Five tips for first-time skiers in Avoriaz

Forget packing light, your destination is the snowy French Alps. Here in Avoriaz we have all our fingers crossed for another very white winter, so you’ll need all the layers you can bring. Make sure your ski wear is waterproof, as there’s no saving you from the chill if you get wet. There’s nothing worse than being too cold on the mountain and hand warmers are a life-saver if you’re especially sensitive to the cold. Re-usable ones from the likes of Mountain Warehouse are ideal, and as you’ll only need one pair, so they won’t take up much room in your luggage.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have started watching ski films to get you stoked for your trip. Don’t be fooled by the pros, it’s not as easy as they make it look. If you’re thinking about winging your first time on the slopes, I’d strongly advise you to think again. Ski lessons may not be cheap, but they are priceless in terms of building your ability and confidence on the piste. There are many highly qualified ski and Snowboard instructors in Avoriaz. Amongst the top ski schools in this resort are PDS Academy, Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, and Mint Snowboarding. They all offer group and private lessons, tailored to your ability.

Most people go on holiday to relax, however if you’re disorganised, a ski holiday will be anything but relaxing. Fortunately there are ways to make your stay in resort stress free, and booking certain elements ahead of your arrival is key. Ski and snowboard hire can be time consuming and also more expensive if you don’t pre-book. Check out Snowbrainer to compare prices of hire from a number of the shops in town. This website provides you with the best deals and offers high quality equipment and a friendly service for their customers. Plus, if you book online you can get up to 50% off the price of hiring in store. Win-win. Ski passes are also available online. There are lots of lift pass options for you to choose from, which can be quite overwhelming if you’re arranging your pass at the ticket office. Instead, check out the various ski passes online, decide which one would be best for you, and book it now for collection in resort.

If you’re not a parent, and therefore have no constraints regarding when you can take your holiday, do not, I repeat DO NOT travel in February. As dramatic as this may sound, I can assure you that your first ski experience will be far better if you visit any other month of the season. February is the month in which schools from all over Europe close for one week each and so family holiday season begins.

It is the busiest month for ski schools, so booking a lesson will be harder and potentially more expensive. Lift queues will be hellish, even with an instructor guiding you through them, and the slopes will be packed with people, all of whom are hazards when you are learning to ski. January is usually the best time to visit Avoriaz, as the snow is almost guaranteed to be good, the slopes are quieter and the flights are cheaper.

This resort and the surrounding area are breathtakingly beautiful. Even though you are coming to learn something new, it must be an enjoyable experience, so take time to appreciate the views, relax and make the most of your time here. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not an Olympic standard skier within a matter of days. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and even the intermediate skiers on the slopes could still do with a lesson here and there. For the best time, be organised, keep warm and have fun.