Guide to first time skiing in Dolomites

Your First Ski Trip: FAQ's

1. I've never been on the slopes before - should I ski or snowboard?
In terms of choosing which one is for you, there are a few things to take into consideration:

• Do your friends or family ski or snowboard? If you are going on holiday with a group of skiers, it may be better for you to ski so then they can help you to start out.
  Similarly if your friends/family are boarders it may be best to board.
• Both are easy to pick up. It can be argued that skiing has become easier to learn and that you can be pretty competent after a weeks holiday. When you start snowboarding you should advance pretty quickly, (after spending a little time on your bottom!). This sport is relatively easy to pick up.

Learning depends on practice and confidence, and if you're happy to throw yourself on the floor, laugh and get straight back up again then you will progress more quickly, whether you are skiing or boarding.

2. I'm a complete beginner, which resort should I pick?
There are some great resorts for beginners throughout Italy . Choose a resort that has:

• A good nursery slope area
• Good snow record. there's nothing worse than ice or rocks when you're learning.
  Accessible beginners area, so you don't have to queue up for a busy gondola or walk for miles with your equipment.
• Resort that has other activities, so that if it does all go horribly wrong, you have other activities to interest you off the slopes.
• 'Weather proof' resorts are also a good choice, so that you can shelter from the weather in a blizzard, or enjoy wide sunny slopes instead of dark, shadowing runs.

Please contact us for advice - info@skiingitaly.net

3. I'm going on my first ski holiday this year but don't want to spend lots on equipment and clothing in case I don't enjoy myself - can I hire all my skiing equipment ?
Yes - you can hire your clothing in UK , majority of ski shops will be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
You can hire all your ski equipment when you arrive at the ski resort. The prices are between 40 - 70 euros per set and usually there are hire shops at the bottom of the ski lift - all you need is your passport and you do not need to book it.

4. I'm going skiing for the first time but the rest of my group have all been going for many years. I don't want to spend a week on my own, but don't want to hold them back by waiting for me... What options do I have, and how long will it take to become as good as my friends?

• Book yourself into a good ski school - either a British run ski school, or a local ski school with a very good reputation as you are more than likely to be put in a group of English speaking people of a similar standard. It's a great way of meeting people and making new friends. It is also great for your confidence, as skiing/riding with a group of people who are much better than you, especially when you are learning, can knock your confidence and be intimidating.
  We can organise this for you so you as long as you notify us in advance (no charge).

For the details of how to book your Skiing Holiday, please follow the advice on our step by step pages. Please do not forget to check out our ski guide pages to familiarise yourself with the skiers code.