How to Prepare for Your Ski Holiday: Our Instructors Top Tips

The temperatures are dropping, the first snow is settling on the peaks, and there's only one question on your mind: when can you head to the mountains?

Before you clip into your skis or strap into your snowboard, a little preparation can make a big difference. From getting your legs moving to checking your equipment, our instructors have shared their top tips to help you arrive in resort ready to make the most of every day on the mountain.

After all, they're the ones who'll be skiing with you, so it's worth borrowing a little of their experience before you set off.

Get your body ready (without overdoing it)

There's no need to suddenly become a gym regular. A few simple changes to your everyday routine can help prepare your legs for a week on the slopes.

Walk a little more, take the stairs instead of the lift and get moving whenever you can. Cycling and swimming are also great low-impact ways to build your fitness before your holiday.

One of our instructors in La Plagne swears by swimming to get back into shape before winter. Flippers optional, but apparently they help!

Fuel up before your holiday

Raclette, fondue, tartiflette… the specialities of our mountains are one of the best parts of a ski holiday.

Before you get stuck into the cheese, make sure you're eating well and staying hydrated in the run-up to your trip. A balanced diet, plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables and enough water will help you feel ready for an active week in the mountains.

You'll have plenty of opportunities for tartiflette once you're here.

Pack for the mountain

There's nothing worse than realising on Monday morning, just as your ski lesson is starting, that your gloves are still sitting at home.

Avoid the last-minute packing panic and make sure you've got all the ski holiday essentials, including the things that are easily forgotten, like sunglasses, sun cream and a good pair of snow boots.

Mountain weather can change quickly, so wearing the right clothing really makes a difference. Pack breathable layers that you can add or remove throughout the day, along with proper ski socks, waterproof gloves or mittens, goggles and a neck warmer.

This is particularly important for children, who can spend several hours outside every day. Warm, dry children generally make much happier skiers!

Give your equipment a once-over

Bringing your own skis or snowboard? Don't wait until your first morning on the mountain to discover something isn't quite right.

If your equipment has been stored away since last winter, give it a proper check before you leave. Make sure your boots and bindings are in good condition, and consider having your skis or snowboard serviced before your first day on the slopes.

As one of our Tignes instructors reminds us every winter: well-maintained equipment means less hassle and more time enjoying the slopes.

And if you're driving to the Alps, don't forget about your four-wheeled equipment too. Check your tyres, oil and screen wash before setting off, and make sure you have the appropriate winter equipment for mountain roads.

There's more to the mountains than skiing

Once you've arrived, check the resort's local app or stop by the tourist office to see what's happening during your stay.

And don't be afraid to mix things up. A ski holiday doesn't have to mean doing the same thing every day.

You could head out for an early ski touring adventure, discover the mountain away from the pistes snowshoeing, or simply try a new discipline with a private instructor. It's a great opportunity to experience another side of the mountains with family or friends.

Most importantly? Enjoy it.

You don't need to arrive with perfect fitness, brand-new equipment or a colour-coded packing list.

You're on holiday, after all!

Take your time, enjoy the mountains and don't worry if it takes a few runs to find your ski legs again. Our instructors will be there to help you build your confidence, improve your technique and, most importantly, enjoy your time on the snow.

Ready for winter? Explore our ski and snowboard lessons and start booking your next mountain adventure with Oxyski.