility by layering underneath a shell.
- Wear a hat or headband to protect your ears from the cold.
- Always have either a good set of mittens or gloves. Mittens are clumsy, but have less surface area for heat loss. Good gloves can be a bit more expensive.
- How should I get started?
The only place to start learning to ski is taking lessons. Even if you think you're an accomplished skier, you should probably take some lessons. Alpe d'Huez is known as a good place for beginners, but most areas offer extremely attractive "first time skier" packages. These packages will often include ski gear, a pass and instruction at a very low price.
Many resorts have ski clubs that offer free instruction. You get free instruction and always have someone to ski with. Besides the discount rates, when you take the bus you save yourself from angst that comes with driving home in blowing snowstorms after a long day skiing.
- Is traveling to and from the resorts easy?
It depends where you're going and on what time of the year. Some ski resorts are close to international airports, but others will require a long drive, and it is sometimes best that you book a car in advance. Coose your destination and then make sure you have a way of getting there with ease and safety.
- Can anyone learn how to ski?
Anyone who is in good health and willing to learn can master skiing. Some, as with anything, will find it more difficult than others, but as long as you practice the technique you are sure to improve gradually.
- How long should my vacation be?
It depends on where you want to go and what you're planning to do. Some resorts are distant and will take a day just to get there - especially for tourists travelling from North America to Europe. Others are closer, but will require greater skill and more practice before you can attempt the steeper slopes. If you're planning on taking a course you need to know how long it is beforehand, so you don't end up paying for a full instruction and leaving in the middle. The secret is simple - plan ahead.
- Which resort should I pick if I only speak English?
Most ski resorts are used to tourist and will have at least several stadd members (if not all) that will be fluent in English.
- Do I need to pay in order to use your travelling site?
Using the tourist tips and skiing info at SkiVacation.com is completely free of charge. You will only need to pay if you want to book flights, hotels and cars through our website.
- How can I learn more about your website?
Try the About SkiVacation.com for more details.
