If you have never been skiing before but you want to plan your very first skiing adventure, this is the article for you. We’re going to share some tips on how to plan a first time ski trip, including a look at whether it is cheaper to ski in Australia, New Zealand, or Japan. We will also share a few handy do’s and don’ts to make the process as painless as possible for you. Read on if you’d like to learn more…
How do I plan my first time ski trip?
So, how do you go about planning your first time ski trip? First, there are a few essentials that you need to establish before you get started, for example:
- Are you travelling alone? With friends or family?
- Will there be any children with you?
- If you are travelling with others, do they have previous experience or are they first timers as well?
- Do you want lessons or would you prefer to get stuck straight into a beginner’s course?
- Would you like the option to ski indoors?
- What else would you like from your vacation? Do you want nice places to eat or are you more worried about a vibrant nightlife?
- Would you like a bit of culture in your trip or are you only focused on having the best ski experience possible?
Give it some serious thought. Think carefully about what you want to gain from your first time ski trip and then you will be able to start narrowing down your search with the appropriate ski resorts and destinations.
Is it cheaper to ski in Australia or New Zealand or Japan?
If you are looking for something a little different from the traditional European skiing experience, or perhaps you don’t relish the thought of having to fly all the way to America for your vacation, you are left with three solid contenders: Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. But, which of the three are cheaper?
Ultimately, it all comes down to ski resort and how much research you are willing to put in. If you are well-versed in hunting deals and negotiating the best packages, you should be able to find a reasonably affordable first time ski vacation in all three destinations.
However, of the three, it is typically cheaper to ski in Japan – particularly given how high a quality the powder is in most Japanese prefectures.
What should you not do while skiing?
As with anything in life, if you are unfamiliar with something or trying it out for the first time, it’s always worth brushing up on etiquette, just in case. For example, is there anything that you should be aware of and/or avoid when you are on a first time skiing adventure? Let’s take a closer look…
- Don’t carry your skis in a silly manner: it might sound daft, but when you are caught up in the excitement, you might be tempted to be silly and carry your skis in a silly manner. This is frowned upon in the skiing community. Simply put, if you end up either damaging your skis or putting other skiers in danger, you may face expulsion from the resort.
- Wear the proper equipment: it’s not uncommon for people to wear ski goggles solely for the purpose of looking cool, rather than providing themselves with ample protection. Make sure you wear the appropriate gear and keep your face and body properly covered so as not to burn under the sun. The snow is highly reflective and although you are in cold conditions, failing to follow the recommended dress code can result in serious skin damage.
- Using your phone while skiing: it’s OK to take some photos here and there, but do not be glued to your phone – especially when you are skiing. For newbies, this is paramount! You could end up seriously injuring yourself – or worse, someone else. Put the phone down and focus on the incredible experience unfolding in front of you!
- Sticking your poles up in the air to show off: again, a ski resort is not a place to muck around. Ski poles are dangerous and if you end up stabbing someone while they are moving down the slope at high speeds, you will be in serious trouble. Save the theatrics for the pub after!
- Don’t leave anyone behind: if you are travelling with friends, make sure that you stick together! When you are finished with skiing for the day, gather everyone before heading home. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the bar later, wondering where your friends are and whether or not they are safe.
- Try not to laugh too hard at the misfortune of others: remember, you are all new to skiing and if you aren’t falling over then you aren’t trying hard enough. Of course…you should laugh, have fun, and enjoy the process. However, if one particular member of your group is struggling more than others, don’t be too hard on them. Instead, lift them up and encourage them to try again.
- Don’t get drunk before you are finished skiing: if you get too drunk while out on the slopes and find yourself unable to make it back down again, you are going to look a right plonker. You must take extra care and save the drunken debauchery for when your skis are away and you are ready for some much deserved R n’ R.
Conclusion
To recap:
- When planning a first time ski trip, think carefully about what you want from the experience. If you are travelling with friends who are also first timers, you should opt for a ski resort that has beginner runs and affordable lessons. Check out the Gunma ski packages available for some inspiration.
- Japan is arguably the cheapest option out of Australia and New Zealand. It’s also a world-renowned spot for skiing with plenty of delicious powder waiting for you to carve up.
- Brush up one your ski resort etiquette and take extra care when out on the slopes. It’s a dangerous sport and – despite being incredibly fun – can all too easily turn into disaster if you neglect the rules.
We hope that you’ve found this article inspiring. If you are a first timer and looking for an amazing ski experience in Japan, we highly recommend that you check out anything by Active Life. You can enjoy the perfect blend of skiing, luxury accommodation, world-famous Japanese hospitality, and more!
