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Top tips for first time skiers in Meribel winter 2018/19
Five things for learners to consider this coming season
Going skiing for the first time can seem daunting. Spending all day outside in the cold, on top of the mountains, sliding down the hill on two slippery planks that have no brakes. It can sound a little bit crazy.
But in actual fact, skiing can be an enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family, exploring beautiful scenery of the Three Valleys, whilst enjoying a fun activity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your first time skiing in Méribel, don’t worry - we’ve got 5 tips to make your first time go smoothly.
Take your time on day one
If skiing to Courchevel or Val Thorens are on your bucket list for the week, it might be best to not go for it on day one. Be patient your first day on the slopes. You won’t learn everything in one go, so don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. You’re learning a new skill that takes time. A good instructor will lead you through and make sure that you have learned what is necessary before pushing you on. Skiing often is a big game of confidence, and if you learn each skill thoroughly at the beginning, you’ll advance onto the next steps with more belief in your own abilities. If you’re busy rushing from one skill to the next, you may find yourself struggling halfway through the week and have to go back to square one. No sturdy house was built on bad foundations.
Take advantage of the designated beginners areas
Méribel has designated beginner areas to help make your first time a good one. These are situated out of the way of other slopes and speedy skiers, so you’ll be taking your first turns in a quiet area of the mountain with other beginners. The Altiport is a great wide open green run, just at the top of the Rhodos chairlift, along with some fun areas for the kids. There are also two magic carpets in Méribel Mottaret (one in the Yeti park) with small, gentle slopes. Magic carpets make it super easy for beginners as you don’t have to worry about mastering lifts right away. Essentially it’s like a conveyor belt going up the hill, and if you can stand up, you can get to the top of the slope.
Prepare in advance
Often, the key to success in life is being prepared, and skiing is no different. The last thing you want is to start your holiday mornings with faff, confusion, and stress, but luckily a lot of that can be prevented through some good preparation. Get your gear organised the night before. Set out all your clothing and equipment so that it’s ready to go and you won’t spend 10 precious minutes looking for that one lost sock. Double check all your ski equipment the night before (usually ski hire will do this with you) to ensure it all fits properly, and everything is in working order.
Figure out how to get down to the slopes. Depending where you’re staying in Méribel you might have to take the bus to the Chaudanne (the big flat area at the base of the slopes). Find bus times and scope out the bus stop nearest you the night before. Know where you’re meeting your instructor. The Chaudanne is a busy place. Sort out in advance where exactly you need to meet your instructor, and keep the meeting point map handy on your phone, along with their phone number just in case.
Get the right gear
Freezing hands, soggy toes, and soaked jackets are nothing you want to be dealing with during your first foray on skis. Having the right equipment and gear is key to feeling good on the slopes. Wear air-wicking layers. Be sure to wear layers from non-cotton materials to help wick away the sweat. We highly recommend merino wool, but there are a number of synthetic materials that work well also. Layers are key too as weather on the mountains can change pretty quickly. You’re much better off wearing thinner items that you can chop and change as the weather does, rather than big, bulky jumpers. Make sure your kit is waterproof. From gloves to salopettes, make sure all your outer layers keep you super dry. Plain and simple, rent beginners skis. Skis come in all variations, and beginner skis are specifically made for first-timers. They are usually relatively short, light and soft, with a fair degree of shape, making it really easy to turn.
Learn alongside a professional
We often hear of people trying to save some cash by giving it a go without instruction, or worse yet, with a few tips from a friend or partner. Cue alarm bells. Saving some money by skipping lessons might be a short term solution, but generally you’re setting yourself up to collect a handful of bad habits that you’ll eventually have to pay an instructor to help you get rid of. Plus we don’t want to see you ending your first day on the slopes with shouting, tears and tantrums on the piste, all targeted at your significant other. Because being able to ski is one thing. Being able to teach it is a whole ‘nother ball game. Start out alongside a professional at New Generation Ski & Snowboard School, and rest assured that their experienced, fun and professional instructors will get you up and skiing safely, with no bad habits in tow. Ready to give skiing a go?
Thanks to New Generation Ski & Snowboard for their insights on skiing in Meribel in 2018/19. New Generation is breaking down ski barriers with their Learn to Ski package. Beginners receive an extra lesson on Monday afternoon absolutely free, to get you up and about sooner. Meaning more independence and fun, and hopefully, a better holiday.
