Après Ski
What to expect when hitting the slopes for the first time.
As a skiing newbie, I was terrified when the day came for me to put on my skis. Thankfully, I know many people who can and have learnt to ski recently and was pleasantly reassured when they told me it takes a while to get it.
Last February I was lucky enough to attend my boyfriend’s annual skiing holiday in the remote but beautiful village of Courmayeur, just 20 minutes from the Mont Blanc tunnel. If you are someone who like me, is very impatient then skiing isn’t for you. One of the things I had the most trouble with was accepting that I wasn’t a pro off the bat! Despite my one lesson at the local snow centre, I was like Bambi on ice… if you think I am being dramatic try it yourself. Skiing is something that takes a while to understand, so be patient- I promise it clicks.
For four days I hated skiing. I couldn’t understand why people would pay all this money and spend all this time on something that was uncomfortable and cold. Not to sound dramatic but nothing prepares you for the pain your shins are about to be in, not to mention your knees. The inward motion of a snow-plough, which is very important to master, breaks them. Due to my entourage being next to professional (in my eyes) I was almost forced into learning how to ski and quickly.
If I am to be honest, the lifts are just as scary as the skiing itself. Absolutely do not sit down on a button lift, I learnt the hard way that the small seats do not support you. Equally, try not to drop anything when ascending on a chair lift as some poor soul will have to venture very much off-piste to retrieve it- I definitely didn’t do this either. The gondolas are the best, the views you get whilst feeling somewhat safe in your tiny bubble are breath-taking and if you do happen to drop a pole (oops) it doesn’t fall into the snow.
One thing I would recommend is having some lessons when you are out there. Experiencing skiing in a snow centre in the UK is nothing like being on top of a mountain in Italy with fresh snow. Those lessons really help build up your technique and confidence- which is soon completely knocked when you see the tiny 5-year-old kids zooming past you with no fear. As hard as it is, trust yourself. The only way to get better is to push yourself and this was something I really struggled with when it came to going on a proper slope, I was terrified that I wouldn’t make it to the bottom but sure enough, I did and it was such a proud moment. I found that increasing your speed slightly also makes turning a lot easier but take it at your own pace and try not to be put off by all the locals whooshing past you tutting.
When it comes to skiwear, it is very important to wrap up but also do not overwrap. Whilst I was in the midst of minus ten degrees, you do break a sweat when you’re on the go. A good pair of ski socks are a necessity, along with goggles and gloves but take it easy on the thermals. I, however, wore thousands of layers on the first day so not only was I very restricted but I was also boiling. A stretchy but also fitted pair of ski trousers are also ideal so that you can have the freedom when it comes to turning and snow ploughing.
By the time the sun sets, you are knackered. Italy seems like the best place to go skiing as the food is unparalleled. The pizza and pasta hit the spot, along with a glass of wine to soothe the dull ache from your ski boots. Early nights are also a must, listen to your body at eight pm when all you crave is your bed- remember you have just stomped up and down a mountain for five hours.
On the last day of my holiday, I could easily say I enjoyed skiing down the slope rather than being filled with sheer terror. I finally came to terms with how to turn, a skill that can get you safely down any slope. Learning to laugh at yourself when you fall is what makes the holiday so fun. Some of our best laughs came from the biggest falls, so loosen up and embrace the snow.
By Isobel Varley
Image courtesy of courmayeur-montblanc