USEFUL TIPS & TRICKS.
We hope you find these tips and tricks useful to help you, your friends or family enjoy a relaxed and fun holiday on the slopes this winter.
TIPS FOR LITTLE PEEPS.
Helmets are compulsory for all children taking lessons with us. If your kids are snowboarding with us we also we recommend wrist guards and protective impact shorts. On the last day of their course of lessons we give all children an achievement medal and an Oxypass booklet with the level they have achieved signed by their instructor. There is no need to equip children skiing in groups lower than 2nd Ski with ski poles as they may hinder rather than help their progression. With smaller children we will often have a short mid-morning hot chocolate break if needed so think to put a few euros in their jacket pocket each morning. Encourage your child to drink lots of water, the alpine air is generally dry and cold and will make them more thirsty than usual. Ensure your child is wearing warm, dry and comfortable clothing including a thermal layer, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles. Generally your little one will better off feeling too warm rather than too cold at altitude. Do check they are comfortable in their ski boots and don’t be tempted to double up on socks, one pair of socks is better than two. Finally, try to keep their boots in a warm, dry place overnight so they have dry toasty boots to start their lesson the next morning.
TIPS FOR LITTLE PEEPS.
Safety: Helmets are compulsory for all children taking lessons with us. If your kids are snowboarding with us we also we recommend wrist guards and protective impact shorts.
Medal ceremony: On the last day of their course of lessons we give all children an achievement medal and an Oxypass booklet with the level they have achieved signed by their instructor.
Equipment: There is no need to equip children skiing in groups lower than 2nd Ski with ski poles as they may hinder rather than help their progression. Ensure your child is wearing warm, dry and comfortable clothing including a thermal layer, gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles. Generally your little one will better off feeling too warm rather than too cold at altitude. Do check they are comfortable in their ski boots and don’t be tempted to double up on socks, one pair of socks is better than two. Finally, try to keep their boots in a warm, dry place overnight so they have dry toasty boots to start their lesson the next morning.
Break time: With smaller children we will often have a short mid-morning hot chocolate break if needed so think to put a few euros in their jacket pocket each morning. Encourage your child to drink lots of water, the alpine air is generally dry and cold and will make them more thirsty than usual.
BEFORE HANDING YOUR CHILD OVER TO US.
Please make sure that they have been to the toilet, they have their lift pass, a snack, some money and slip a little card in their pocket with your key information just in case. We recommend you include: your full name, where you are staying, your mobile telephone number and any pertinent medical information.
GROWN UPS
We recommend all adults skiing with us wear a helmet. Helmets are compulsory for snowboarders joining lessons with us, and we recommend wrist guards and impact protective shorts for safety and comfort too. If you’re a beginner skier, you won’t need ski poles to begin with. Do make sure you are dressed appropriately wearing thermals if the weather is cold and always wear gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles (the mountain sun is stronger than it seems). Make sure you feel comfortable in your boots – one pair of socks is best and store your boots in a warm, dry place overnight. For anyone joining our off-piste groups or private off-piste lessons we suggest you bring some energy/snack bars, water and a mobile phone.
GROWN UPS.
Safety: We recommend all adults skiing with us wear a helmet. Helmets are compulsory for snowboarders joining lessons with us, and we recommend wrist guards and impact protective shorts for safety and comfort too.
Equipment: If you’re a beginner skier, you won’t need ski poles to begin with. Do make sure you are dressed appropriately wearing thermals if the weather is cold and always wear gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles (the mountain sun is stronger than it seems). Make sure you feel comfortable in your boots – one pair of socks is best and store your boots in a warm, dry place overnight.
Fuel: For anyone joining our off-piste groups or private off-piste lessons we suggest you bring some energy/snack bars, water and a mobile phone.
MORE USEFUL INFO…
ALL THE GEAR.
Ski boot size and care: Contrary to common belief, your ski boot size should correspond to that of your normal shoes. Boots that are too big for you can ruin your holiday by causing rubbing and bruising. Snug fitting ski boots are best. Dry your boots out each evening by putting them on a ski boot rack or near (but not on) a radiator.
Bindings: Your bindings should be adjusted according to your weight, height and skiing ability. When renting equipment with us our technicians will always ask you certain questions to enable them to set up your bindings correctly. This will ensure your skis release in case of a fall.
Snow blades: Snowblades are not recommended for novice or nervous skiers.
Weather: When heading out skiing always ensure that you and your kids are equipped with a pair of sunglasses, warm gloves, woolly hat, warm clothes and sun protection cream, even in cloudy weather.
Ski storage on the slopes: Never leave your ski equipment unattended on the slopes. If you stop for lunch or a coffee it’s best to separate your skis or cross-pair them with a friend.
Ski poles: It is dangerous to ski with poles that have lost the baskets at the bottom. Come and change your poles at our equipment shops if this happens.
Our tips for choosing ski equipment
Extreme weather: Ensure you have the right equipment to protect you against the cold. Read our blog all about wrapping up warm.
ON THE SLOPES.
Security: Take note of the piste security rules posted around resort and by the lift pass office and pay attention to the avalanche warning rating which is scored from 1-5 (5 being the most dangerous rating).
Return to resort: If you’re planning a long day out, always tell someone where you are intending to go and what time you plan to be back.
Ability: Don’t over-estimate your own abilities. Use the pistes adapted to your level and stay in control of your speed on the slopes.
Tracks: It’s never a good idea to follow someone else’s ski tracks off-piste. You never know where they might lead…
Group size: Don’t go off-piste on your own or if you’re injured or tired as you might not be able to call for help in case of an accident.
White-out: In white-out conditions (heavy snow or fog) stay on the piste and look for the piste markers at the side of the piste. Keep the single colour poles (green, blue, red or black) on your left and the one with an orange top on your right. That way you know you will always be on the piste.