Are you heading off on a ski trip overseas this year? Perhaps to the Alps or Pyrenees? If so, make sure you prepare properly before you hit the slopes – it can make the difference between a successful trip and a stressful one.
Stay Safe
Safety should always be your biggest priority, and it starts with knowing and following the rules at the resort.
1. Know the Rules
Find out the code of conduct for your resort. The FIS Rules of Conduct are the standard 10 guidelines set out by the International Ski Federation. You may know these already, but it’s always a good idea to remind yourself of them. Different resorts may have their own regulations, like policies on off-piste access, so check with your resort before you travel.
2. Make Sure Your Equipment Is Intact
Make sure your helmet is properly fitted. It should be level on the head and positioned about two fingers above your eyebrows. It also shouldn’t move when you shake your head. Inspect it carefully before you go skiing or snowboarding, especially if you’re renting one.
Also, it’s vital to check that your ski or snowboard bindings are correctly adjusted to your boots and ability level to ensure they release properly during a fall. Your boots should fit snugly, with all buckles fastened, to give you the necessary support and control on the slopes.
3. Be Avalanche Aware
If you’re going off-piste or in backcountry terrain, know the avalanche risks. Daily forecasts are provided by the European Avalanche Warning Services for Alpine regions, with a risk scale from 1 to 5. Always ask at your resort about any local risks, consider taking a safety course, and carry equipment like an avalanche transceiver and probe.
Stay Healthy
Staying in good health will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest, so here are a few things you can do.
4. Get Fully Insured
Never go skiing without the right travel insurance in place. Keep in mind that most policies specifically exclude winter sports, and you will often have to pay for an add-on. But even these will vary considerably. Check the specifics of your policy for things like off-piste skiing, ski equipment and personal liability cover, should you injure someone.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is also worth having. It is completely free and lasts for five years. However, it is not the same as travel insurance and does not cover mountain rescue or repatriation.
5. Prepare for High Altitudes & Physical Exertion
Ski resorts can be thousands of metres above sea level, and altitude sickness can be an issue. Common symptoms include a headache, dizziness and nausea. You might experience these when you first arrive, but they tend to go away after 24 hours. Check the NHS guidance on altitude sickness, which suggests ascending gradually if possible, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol for the first few days.
If you’ve been skiing before, you’ll know how demanding it can be on your body. Spend a few weeks doing some physical conditioning, like lunges and squats, and work on your aerobic fitness. Doing this will help you get into shape before you go.
6. Prepare for Sun Exposure
Make sure you protect yourself from UV radiation, which increases at higher altitudes. Snow also reflects UV rays, meaning sunburn is a real risk. Pack plenty of high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) and UV-protective goggles.
Stay Connected
While health and safety may be your main concerns, staying connected is also important to get the most from your trip.
7. Prepare Your Phone
Roaming charges can vary widely, and if you plan to use your phone, the costs can add up. One option is to pack an eSIM for travel – a digital SIM that you activate before you leave, that gives you a local data plan without having to get a new SIM card. It’s great to have when you go on a skiing trip because having reliable data access matters for navigation and weather forecasts. Most modern phones support eSIMs, so make sure to set it up before your trip.
8. Download Offline Maps
No matter how well you prepare, you may find that you can’t connect at some point. Download a map to your phone, which is easy to do on Google Maps. That way, you’re not always depending on having a signal. Packing a paper map is also a good idea.
Get Ready for Your Trip
These are all simple steps to take to prepare yourself for your ski trip abroad. The best thing you can do is start planning a few weeks before you go. Consider all the key points above, from looking for insurance to preparing your phone, and then you can focus on enjoying yourself fully when you hit the slopes.