Deciding what clothes to pack and equipment to hire, working out how to decipher a piste map... and that’s all before you’ve even made it onto the slopes. There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning your first trip to the mountains. That’s why we’re here to help with our handy hacks for beginners.

Before you go

Book your Jet2 ski flights

With flights to Geneva, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Chambery, Grenoble, Turin, Lyon, Verona and Barcelona, you can unlock the most popular ski resorts across Europe with Jet2. And with 10kg hand luggage included, and the option to add 22kg ski carriage* plus 22kg hold baggage*, all your essentials are taken care of!

Pack all the essentials

When it comes to filling your suitcase for a ski holiday, layers are your best friend. From sunny bluebird skies to snow-covered sessions, the weather in the mountains can vary from day to day, and often morning to afternoon. You might find you get quite hot as a learner, so opt for breathable fabric and keep an eye out for jackets and salopettes with vents. For more information on what to pack, read our full blog here.

When you arrive

Hire your equipment

As it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to hire your equipment instead of buying it, just in case it’s not for you! If you let the shop know you’re a beginner, they’ll sort you out with the correct gear. Beginner skis are usually lighter and have a softer flex, making it easier to turn. Ski boots are another important piece of kit to get right, as they can make or break your experience. Too tight and you’ll get pins and needles, too loose and you can put pressure on your knees and ankles. Make sure you’re happy with how they fit before you leave, but if you have any problems throughout your stay, you’ll be able to return to the shop and get them changed.

Sort your lift pass

You can book your ski pass before you arrive, or sort it when you get there at the lift pass office. In some resorts, you can use the nursery slopes for free, but if you want to go on any of the lifts, you’ll need a pass. Depending on the size of the ski area, you can often buy a local pass, which is cheaper and perfect if you’re a beginner.

Book your ski lessons

Although your friends and family might claim they can teach you everything you need to know, you can’t beat professional tuition. Ski school instructors have a wealth of experience and will teach how you to stay safe on the mountain and most importantly, have the best time! In the majority of resorts, you’ll have the option to book one-on-one or group lessons. Typically, if you join a group, you’ll have your lessons all together in the morning. On the first day, be sure to arrive with time to spare, as the instructors will take some time splitting you into groups depending on your level. You’ll cover all the basics, from how to put skis on to how to stop, slow down and turn. You’ll get to try using drag lifts, chairlifts and gondolas too. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone develops at a different pace.

The basics

Clipping into your skis

To get started, lay your skis flat on the snow, parallel to one another. Use your poles to help you balance and make sure there’s no snow in the binding or under your boot. Slide the front toe edge of your boot to the front of the binding, then line your heel up with the back of the binding and push down onto your heel. Then you’re ready to go!

Carrying your skis

The easiest and most practical way to carry your skis is on your shoulder. Clip them together, lift them onto your shoulder and tilt them downwards so you can balance them on your arm.

Starting, stopping and turning

To get started, you need to bend your knees slightly and push your shins forward to lean on the front of your boot. Face downwards, plant your poles and push off, keeping your feet hip-distance apart and your skis parallel. To stop, you’ll initially be taught the ‘pizza and chips’ method. Lean forward into your boots and bring the tips of your skis close together so they resemble a triangle (or pizza slice). Make sure the tips don't cross! To help control your speed, you need to make regular turns by shifting your weight to the outside ski. If you’re turning left, lean on your right leg and vice versa.

*Charges apply