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Ski holidays can be magical, but they require a good dose of planning ahead, especially the first-time round. Here’s how to pick the right resort and gear, and get your body ready for the slopes / By Guy Halamish, “Outpanel” Online Travel Magazine 6 tips for the perfect ski trip

01 Where to stay and when Skiing requires snow, and a lot of it, so peak season is always going to be the best time to go on a ski trip, i.e., January and February, though resorts at high altitude have snow up to mid-March. December and April are the two ends of the season and there’s no guarantee the snow will be suitable for skiing. 02 What to bring A successful ski trip requires quality skiwear and gear. Ski jackets, pants, gloves, and socks are absolute must-haves, and it’s highly recommended to pack thermal breathable underwear as well. Ski hats are less popular these days as skiing with helmets is now the standard; and don’t forget to bring ski goggles with you! It isn’t necessary to buy the most expensive items, though it’s paramount you ensure your gear is of good quality. 03 Opt for all-inclusive package deals and choose a hotel that’s near the ski lifts If you’re going on your first ski trip, all-inclusive package deals are the way to go, i.e., ones that cover the flights, hotel, ski passes, gear, and ski lessons. This will save you precious time and avoid organizational pitfalls. Make sure your hotel is close to the ski lifts or directly situated by the slopes. Walking more than a few meters with ski boots on, to a bus or a ski lift, is no fun at all.

Photo: Eugene Levit

04 Rent your ski gear on-site If your package deal doesn’t include ski gear, talk to the staff at your resort’s rental shop. They’ll help you pick what you need. There’s no need to schlep heavy equipment on the plane! 05 Only take lessons form a professional instructor Don’t try to learn to ski on your own! The best way to start having fun on the slopes is taking lessons from a professional. Bypassing lessons would be a grave error as you could potentially injure yourself. Ski requires technique so you need a pro to show you the ropes.

06 Get your body ready Preparing your body for a ski trip is highly recommended. A combination of cardio and strength training (leg muscles in particular) should do the trick. Being tired makes you prone to injuries and falls, so make sure you rest on the third day of your holiday. That way you won’t tire out. Explore the nearby town or do some shopping and get back on the slopes on the following day – you’ll feel totally energized for the rest of your holiday.

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ATMOSPHERE DECEMBER 2022