Top 5 tips for first time skiers in Les Arcs 2019
Hitting the snow? Be in the know like an absolute pro
Whether you are skiing or snowboarding for the first time EVER or this is simply your first visit to Les Arcs, you have already started off well by choosing a great ski area with pistes suitable for everyone.
To help you continue your snow-bound journey, here are some handy hints to help you get the most out of your holiday.
Be prepared, mentally and physically!
Familiarise yourself with the area by studying the lift and resort maps. These will tell you various useful things, such as the location of beginners’ areas, toilets, cash machines, slopeside eateries, any runs you might want to hit up (it is particularly worth noting the pistes which lead you back to your home resort) and even picnic areas. If it is your first time on the slopes be aware of the FIS rules for conduct, they ensure everyone can have a fun (and safe) time on the hill.
Get in shape before your holiday. Strength and cardio are essential components of any sporting activity. Stretching or yoga every day while you’re away will really help to prevent muscle fatigue, reducing the risk of injury and giving you the stamina to keep going all week long.
Don’t overdo it
You are on holiday after all. Practically everyone knows the fable of the hare and the tortoise and, although I don’t remember the race being held on snow, I am pretty sure the lesson converts to both skiing and snowboarding: if you go off too fast, you will be asleep in the chalet by mid-afternoon, whilst everyone else is enjoying a ‘sensible’ après ski drink in the local bar. Take regular breaks. Resting and refuelling will help you to stay warm, relaxed and focused. When you are tired and stressed you are more likely to get frustrated, risking damage to both your confidence and yourself. Carry pocket-sized, lift-friendly snacks like nuts or chocolate bars and regularly take on rehydrating fluids. You can always schedule a long lunch, simultaneously giving you the chance to enjoy some outstanding views and the local Savoyard fayre.
Book a post-ski leg and foot massage to revitalise your limbs and guarantee you are fighting fit for the next morning. Perhaps most importantly, know your limits: it is best to build up your skills, confidence, skiing muscles and speed day-by-day (i.e. if you have done a bunny-hop off a small kicker, practice some of the intermediate stages before attempting a quad cork 1800).
Ski social
Even if it is just you and one other beginner, the mountains are more fun with friends. You can laugh together, learn together, boost each other’s confidence and be there for one another when you fall or lose your way. Skiing with a more experienced friend can also be advantageous, just remember to play to your strengths and not over-exert yourself.
Take a lesson (or two)
There are dedicated expert instructors all over the mountain who love teaching people how to make the most of their skiing holidays. There are also plenty of people in the same (metaphorical) boat as you (note to complete novices, there are no boats allowed on the slopes). So, if you are with a group of newbies, why not pool your knowledge and resources to book some on-piste professional tuition?
Kit appropriately
For many beginners, it is a great idea to hire your hardware. There is no need to splash out loads of cash on skis or snowboards for your first trip. You might decide that you would prefer the “other” code (snowboarding or skiing), that you should have bought a “park” ‘board or powder skis, or even that you don’t like snow at all (although that’s pretty unlikely). Ski shops stock brand-new equipment, will match your gear to your ability and will generally swap skis/’boards and/or boots if you want to try something slightly different. Another useful side-effect of hiring your equipment is not having to cart all your stuff through the airport on the way to resort.
Try to dress in layers. The best way to keep warm, or cool, in the sometimes extremely cold (or hot) weather conditions is to layer up from a good base. And wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. Fortunately, I can give you more than one tip, so I am going to add HAVE FUN!
Read more from our Les Arcs reporter Sam on his blog.
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