Skiing Holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

I haven't skied before but I'd like to go.  Do you have any advice?

Try it!  It's entirely different to anything you've done before and it really is easy to get hooked.  Scheffau is highly recommended for beginners because of the excellent instruction and ideal slopes.  It's also not an expensive resort and the prices compare very favourably with other Austrian resorts and other countries.   You don't have to spend a lot - just look for special weeks such as 'Party on the Piste' or arrange to go in March.  See our other FAQs for more information.

What equipment do I need?

Your gear just has to be practical - waterproof trousers and anorak, gloves, hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes.  Goggles are handy if the weather is snowy but they're available in resort at reasonable prices - often cheaper than in the UK.   Materials such as GoreTex help to keep you warm and dry.  Sunscreen and lip protector are a must, as the snow reflects, and Vaseline is a great for lips as well as keeping out the cold for your face (but not as a sunscreen!).  Hire your skis, poles and boots in resort and you can always change them if they don't suit. 

What can I expect to learn in a week?

By the end of a week in Scheffau you'll have learnt to start, control your speed, stop and turn, how to use the various lifts and the basic position for ski-ing.  You could easily get up to your first red run if you simply follow the advice of your instructor and  remember to relax - after all, skiing is enormous fun and is there to be enjoyed.

Isn't it easy to break a bone?

Actually it's quite hard to do any damage to yourself if you follow your instructor's expert guidelines and don't be afraid to try.  As long as you relax and follow the guidelines and FIS Rules you should be fine

Will I get cold?

It's hard to say but if you're moving around on the piste you're unlikely to feel the cold - you might even want to remove a layer or two so you feel more comfortable. 

I've got bad knees - does that mean I can't ski?

It really depends on what's wrong with your knees.  Heather had a lot of problems with hers when she was a teenager but she still qualified as an instructor and is now pain free.  You do need to 'ben zee knees' but not as much as some people think and as long as your weight is in the right place (not on your knees) you should do just fine.

Is it true you lose weight on a skiing holiday?

You're actually exercising muscles you probably wouldn't normally reach so, yes, it's possible to lose weight over the week.  It depends on how many apple strudels or other things you consume but you certainly can expect to burn up the calories on the slopes.  

Do I need to be fit?

As with all sports it helps if you have a reasonable level of fitness and we'd encourage anyone to be as fit and flexible as possible before they venture onto the slopes - you'll enjoy it even more!