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For the perfect first ski experience: 8 tips to get you organized Skiing trips require a bit of planning, especially if it’s your first one. Our skiing holiday’s beginner’s guide will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered / By Arie Zanzuri

boots are a critical item that must be well-fitted, so opt for leading brands. Items worth purchasing include thermal clothing, a jacket, waterproof ski/snowboard pants (you can also rent them, but if you plan to ski again, it’s a good investment), waterproof ski gloves, ski socks (preferably seamless to prevent them chafing against the boots), and goggles, which are a must. 06 Prepare yourself physically . Skiing requires a significant physical effort. Start strengthening your leg and core muscles around a month prior to your trip, to reduce the risk of injury and enhance balance and flexibility. 07 Insurance and safety. Make sure your insurance covers ski-related issues - regular medical insurance does not cover ski injuries or medical flights. Be aware that UV rays are especially strong when reflected by the snow, so use a high-factor sunscreen and don’t forget to protect your lips. Be mentally prepared for how difficult and exhausting the first day of skiing can be. Make sure you have a good breakfast and drink plenty of water (despite the cold), and get enough rest to let your muscles recover. 08 Post-ski fun. Make sure the town your resort is situated in has restaurants, cafés, spas, etc. so that you have plenty of fun and relaxing après-ski options – crucial to a successful skiing trip.

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01 Picking the right ski resort. Beginners need lots of blue and green trails which are best suited for first-time skiers. Spending money on a huge resort that has only one or two such trails is a waste. 02 Ski lessons. Taking lessons is key to a successful first-time skiing trip. Look for a resort that has a school with experienced teachers, preferably ones who speak English (some even offer lessons with Hebrew-speaking teachers, which can be particularly convenient for children). Make sure the lessons are either included in your package deal or easily purchasable, and check whether you need a ski pass (a personal magnetic card for using the resort’s ski facilities) as a ski school pupil or whether you only need one once you begin to ski independently.

03 Hotel location. Carrying your equipment with your ski boots on can be quite challenging, so proximity of the hotel to the lifts and resort center is a huge advantage. Look for hotels located near the slopes or that have a convenient shuttle service. 04 Value for money. Resorts in Eastern Europe (like Bansko in Bulgaria or Špindlerův Mlýn in the Czech Republic) are often considered more budget-friendly and better options for first-time skiers. 05 Equipment. First-time skiers are mostly advised to rent the heavy equipment at the resort itself and only buy clothing items. Make sure you get skis (or snowboards) and poles that are appropriate for your level. Ski/board

10 ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2025