UBSC › Beginner

Beginner

One of the aims of UBSC is to bring this wonderful sport that we so enjoy to as many new people as we can in an affordable and enjoyable way. As such we run beginners lessons on dryslope throughout the academic year. We organise lessons on our trips. And we encourage new members to learn as much as they can from experienced ones at our socials. Improvers are also catered for. Please email Collette, our beginners rep, for more information.

Tignes, Val Claret (Taken by Emily on her first ever ski trip)

Auntie Colette's beginners guide to skiing

A simple guide on what to bring for those who have never been to the mountains before.

Your first ski trip with UBSC has the potential to be like no other trip you'll have ever experienced. With almost 500 places secured, we've organized one of the countries biggest uni trips so there has been no better time to learn to ski. However it can initially be daunting when you're unsure of what to expect. Read on for useful advice....

TAKING LESSONS BEFOREHAND

This is strongly recommended to ensure you get the most from your first trip. It means that you'll have the basics under your belt by the time you first set foot on snow, allowing you to start skiing and improving straight away.

It is also recommended to continue with lessons out there. The ski instructors really push your boundaries and will take you all over the resort and down runs you never thought your confidence would let you do. Improve your skiing ten fold, yet doing so with your own personal tour guide!

The ski school running your lessons is called ESF. If you've booked lessons, it may be an idea on your first morning to drop by or speak to a rep and find out the times of your lessons, mentioning you're the beginners groups from Bristol University.

WHAT CLOTHES TO PURCHASE:

Ski Jacket and salopettes
Good pair of ski gloves
Hat/headband for your ears
Ski socks- these will support you more in your ski boots
Thermal under layers- sounds like something your granddad would wear, but trust me, layers like this really make the difference
Goggles/sunglasses- though goggles are better for use in all conditions.

TK Max and Ebay... Get last seasons stuff at knockdown prices!

USEFUL THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU...

Gloves- TIP: make sure your gloves are in your hand luggage as when you arrive in the resort there may be a small walk to your accommodation... but in minus 20 your hands will be numb in seconds!
Sleeping bag/pillow- The coach journey up is a long one (22 hours plus) so best make sure you're comfy.
Mirror-with many of you sharing only 1 bathroom, you'll be grateful for this!
Suncream-may sound stupid but noone likes goggle marks and its quite easy to burn with the snow reflecting all that sunlight on you
Travel adaptors

WHAT TO DO ON YOUR FIRST DAY...

Upon arrival in the resort, (Saturday evening) you will be given a package with all your info/maps/keys etc.

Once you've settled into your room and unpacked it's strongly recommended to collect your boots, skis and poles the night before your first day skiing. The following morning is often very busy and you may well end up wasting a few hours of potential skiing.

There are a number of rental shops over the resort and our Off The Piste reps will be on hand to direct you to the right one.

Ski lifts in Val Thorens tend to open at 8.45am. with most people being out on the slopes by about 10am. On your first day I'll meet those of you who're a little unsure and show you where you need to go. If confident, use your maps to find your closest green run and go for it!

WHICH COLOUR RUNS TO DO AND WHEN...

Green: These are the easiest runs. If you're still mastering your snow plough start here.

Blue: Next step up, if you're starting to link your turns and getting bored of greens give these a go. There are some good longer runs for those who are starting to parallel ski.

Red: Once you're confidently parallel skiing try a red to push your confidence.

Black: Probably best to avoid these for the moment. Maybe next year?