First time on winter sports

Are you planning to go on winter sports for the first time this winter? A wonderful prospect! In this blog, we list everything you need to know so that you can relax and not stress during your first winter sports adventure. From the basics of winter sports to the different destinations, the rules on the pistes or the necessary equipment. All important aspects for beginning winter sports enthusiasts are covered.

Table of contents

• The appeal of winter sports
• Winter sports countries
• The different types of pistes
• Ski lifts and the ski pass
• Rules on the pistes
• Off-piste adventures
• More than just skiing and snowboarding
• Equipment and clothing
• Accommodation and travel
• Tips for beginners

The appeal of winter sports

Winter sports are more than just descending snow-covered pistes. It is also enjoying clean skies, stunning mountain landscapes, the magic of snow and getting away from it all. It can also be done in many ways. For instance by skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or (snowshoeing) hiking. As a visitor to this blog, you will probably focus on one of the first two.

Winter sports countries

Winter sports lovers are in luck as there are plenty of destinations to choose from. The most popular destinations are in the Alps: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. But countries like Andorra, Norway, Spain, the Czech Republic and Sweden also boast excellent ski resorts. Of course, winter sports are not limited to Europe. For instance, excellent winter sports areas can also be visited in Canada and the United States.

Among Dutch people, Austria is by far the most popular winter sports destination, but each country has its own charm and unique characteristics. In addition, each ski area is also different. From areas that mainly focus on young people to areas that mainly have facilities for families. So it is definitely worth researching beforehand which country and area suits you best.

Especially in the Alpine countries, you can find very large ski areas. In some cases, all kinds of measures have also been taken over time to connect nearby ski areas. Sometimes this even allows winter sports enthusiasts to ski or snowboard all day, without having hit the same piste more than once. It is good to know that in popular areas, public transport is often excellently organised as well. So if you end up in another ski area, you can often take the bus back to your accommodation in addition to the pistes.

The different types of pistes

On the pistes, that's where the holidays take place in particular! But what exactly is a piste? A piste is a marked route specially prepared for winter sports enthusiasts. There are different levels of pistes, marked with different colours: green for beginners, blue for slightly advanced winter sportsmen, red for advanced skiers and black for the real experts. Each level offers its own challenges and corresponding excitement.

In countries like Austria, Germany and Italy, they do not know green pistes. In these countries, blue runs are considered the easiest. There is also a yellow piste, but you will rarely come across it. Such pistes are marked but not groomed. Yellow pistes are considered the most difficult.

A ski area consists of at least one, but more often several pistes. As a beginner, it is obviously wise to choose a ski area with enough green and/or blue pistes. Some areas even have pistes completely dedicated to winter sports people taking lessons. Some examples are Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Austria, Les Deux Alpes in France, or Saas-Fee in Switzerland.

Ski lifts and the ski pass

Before you can descend on your skis or board, you need to go uphill, of course. Fortunately, there are all kinds of ski lifts in the ski area for this purpose. We distinguish 3 different types: drag lifts, chair lifts and gondola/cable cars.

Drag lifts are mainly used for short and/or flatter stretches and come in different forms, but in all cases you are dragged upwards. This can be done by placing some kind of anchor or rod between the legs or behind the buttocks, or by holding something.

Chairlifts (surprisingly) feature a chair and also come in different shapes and sizes. Both in luxury and comfort and in the number of people they are built for. The common denominator is that you sit in them and have little to no protection from wind or rain.

Gondola/cable cars are the most comfortable versions of ski lifts. Fully shielded from the outside air and regulated with heating, these sometimes take you as far as the lower mountain peaks. This type of ski lift is mainly used for covering longer distances.

To use all these ski lifts, you need a ski pass in most areas. Such a ski pass needs to be purchased once and is then valid for a certain period of time for all ski lifts in the respective ski area.

Rules on the pistes

To ensure everyone can enjoy the pistes safely, some basic rules apply within each ski resort. Respect other skiers and snowboarders, give way to the person skiing in front of you, keep your speed under control. Especially in crowded areas. Follow directions and warning signs on the pistes. It is also important not to stop in the middle of the piste or in a spot that is out of sight, for both your safety and the safety of others. These are some important rules that do apply in every ski area, but each ski area may have many additional rules. It is wise to read these carefully before you actually hit the pistes.

Off-piste adventures

Off-piste skiing and snowboarding is for the truly adventurous. Off-piste means going off the marked trails and into the world of untouched powder. This is not the terrain for beginners. In fact, off-piste can be dangerous. Especially if you don't know what you are doing. Off-piste is also the world of the possibility of avalanches. Therefore, focus first on skiing and snowboarding on groomed pistes.

More than just skiing and snowboarding

Winter sports resorts have so much more to offer than just the pistes. After a day on the pistes, you can enjoy the famous après-ski. The terraces and bars where you can relax, party, and make new friends. In the afternoon, you can often also have a delicious lunch at a restaurant on the pistes. In addition, many resorts offer wellness facilities such as spas, saunas and thermal baths to relax your muscles and indulge after a day of relaxation. There are also ski resorts with winter hiking trails where you can hike and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. By the way, this is not standard for every ski resort. So if you plan to go hiking during your ski holiday, it is important to take this into account when booking.

Equipment and clothing

Don't forget to bring suitable clothing (warm and waterproof), a good pair of gloves, ski goggles, and sunscreen. We strongly recommend wearing a helmet. In some ski resorts, it is even compulsory. When you start winter sports, it is not necessarily necessary to buy everything right away. After all, you also need to find out a bit about your style. Fortunately, it is quite easy to rent most ski and snowboard gear. You can do that in the ski resorts themselves, but it could also be possible to rent the equipment in your city. Renting in the ski resorts themselves has the advantage that if something is wrong with the equipment, you can go to the rental company immediately. In addition, you don't have to take the rented equipment with you during your trip. The disadvantage is that it is often a lot more expensive. Also, the time spent queuing and fitting the ski and snowboard gear takes away from your time on the pistes.

Accommodation and travel

Choosing accommodation and transport depends on your budget and personal preferences. You can choose from hotels, chalets or flats. Remember to book your travel and accommodation well in advance, especially during the busy winter sports season. Planning to go on winter sports by car? Then make sure you are well prepared and don't set off without winter tyres and snow chains. Many winter sports enthusiasts choose to spend the night en route, an overnight stay can make the journey a lot more pleasant. Just make sure you book a room on time and that the accommodation is on the route.

Tips for beginners

If this is your first time on the pistes, don't worry. Take it easy and give yourself time to learn skiing and/or snowboarding. If you have the time, you can practise in a ski hall in the Netherlands before you travel. This will make you a lot more confident on the pistes. Also consider taking ski lessons to master the basic skills.

Also remember to take out a good travel insurance in case something goes wrong. Even the most advanced winter sports enthusiasts unfortunately still sometimes get into an accident. In addition, travel insurance can also compensate you in case the ski resort closes due to fog or lack of snow. Do pay close attention to what is covered by your travel insurance. For example, many travel insurance companies do not cover the costs of an accident while skiing off-piste.

An experience to remember

Winter sports are an unforgettable experience that gives you the chance to embrace the beauty of the mountains and feel the thrill of speed and adventure. So get into your skis or snowboard, grab your warm clothes, and prepare for an unforgettable holiday in the snowy mountains!