Your first time in the Alps?

Which resort should you choose?

The most famous resort isn’t always the best choice for your first trip.

Your group’s skiing ability, the location of your accommodation, access to the slopes and what you want to do beyond skiing all matter too.

So the first question isn’t simply where you want to go. It’s how you want to experience the trip.

Do you need to know how to ski?

No.

For many people, their first trip to the Alps is also their first experience of skiing.

What matters is starting at your own pace, with lessons suited to your ability and a schedule that leaves room to learn and enjoy the holiday.

How many days of lessons should you book?

There isn’t one answer for everyone.

It depends on your ability, who you’re travelling with, how many days you plan to ski and how much you want to progress.

That’s why lessons are organised around each traveller’s needs.

What is a ski pass?

It’s one of the first questions that comes up when planning a first ski holiday.

A ski pass gives you access to the lifts and the ski areas it covers.

You don’t have to work out which one to buy on your own. The right choice depends on the resort, your ski days and your plans for the trip.

How do you choose ski equipment?

When you’re starting out, questions are natural: what length of skis do you need? How can you tell if the boots fit? Do you need more advanced equipment, or will a simpler model do?

You don’t have to decide on your own.

Snowtrip helps you choose equipment suited to your ability and guides you through the rental process, with support for any adjustments needed during your stay.

What about ski clothing: buy or rent?

It’s a sensible question for a first trip.

Buying ski clothing straight away can mean a substantial investment in items you don’t yet know how often you’ll use. They’re also bulky and take up plenty of luggage space.

Renting can therefore be a great option for a first holiday: you reduce the initial expense, travel with less luggage and find the clothing you need at your destination.

Before you travel, we advise you on what’s worth packing, what you’ll actually need in the mountains and what can be rented.

Hotel, apartment or chalet?

There isn’t one best option for everyone.

A couple may want a very different experience from a family with children or a group of friends.

What matters is finding accommodation that suits your trip, rather than choosing solely by photos or category.

Where should you stay within the resort?

This is a choice many people only realise was important after they arrive.

Distance from the slopes, access to lifts, ski school, restaurants and the resort centre can all shape your daily routine.

In the Alps, a good location doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing to everyone.

What if some people in the group have never skied?

No problem.

Different ability levels can share the same holiday. The key is arranging lessons, timings and activities so that everyone can enjoy the mountains at their own pace.