SPECIAL EPISODE 4 - A Beginners Guide to Skiing - Everything you Need to Know Before you Go

Hello and welcome back to the Whiteout podcast, your ultimate guide to everything skiing. It's so cool. We're back with episode four of our four-part miniseries in conjunction with Crystal Ski Holidays, your first time skiing. I'm Dom, publisher in the Snow Magazine. It's always great to introduce my trusty co-host, the one and only Rob Stewart. Hi, Dom, and hi to our listeners as well. If you haven't already, make sure to catch up on the first three episodes of this four-part miniseries, and don't forget to check out our other 70 plus episodes of the Whiteout Ski Podcast. Too right, I mean, I've enjoyed this. It's been great. We've had listeners contacting us, telling us about friends and family they've introduced, even grandparents saying that we've been skiing for a long time. And it's great to listen to this and think about taking our grandchildren for the first time. Pretty heartwarming to know that we're doing something useful. What do you think? Well, yeah, I mean, it's really nice to talk about beginning the journey of skiing. Actually, that's very exciting. I like to remind her, isn't it? It is. So just as a reminder to our listeners in episode one, we covered things like understanding the needs of people going skiing in your group, thinking about kids and adults alike, the budget and resort options, travel options, essential packing list and what else you can do before you go skiing to guarantee a fantastic holiday. And in episode two, we talked about how to choose the right resort and what accommodation might work best for you, whether you're looking for an idyllic village vibe, great apres ski or maybe the most beginner friendly slopes. We gave you all the top tips. Then in episode three, we talked about things like safety, including ski lessons and safety on the slopes. And today. So, Dom, what has this episode got in store? We're going to be talking about getting organised to go on your first holiday, including what you might want to do before you go, those quick packing essentials, what you want to buy and what you want to rent and making the most of your ski holiday when you arrive, what it's going to be like when you arrive and resort, what it's going to feel like generally getting excited about being there. Yeah, all too often you hear people say that they don't really want to go ski because it's cold, but the temperatures you experience in a ski resort, they feel very different from the cold you experience in the UK. Really, what we're all keen to do is dispel some of those myths and ensure people understand that skiing is brilliant fun for all ages, from young kids like four years old, right up to pretty fit people in their 60s, 70s and even beyond. All right. And it's not only for toffs or rich people either. It can be done on a sensible budget. It really can. And it's almost certainly going to be the best holiday you've ever had. We would encourage you to talk to the experience team at Crystal, discuss your needs, budget and desires and what you want from your holiday, because in our experience and many friends and families that we've introduced to skiing, it really does end up being the irreplaceable annual holiday. Heaps of fun, laughter in a healthy, clean air environment that happens to also be exceptionally beautiful. There's nothing to fault there, Don. Yeah, you're absolutely right there, Rob. It is for all ages and all types of people. I recall taking somebody skiing for the first time about 10 years ago. I think he was in his mid to late 30s and came away saying that what he found particularly interesting was the minute he told people at work that he was going skiing, it was almost a rite of passage that you won't be contactable. You'll be in the middle of the mountains and you're going to experience this amazing holiday that no one expects to be contacted on. I think that's a really nice thing about being in the mountains. Although you do get mobile signal and Wi-Fi, you tend to find nobody really gets down to any work when they're there. People just use it as a holiday. Yeah, it's absolutely true, Don. When you're skiing, you're really focused in the minute and you need that kind of time as well. It's a bit like meditation in that way. And I think it's one of the big appeals of skiing. You can't be thinking about what else is happening outside that little bubble for a week, even a day when you're on the slopes. Turn your phone on to silent and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. That's what we always say. We love it. Anyway, let's get stuck in to what's first up in this episode, Don. Yeah, first things first, we are going to cover some of the things we've covered in previous episodes. We're going to really nub it down so you know exactly what you're doing in terms of getting organized. We're going to talk about the core essentials, things you don't want to forget. So number one might sound basic, but trust me, you're going to need a ski jacket and salopettes. These are your outer layers. They're crucial for warmth and protection against the wind and snow. You'll want them to be waterproof, insulated, breathable. Look for something that you like the look of, but also that's going to keep you warm. Think about your own body temperature when you're really hot at home, in which case maybe think about things that aren't too thick. But if you're really cold at home, go for the really thick outer layers that are going to keep you warm while you're on the slopes. Yeah, that's key. I mean, along with a jacket and ski trousers or salopettes, as they often refer to, don't forget thermal base layers, right? That's your next must have. Think of them as your first line of defense against the weather, right? Whatever the temperature might be, you know, a good set of merino wool or synthetic material base layers, they'll keep you warm and wick away the sweat so you don't end up freezing after a few runs. Right. Remember, you can get warm when skiing because it's active. So staying dry is really crucial. It doesn't matter if it's warm or cold. You want that moisture wicking away from your body. And that's the key. Yeah, absolutely. Good base layers is the key to everything. Speaking of base layers, don't forget your mid layers as well. If you are somebody who's a bit colder, you can put on a mid layer fleece or a down jacket. The mid layer traps heat and keeps you warm without making you feel like you're in a sauna. It's all about layering. You can add or remove layers depending on the temperature. When you stop in for lunch and the sun's beating down on you, you can take a couple of layers off. Or if you're getting warm when skiing, you can take one layer off. Layering is super important. Yeah, I mean, it's definitely the secret to staying comfortable all day. And obviously another very important area, right? Your hands and your feet, your extremities, as we might say. So you'll definitely need ski gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm. Make sure they're waterproof, ideally breathable and insulated as well. Not like your old woolly gloves that you might wear around town in the UK. They're not suitable because they will get damp and won't be warm enough. So a proper pair of ski gloves or mittens. You don't want soggy hands when you're skiing. And soggy hands would mean cold hands, right? Exactly. And make sure you've got a good pair of ski socks. Wool or synthetic socks work best. Avoid cotton because they hold moisture. You want to pack a couple of pairs of decent socks. Quality of the week is going to be good. So then you can rotate them. Let's also talk about headgear. A ski helmet is an absolute must in our opinion. Keep your head safer in case of any falls or bumps. Also keeps your head warm as well. And don't forget a good set of goggles. Ski goggles are absolutely essential for protecting your eyes from the wind, from snow if it snows, and also UV rays, of course. And they just help you see clearly in all kinds of weather conditions, whether it's sunny or snowy. Yeah, it's a good point. You want these goggles to have anti-fog technology so they don't fog up and mist up with the heat. You know, foggy goggles or goggy foggles are a nightmare when you're trying to see on the slopes. And also maybe take a neck gaiter or a buff that you can put around your neck just in case it is super chilly. And certainly, as you said earlier on, in terms of the cold, it's not like the cold in England. It's not that wet cold, is it? It's a very different type of cold, even if it is freezing cold in a resort. It's a really nice feeling, isn't it? Very, very different. A much drier cold. I often get back from the mountains and the temperatures in the UK, they're generally warmer than in the Alps. I always feel colder. It's just one of those things. I mean, all of those things, they'll keep me comfortable and protected. But what about when you're off the slopes, Dom? And, you know, what are you going to wear? Do you want a casual jacket for apres-ski, something like that? Yeah, exactly. After a day on the slopes, you want to relax and enjoy your time off the mountain. You might want to look great as well. So a good casual jacket, like a puffer jacket or something warm, not too heavy, will do the job for sure. Right. And we can't forget about apres-ski essentials, like comfy shoes, certainly warm shoes or boots for walking around the resort. I mean, trust me, after a day of skiing, your feet will definitely thank you for having a warm, comfy pair of shoes to slip into. Don't forget your dancing shoes, Rob. Well, I mean, any shoes are dancing shoes. Any shoes that you can walk around in the snow on, you can dance in. Yeah, exactly. If you've got a pair of shoes that don't work in the snow, they're probably not suitable for dancing. So definitely think about that shoe wear for around resort. You're not always going to be wading through metres of snow in resort. Quite often, it could just be a little bit of snow or no snow. But it's just thinking about what sort of shoes are going to be right in resort in case it's maybe a little bit slippy or damp as well. And a lot of this gear, like jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles, you'll likely want to take your own. There are renting options online, but we suggest you get organised well in advance. Get it in the house, get it packed before you go. Have a bit of fun getting yourself out before you go away, which is always nice. Yeah, that's true. For the bigger ticket items like ski, ski boots, poles and even helmets. All ski resorts have rental shops where you can grab pretty much everything you need for skiing. So don't worry about buying that for your early ski trips. This can all be organised at the time of booking with Crystal. Rentals are really easy and convenient, and it'll save you from having to lug it all around through airports and all that sort of stuff. The shops are usually right in the resort centre, so very easily found. And either the Crystal app or your in-resort rep can help find the right shop. But even Google Maps on your phone will probably just as easily get you there. Remember, you're going to want to book your rentals in advance to save time and money. It's usually cheaper to pre-book and plan ahead when you're booking your holiday with Crystal, so you can book those rentals all at the same time. Yeah, absolutely. If you're planning on skiing a lot in the future, you can always invest in your own boots, right? Even skis over time. But for your first trip, rentals are definitely a great way to go. Yeah. So quick recap. Must have items on your pack list. Ski jacket and summer pets. Thermal base layers. Mid-layer or fleece jacket or down jacket. Waterproof gloves or mittens. Ski socks. Helmet and goggles. Net gaiter or buff. A casual jacket for out prey. And some casual dancing shoes around the resort. Feel free to drop us any questions if you're unsure about what to bring. So Don, we've talked about what to pack and we mentioned rentals too. But now let's remind everyone and break down that rental process when you're in resort. Yeah, I mean, it's really simple. When you arrive at resort, you'll usually head straight to the rental shop to pick up your skis, boots and poles. It's pretty straightforward process. But there are a few things to keep in mind, because you just want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. And Crystal will hold your hand all the way. True. But first things first, booking in advance is always a good idea. A lot of resorts have online booking systems for ski and ski boot hire. It can save you both time and money. And as we've said, Crystal can do all that for you, too. So it takes the job off your list. Plus, it guarantees that the gear you want is available when you arrive. So once you're at the rental shop, you'll start by filling out a form of basic info. It includes your height and weight. Remember, you need to have that in centimetres and kilos. Skiing ability, shoe size. This is all needed to make sure they get the right gear for your skiing level and body shape. Exactly. Don't worry if you're a beginner. The staff at the rental shop are experts. They'll guide you in picking the right equipment based on your experience and what you're comfortable with. They're usually fun people, right? They love that. They love their job. They love where they are. They're there to look after you. Ask them any questions. They know what they're talking about. Yeah, absolutely. And when you put those ski boots on, the right boot fit is super important. So you want to make sure they feel snug and not too tight. They shouldn't be pinching you. They shouldn't be cramping your toes up, as we've mentioned in previous episodes. But if you've never had ski boots on before, they are going to feel odd. They are going to feel tight. But they've designed to give you control and to keep your feet warm as well. Yeah, and you might have to try on a few pairs to find the best fit. Don't rush this part. It's really crucial to get it right. If the boots don't fit properly, you are going to be uncomfortable on the slopes. And that is the last thing you want. Take the ski socks that you will be wearing with you, because that will really help. Yeah, definitely. And then once you've got your boots fitted, the staff will give you your skis and your poles. The skis are typically selected based on your experience, but they'll also adjust the ski bindings to match your boots. So everything works. You don't have to be thinking about anything. Just go in there, answer the questions and do as you're told. It's a pretty quick process. It shouldn't take more than 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the shop. And you walk out of there and you're fully kitted up, ready to go. Yeah, if you're worried about your equipment during your time on the slopes, don't forget that most resort shops offer a skis and boot storage service as well. But you don't have to haul your gear back to the accommodation every night. If it's easier to leave it in the shop, you can do that. It's all part of making the whole experience easier. Most ski accommodation has designated areas to keep your gear. So whatever's the most convenient thing for you to do, that's where you can store your kit. You do tend to find everyone's super helpful around resort. If you say to the ski shop, it's easier for me to drop my stuff back here every day. They all offer it and they all want it to be super easy. And if you have any issues with your gear, like something doesn't feel right or you're having trouble with the boots or skis, the rental shop typically offers quick adjustments or quick swaps. You can just head back to the shop and let them know what your problem is. Yeah, exactly. Most shops offer premium or high performance rentals to these skis are usually for more advanced skis and they're perfect if you want a bit of an upgrade from the standard gear. But at this early stage, when you're learning, it's not necessarily to upgrade and it might make things harder. So you're better off just with the basic level package that they're going to offer you. All in all, renting ski and boot gear at the resort is simple. But getting the right fit is key to having a good time on the slopes. Plan ahead, book in advance, take your time and try on your boots. And trust me, your feet are going to thank you later. So, Dom, let's do a quick reminder on why it's a great idea for beginners to get ski lessons before heading out on their first big trip. Well, yeah, it really helps to get some practice in on an indoor slope first, whether it's Chill Factory in Manchester, Tamworth, Snowdome, Milton Keynes, they're all fantastic beginner slopes that let you learn the basics in a controlled environment. They're great places to go and learn before you turn up. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, it's about building the confidence, right? Indoor slopes, you're not dealing with unpredictable weather conditions or variable mountain conditions. It's all the same in there. And you get the chance to learn the fundamentals like how to stop, how to turn, even just getting the gear on before you even think about hitting the real slopes can save so much time. Absolutely. And the great thing about these indoor slopes is that each one has a crystal hub. So while you're there learning the ropes, you can also chat with crystal ski experts. They can help you last minute questions about your upcoming trip from resort tips to gear advice or even help book your trip if you haven't booked it at that point. They're great setups. You get the skills and knowledge you need to feel confident on the slopes, plus the chance to talk to real people about your skiing holiday. And that way, when you get to the resort, you're all set to hit the slopes running. Yeah, it's all about easing you into it and making it nice and simple, isn't it? Indoor slopes give you that head start. And the crystal ski hub ensures you've got all the information you need to make sure your first trip goes super smoothly. So if you're a beginner, definitely look at those indoor lessons before your first trip. It'll make all the difference. I remember, Rob, when I learned how many years ago, I don't want to say it out loud, but I did a learn to ski in a day at one of these places. And it was I got there and it made me feel great about how to put the equipment on, clicking my boot into the ski for the first time. It got me doing my nice little sort of snow plow turns going down the slope and felt quite confident by the time I turned up into resort. I think that's such a valuable asset that we've got in the UK, you know? And I think what you've got to remember is that a lot of ski schools are used to beginners turning up that have had some lessons in the UK. If you don't manage to do that, don't worry. It's fine. You can start from scratch and ski schools are used to that as well. But they will also be able to help you out with the knowledge that you've had a little bit of practice. It's just so helpful. So we've been joined by Dave, and he's going to talk to us a little bit about what it's like to get lessons when you turn up at one of the indoor snow centers here. He is from Milton Keynes. So. I'll do a quick intro there. Yeah, that was good, wasn't it, Dom? It's great, isn't it? It's great hearing that. And you just I mean, we realize how good it is, not just for beginners, but from people from a training perspective. I mean, some of our best skiers in this country have been born out of these fridges, as you call them, these indoor snow zones where you can hone your skills before you go back out skiing or rewarm up your legs before you go out. So it's not just full of beginners, is it? It really isn't. I mean, honestly, you could become a pretty proficient skier on an indoor ski slope. You're not going to be used to different angles of slopes. You might not be used to sort of moguls, which are bumps in the snow, but you could become good enough to ski a mountain by learning to ski well on an indoor slope. So, yeah, just go for it and get as much skiing in as possible. Absolutely. It's good advice. So talking the lessons, when you get to resort, you will most likely want to have lessons. And I would definitely advise that. And these can be booked in advance with Crystal before you go. And that's a great way to do it, because it's another job ticked off the list. Yeah, and one of the things you want to think about is whether you do it as a group or as private lessons, if you're on a budget, group lessons are a great option. You'll meet other beginners and learn alongside them. And that gives you that feel good factor, a bit of competitive spirit maybe. But if you prefer that more personalized instruction and you just want one to one, because obviously you are going to learn quicker on a one to one, they are more expensive, but you can opt for a private lesson. Absolutely. And a few other things to expect. Your instructor will guide you through all the basics, how to balance, how to turn, how to stop and how to get back after a fall. They'll teach you all about mountain safety and also resort etiquette, which is really important. Yeah, absolutely. Talking of safety, we always talk about wearing a helmet. No matter your skill level, know your limits, stick to the slopes that you know, go where your instructor tells you to start with. Controlling your speed. Don't just go racing off down a slope that you don't know. Don't be scared of the idea of falling over. And you can just roll onto your side and it'll avoid injury and stay visible. Always wearing decent bright colors and make sure that if you're going to stop on a slope, stay somewhere at the side of the slope, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, all the normal things that you do with any kind of exercise. And watch out for weather conditions. You know, in the morning, you'll usually find whether you're staying in a hotel or a chalet, they will usually put up a little weather report in the morning and just keep an eye on that to know whether it's going to be a steaming hot day and the sun's going to be really bright or visibility is not going to be quite as good. Just so you can be aware of those conditions. Absolutely. Yeah, and a bit of mountain etiquette, really. So there are rules of skiing. You can check that out. The FIS rules of skiing, I'm sure you can find those online very easily. But basically, yield to other skiers. Skiers below you have the right of way. Be mindful of anyone that's ahead of you. Also, stop on the side of the ski run. If you're going to stop, go to the side of the slope. It's common sense and not to stop in the middle of the slope. It makes a big difference to everybody if you do that. It's easy to forget when you get distracted, isn't it? Having fun and you're enjoying it and you want to chat someone and you're saying, do we go left or right or, oh, my God, this is amazing. You can get distracted and end up standing in a bad position, can't you? We all do it, Dom. I think, you know, we all just stop sometimes randomly in the middle of the piste. And I have to remind myself as well, right? I shouldn't actually be standing here. I need to go to the side. And it's just important to get into that habit. Yeah, it's important to stick to your skill level. Ski on the runs that are appropriate for your ability. Green or blue are the easiest ski resorts. Red are the middle ones. Black are the hardest. Stick to blue runs where you are. And then you can sort of get. But again, you know, lessons are really important for that. So you can understand how to ski things confidently before you tackle it yourself. Don't venture onto a closed run. If a run is closed, it's closed for a reason. Ski within your speed level, especially in crowded areas. Ski slowly in busy sections to avoid potentially colliding with someone, which you never want to do. Be considerate of other people as well. You know, give space to skiers, skiers and snowboarders, especially if they're a bit slower, a bit more cautious. Just be considerate and give people space. Yeah. So by following these simple safety guidelines and etiquette, Rob, we know that you can ensure a more enjoyable and safer ski holiday. And it's super important that we educate everybody that's coming into skiing to have the same considerations for every other skier. I do find in general, though, there is a lot of care between skiers, isn't it? You never find if you fall over. You never find just a bunch of people skiing past you and thinking, Oh, well, they're on the ground. You tend to find that more people will stop than you ever need. There's always something. Is everything all right? Do you want to get that? You OK? It's a nice, considerate sport, isn't it? Yeah, I completely agree with that. The vast majority of people on skis are looking out for other people and will help. I know I'm always stopping if someone's just sitting there on the slope, looking like they can't get up and give them a hand. And I think a lot of people feel the same way. Definitely. Of course, while skiing is definitely the main event on your trip, for most people, it certainly is. It's important to remember that there's so much more to do in a ski resort. Ski holidays really offer a whole range of activities now. And trust me, you don't want to miss them. And talking about some of these with Crystal and Advance can be really useful. It's not all about the skiing. I mean, in fact, loads of alternatives, isn't there? How many other things that you can do? Snowmobiling or snowshoeing, ice skating, ice karting, the snow bikes. There's all sorts of stuff you can do. If you want to take a break from the skiing and still stay active, there's stacks of things and every resort has something different. They usually follow that same sort of vein. Lots of different options depending on where you go. Yeah, there is a lot of that sort of active stuff. But if you want something more relaxing, there's also, you know, obviously lots of restaurants and ski resorts chill out for a nice meal. And the food quality is generally very good. You've got spas or just wandering around town in the evening. Some places have cinemas for a chilled night in and often with English language films as well. Yeah, it can really make the most of that downtime. And there's tons of ways to enjoy ski resorts, not necessarily skiing all the time. Yeah, exactly. If you're heading to places like Finland or Norway, there's loads to do. I'm thinking about things like meeting Santa in Lapland, sledding or seeing the Northern Lights. It's absolutely amazing. Perfect places for turning a ski holiday into a sort of full on winter adventure, really. Yeah. Talking about Norway, you've got somewhere like Betastalen or Rukka in Finland, for example, you've got ice karting, you've got snowshoe walks, you've got reindeer sleigh rides. All of that kind of stuff is available in Scandinavia resorts as well. Really nice. And let's not forget the apres, Rob, about this. I mean, every day is not just about skiing, whether you're looking for a lively bit of apres scene with DJs and drinks or something more laid back with a hot drink by the fire. Every resort's got its own vibe from the big party resorts like St Anton in Austria to more chilled out spots in Italy where you'll find something that suits you. Oh, yeah, exactly. I mean, there's so much live music as well. Of course, and also depending on where you go, like you say, but you can also just kick back with some van show that is hot wine, of course, or glue vine sometimes in France or maybe sip on an aperol spritz in an Italian resort, dance the night away in places like Ischgl in Austria or Pas de la Casa in Andorra, big party town that is. No shortage of places to unwind or get into the groove after a day on the slopes. The world is your oyster when it comes to apres ski and whatever that means for you. It definitely is. And it can be super active and adventurous. It works quite well for our family because we've got chilled people and then we've got people like me who just can't sit down for more than five minutes and need something to do. And lots of spas in these resorts. That's been a big explosion over the last decade, hasn't it? Like either fabulous spas within hotels, but also big pool complexes that have opened up a resort. So if the kids come off and they've only done a couple of hours skiing and they've still got plenty of energy and they want to go swimming because kids love a bit of swimming after skiing, don't they? And it's great for the muscles to go and soak in the jacuzzis and hot tubs they've got around these places. Yeah, a lot of great options. Definitely. I mean, spas are now so big in ski resorts, aren't they? People now almost expect to spa. If you don't have one in the hotel, there's one in the resort somewhere that you can go to. And it's not everybody's cup of tea. But if you like a spa, well, skiing could be for you basically as well. Yeah. So you've arrived in resort and depending on when you get there, it could be snowing or chilly. So it's a good idea to have a little backpack when you're travelling and chuck in there a squished down puffer jacket or something to keep you nice and warm. And maybe thinking about maybe a woolly hat or a pair of sunglasses if it's going to be really bright when you arrive, maybe some better footwear or even just wearing decent footwear on your plane, thinking that you could turn up and it could be snowy. It could be icy where you turn up. So stepping out for the very first time could be nice. Having those protective clothing when you get out. But it could be in the evening, could be very heavy snow. Like when I turned up into Chavinia last week, when I arrived, it was big snow happening. So you never know how it's going to be. Yeah, you don't know what the weather's going to throw at you in the mountains. So it is worth having those little extras. And once you've settled in, that's when things really start. But yeah, just be prepared for sure. Because when you arrive at a resort, there's always a welcome meeting with your Crystal Rep. It's the perfect chance to ask any burning questions, things you might be worried about, things you might want some help with. And it'll help you plan your week ahead. Yeah, and your Crystal Rep is available all week too. You can get in touch via the Crystal Ski Explorer app, which gives you all the info you need throughout your trip. Super useful if you want to check the ski high locations, lesson times or even where the app-raised ski spots are. Most importantly. When you arrive, you'll be given your mountain pack. This is the key because it includes all the info you need, like where to collect your skis and where to meet for ski school. Sometimes you'll even get this on the transfer bus and you might pick it up once you're in a resort. So it's always handy to have that. All the information you're going to need once you've arrived in a resort. Don't forget about breakfast though, right? Very important. Depending on your accommodation, you'll want to double check the breakfast times, especially if you've got a bit of an early start, you've got your ski lessons, you need to get cracking. You don't want to miss that first breakfast of the day. It's really important. You'll need that fuel to kickstart your skiing. Yeah. Once you've had breakfast, make sure you know how far you are from the ski high shop or from the ski school meeting point. Ski schools usually start at around nine o'clock and you need to get your skis before that. So you don't want to be rushing around to pick them up last minute. Once you're out on the slopes, it's good to know that most lifts usually start running around 8.30 to 9 o'clock and they usually close around 4 o'clock in general. Every lift will have a time board outside that will tell you what time that lift is opening and closing. And generally it's not something as a beginner you're going to be worried about because your first lesson will probably finish at around about 12 or 12.30, just in time for lunch. And trust me, you're going to be looking forward to lunch at that point. True. True. In those early days, it's normal to take a break in the afternoon, depending on your fitness levels. It is a good opportunity to explore the resort, enjoy everything else it's got to offer like spas, local cafes or some of those non-skiing activities we've been talking about. It is about a balance. You don't have to push yourself too hard. Yeah, it's important advice that it's easy to go there thinking you've got to ski the full eight hours of the day, but your instructor will usually tell you whether they think you're right for going out in the afternoon with friends or family or whether maybe it's a good idea to take the afternoon off. And I would heed that advice. I've been with far too many people that have had lessons in the morning. I've been very gung ho about skiing in the afternoon and then got into a little bit of difficulty in the afternoon. So, yeah, definitely you can use that downtime to soak up the resort, unwind, maybe check out some of the other activities or go shopping or just soak up a little bit of apres. Enjoy sitting and having a nice drink in the afternoon, whether that's a hot chocolate or a glass of wine. Or go back if you're staying at a really nice hotel and enjoy the facilities there and spas and whatever else it may be. But it's definitely worthwhile heeding the advice of your instructor at that point, because the next day comes around quickly. Your legs are probably going to be aching after your day skiing and you're going to be back straight into it. Sorry, I've lost track of where we are now. So one of the things we often hear from people starting out in their skiing journey is that it can be quite a hard day's work on your legs, especially on muscles that maybe you haven't used for a while. But the rewards are absolutely incredible. I mean, take, for example, parents who decide to ski with their kids for the first time. I've seen it firsthand. Parents are often a little nervous, juggling ski lessons for themselves and their little ones. But once they hit the slopes together, it is an incredible memory. And I mean, I remember and I'm sure you do as well, Rob, that taking the kids skiing for the first time, it can be hard work. The first off, you're thinking, tell you what, this better be good because this is hard work at the moment. But once you get into it, once you get those first couple of days out the way where you're getting used to how to get everybody kitted up and the kids are getting their boots on and getting their ski suits on, the rewards are immense, aren't they? No, absolutely. I mean, it's a real adventure for family and it's such a great, great holiday. And I I've got loads of memories myself. I remember one family we worked with. They took their toddler along for a ski holiday. The parents were keen to learn ski and managed to book a childcare spot at the resort, which gave them some space to focus on their own lessons. Right. They were a bit nervous, of course. But by the end of the week, they were skiing down gentle slopes and having loads of fun as a family in the resort. And they were so proud of what they'd achieved. I had a great time introducing the kids to snow. That's what it's all about. It is, isn't it? I don't think that's part of the charm of skiing. I mean, it's not just about learning a sport. It's about sharing that whole experience, making memories with your family. I mean, we look back to our photo albums. We did one recently of all the resorts we visited. And you genuinely can look back at every resort. Do you remember that? Or do you remember when it snowed every day? Or do you remember that really sunny afternoon? Do you remember how good that spa was? Well, there's definitely challenges along the way, like learning to control your speed on the slopes. Well, let's be honest, that moment when you wipe out on the very first few runs. But it is all part of the fun, isn't it? Yeah, it genuinely is. Sure. I think the other important thing is to remind people, especially adults, right, don't be too hard on yourself. We've seen a lot of adults who start skiing later in life. I personally started skiing with people that had never skied before and they were in their 70s. At first, they might feel like they're struggling or a bit behind. It's completely normal. A lot of people tell us they expected to be able to ski instantly. But like any new skill, it does take a bit of time. The cool thing about skiing is the actual journey of learning to ski is fun. Whatever level you're at, you will enjoy the sensation of sliding on snow. For the first time, you will enjoy learning to turn and control your speed. You will enjoy getting higher up the mountain and starting to explore, starting to be able to get around the mountain. All of those things in the journey of learning ski is a lot of fun. So, yeah, you know, it's an important point that I often say to people that I ski with who maybe aren't as good, but they love it. I say to them, you've got two choices. You can carry on skiing as long as you're enjoying it. That's all that matters. You can get around the mountain. You can get on and off chairlifts. You can get in the cable cars. You can navigate around. You don't have to get any better than that. It's perfectly fine to be at that level. That's absolutely great because you're enjoying it and you're loving it. And you want to go multiple times a year. You don't have to be a professional in this sport. Just as long as you're safe, confident, happy and enjoying it. You're going to have a great holiday. Yeah, definitely. I think there's a lot of misconceptions about how skiing actually feels, especially when you're starting out. We've got some really honest testimonies from people who share what skiing was like for them in the beginning. One gentleman who tried skiing for the first time in his 50s described the feeling of his first successful run as something, I quote, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Right. Because it kind of is. And once he found his rhythm, it was like a bulb went off, like a light bulb. And it's often the case that it can just take a couple of days to feel like you're really starting to enjoy it. But again, that's part of the journey. Yeah. And you do get those moments that come out of nowhere. I was working with a group of beginners and after a few days learning ski, they finally got down their first proper run. And the joy at the end of it, you see people. It's just absolutely priceless. One of them did a little victory dance at the end, like they just scored a goal in the FA Cup final. Those moments make it all worth it. It's great to see people embracing the challenge and celebrating it together. Everybody celebrates it together. That's the great thing. Yeah. I mean, that's the fantastic thing about skiing. I've taught a lot of beginners over the years, and I really enjoy that because watching that progression is so you won't have as fast a progression as when you're a beginner. The first time you learn quite quickly, you're discovering things all the time. If you do that as a family, it's even more special. Parents often tell us that seeing their kids faces light up, you know, they successfully ski down for the first time. It's literally the highlight of a holiday. And I would go further. It's like, I mean, yeah, it's just so nice to see that. Yeah, it's as good as seeing them walk for the first time, isn't it? Yeah, it really is. People often don't realize how much they're going to love it until they try it. Sometimes it's about starting small, taking it slow and gradually building confidence. As we talked about earlier, doing that in one of the indoor slopes, you can find that's the point at which you really get totally hooked. But in those indoor slopes, it can capture you. And of course, there you're not getting the whole mountain scape, fresh air, beautiful scenery, blue skies, fabulous food, saying the food's not good in these indoor slopes, but maybe not mountain food. You really, you know, and the huge laughter and the fun along the way. I mean, let's face it, there's bound to be a few falls, but every fall is just a lesson learned. And it just makes for when those successes come, makes them even better, doesn't it? Sure. Yeah. For those of you thinking about skiing for the first time, you might want some words of encouragement, whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or even later in life. Skiing is a sport that really does welcome everyone. That was the big thing I really noticed. It doesn't matter whether you're starting from scratch. The thrill of those slopes, the fresh mountain air, the joy of learning something new makes it all worth it. I mean, I started out, like I say, on my 30s. I went to Morzine for the first time. I was pretty nervous because I was thinking, you know, I'm no spring chicken. You know, I was thinking, one, I don't want to fall and hurt myself. Two, I don't want to make an idiot of myself. And the great thing is when I arrived there, none of the falls did hurt and nobody was laughing at me. I mean, we laughed together about stuff that I did, mistakes that I made or silly accidents I had. Yeah, but no one was laughing, saying you idiot or you look like, you know, no one, everybody wants you to succeed. It seems in a funny way that every skier wants there to be more skiers. I really agree with that. I think that is something that a lot of people worry about. Yeah. When they learn to ski. Oh, you're just going to look at me and laugh. Yes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nobody is ever going to do that. We all had to learn. I was lucky enough to learn as a young teenager. Remember learning to ski? And we all do. Most people do. And you're not going to get laughed at. I would say it's a unique sport. I don't know. I think modern day sport, kids learning sports, they're very encouraging nowadays. But I think as an adult learning, for sure. I don't know of another sport that's as encouraging. I don't think tennis would be or cricket or football. And I agree. Yeah. I think there's a reason for that. And it's in my mind is that skiing is it can be a competitive sport, but it is not immediately a competitive sport. You are not trying to beat the person that you're skiing with. You can if you're a better skier than you fancy showing off, then fair enough. Go for it. But basically, you are not competing with that person. You're skiing together. It's a very, very social sport. Tennis, you're just trying to beat your opponent. Yeah, right. You do everything you can to beat them. Football's the same. Skiing is completely different until you become a ski racer. The ninety nine point nine percent of skiers that ski as a hobby, as a recreation, as a holiday. It's all about doing that together. And I remember you're exactly right. And I think you've hit the nail on the head. I hadn't really thought about the non-competitive angle of it, especially as a beginner, but let alone any of the rest of us that can ski quite well is the fact that we're not there to compete with each other. You're not there to get down that slope the fastest you possibly can. It's all about having a good time. And I still enjoy the freshness of the air and the blueness of the skies and the contrast of the snow in the sky. That whole landscape for me is like a form of meditation when you arrive there, you do get struck by something quite different. I think the freshness of the air is something that really does have a big impact. Yeah, I totally agree with that. And the scenery and the environment. I mean, it's such a special environment to be in. And if you come from like we do from the UK, we don't have big mountains with snow on them generally. And you're suddenly transported to this incredible landscape and you get to travel down it on skis. It is very special. After all the years of skiing, I still have to stop sometimes and pinch myself and say, I am really lucky to be here. Don't ever take this for granted. It's still amazing fun. And I still enjoy skiing every single day. Even the 40 days I've skied this winter, I've enjoyed every single one of them. That's a lot. And I even remember the first morning I woke up after arriving in resort and it had snowed a ton of snow on me and I buried a car outside. There'd been a couple of two or three feet of snow and it drifted and covered this car. And I can remember thinking, well, this is just what happens every day in a ski resort. Every night it snows a meter of snow and every day you ski through that snow. But it's worthwhile listeners knowing that that isn't the case. It doesn't snow every night for a meter of snow. But it created this incredible environment for me to wake up to this wonderland that I never fathomed that it could be as good as that. And people who are listening, who go on their first trip, may well experience exactly that same situation. I mean, I've just been to Italy and it snowed four days solidly. Just as you were skiing through the snow, the snow was filling your tracks. And you do get those incredible moments as well. It's special, isn't it? It's really special. And I've just being there in the snow, that silence that you get, this huge sort of winter wonderland appearing before you. That for you, Dom, must be the perfect introduction to skiing. But that is the thing, you know, skiing is much more than just learning how to ski. I mean, it is about that environment. It is about the energy that you get from the mountains, the joy of being outdoors, the sense of adventure. And of course, bringing it back to Crystal, that adventure becomes a lot easier because you don't have to stress about the logistics. From the moment you arrive, everything is literally taken care of for you. And a lot of people say to me, what's some advice, biggest advice about booking a ski holiday? And I would say, well, we've talked about learning to ski in the UK. That's one. And we're talking now about booking with a tour operator that can look after you really well. And those kind of things, when you learn to ski, make a massive difference. Yeah, I agree. I can remember feeling daunted by it. It did feel like a big holiday to undertake as someone who didn't know anything about it. The equipment, the lessons, the mountain, what it was going to be like, the ski hire, how it all happened, how would I find the person who's going to teach me? And and I did book, as it happens, through the sponsor of this podcast series, Crystal Ski Holidays, and they did take care of a lot of that detail. I felt like a lot of that was taken off my plate, which was great. It meant that I could think about. Do I want that black or red ski jacket? 30 quid on a helmet or 80 quid on a helmet? I could think about more, I suppose, fundamentally, they're interesting to me, but I could leave all the boring bits to the admin to them and they could take care of everything for me. So all I had to do was just arrive at the airport and I'll be looked after. And then I really did get that feeling, which was great. Yeah, I've got a funny story about that, because after about 11 years of full time skiing and ice, ice, I basically stopped, I retired from full time skiing. I decided to go on a skiing holiday with my friends, even though I'd lived in ski resorts for 11 years. I'd never actually been on a skiing holiday before. So what did I do? I booked a skiing holiday with Crystal to Chevenia with my friends and I went on a skiing holiday and it was absolutely brilliant because I didn't have to think of anything suddenly. I didn't have to be the one telling people what to do or guiding people or teaching them or organizing things. I just had a holiday and went skiing. And it means you can focus on all the fun bit and let all the booking of lessons and the organizing of ski high gear and all that stuff that can all be just left to someone else and making sure the breakfast is ready in the mornings. You just arrive and have a great time. You know, yeah, you don't have to worry about navigating around the resort or where the equipment is coming from. Just relax and enjoy yourself. Enjoy the landscape and learn how to ski and have a fabulous holiday. Yeah, I like skiing, Rob. Do you like skiing? You know, the last run I did last week, probably the last run of this season, I took my skis off at the end of it and I went, well, that's probably going to be it for another winter. I walked away from that a little bit sad, a little bit of sadness. But it's really the magic of skiing, isn't it? It's fair to say that the beauty of the mountains is interesting when you're away for more than a few days with friends or family. How many times you take the same photograph trying to capture how incredible that view is, how incredible that peak is or whatever it might be. But the picture only tells a small part of that story. And actually, it's the ambiance, the feeling, the quietness, the smells and the freshness of being there that really creates that. And I always think that even when we go together and we, you know, we've been to dozens of places, even sometimes dozens in a year. We are still blown away by incredible scenery. You're still blown away when you stand in Cromontana and see that incredible view. Or when you're in Chamonix and you're looking at Mont Blanc, we are still blown away every time, aren't we? Yeah, no, we absolutely are. And that, again, it's very lucky to be in those environments. Never get bored of the views. Yeah. And, you know, let's not forget skiing is more than just about skiing down the slopes. You know, it's about the whole experience, including what you just said. From the moment you step off that transfer bus to where you're sipping a bit hot chocolate after an amazing day of skiing. It really is an adventure. And, you know, it's one of those things. The only warning I will give to anyone listening to this podcast now. I know what you're going to say. Is that you will have to come back for more. And you will go, oh, dear, why didn't I do this before? As you leave that ski resort, you will be planning to book your next skiing holiday. Such a large proportion of people book within a few weeks of being back because they've loved it so much and they want to have the choice next time. They're thinking, I want to stay nearer the slope or more central to the town or I want to be ski in, ski out. They'll stop. They're no longer the beginner. They're now they want to book early because they don't want to be left with the last minute holidays. But in fact, they want to fulfill all of their needs for their next ski holiday. It does become one of those irreplaceable annual holidays. I think most people who go skiing love it. When you say if you had to give up all your holidays here and only take one, would it be summer or winter? 99% of the time they say winter, because you get that lovely sunshine and that lovely blue sky while you're there. So you do tend to get that tonic, that vitamin D. You get that as well as the skiing. It ends up being that holiday really bites you, doesn't it? Well, that's it for today's episode, Rob. The last in our four part skiing 101 for beginners series in association with Crystal Ski Holidays. We hope these tips have helped you feel a bit more confident and ready to take on your first ski lesson, your first ski holiday and that you'll enjoy the slopes in a safe and fun way. Massive thanks to Crystal for partnering with us on this guide. Whether you're a first timer or looking to refine your skills, always keep safety in mind and make sure you have fun while you're learning to ski. Thanks for tuning in to the Whiteout Podcast. Enjoy skiing when you get there. Enjoy the process of choosing your first ski destination as well. And of course, we'll catch up with you in the next episode. Yeah. Let us know about your first holiday. We want to hear from listeners who are going on their first ski holiday. So do contact us at thewhiteoutpodcast.com. Rob, until next time. Thanks. See you again. See you again.