Booked your first ski vacation?

You may well feel daunted by the prospect of heading up into the mountains, surrounded by people who have more experience skiing than you.

You shouldn’t let this overwhelm you, though. Everyone is a beginner at one time or another. Your first ski vacation should be an unforgettable experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.

There are certain things you should do on your first skiing trip to make it all it can be – let’s take a look …

Don’t be Afraid to Actually Ski

Some people might like the idea of a skiing vacation, but feel too intimidated or afraid to actually ski.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with this. You can absolutely spend time relaxing at the lodge, walking through the beautiful surroundings, maybe even head down to the local town.

However, if you go all that way and let fear keep you off those skis, you may regret it. Consider taking lessons with an instructor, and let a trusted friend or family-member help you – you may just be surprised by how much you like it.

Try Snowshoeing

In some resorts, you may be able to hire a pair of snowshoes and go exploring.

This is a terrific way to explore your alpine environment, get some exercise, and do something a little different.

Snowshoeing takes some getting used to, and can leave you feeling tired faster than you expect, but it’s an experience everyone visiting a ski resort should try.

Step onto a Snowboard Instead

You may be able to try snowboarding at your alpine resort. If you get the chance to, do it!

This is a totally different discipline to skiing. First of all, you have no poles to help, and need a strong sense of balance to stay upright. You’ll also develop your core control as you twist and turn to guide yourself along the slopes.

Without doubt, snowboarding is one of the coolest of all winter sports, and can add a faster, more exhilarating dimension to your first ski vacation. If you’ve never tried it before, take snowboarding lessons and invest in decent gear.

Let Yourself be Pampered

Had enough skiing and/or snowboarding? It’s time to relax at the lodge and enjoy a taste of luxury.

Quality resorts provide spa treatments for their guests, ranging from head-massages and pedicures to more exotic treats, such as hot-stone massages.

This can help you relax and unwind, but also ensures your body gets a little care after being out in the cold for hours on end. You may prefer this if you find yourself falling or picking up more bumps and scrapes than you would like.

Strap on your Skates

Ice skating is available at various ski resorts, and allows you to get away from the mountains for a while. If this is your first time, it’s a fun new skill to learn (along with skiing and snowboarding), and is a great way to meet new people.

No matter which ski resort you head to, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the alpine environment or the range of activities on offer. Throw yourself into the atmosphere, pack quality accessories and equipment to keep yourself safe, and remember to have a blast!