The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to book your 2014/15 ski trip.

Before you book, do your research. Find a resort that’s going to be the perfect place for your holiday – consider your group’s skiing ability and if the resort is suitable for families and has the right level of après ski for you. Once you’re all booked … it’s time to get prepared!

Hit the shops, get your gear.

Whether you’re a skiing newbie or an experienced skier, you’ll want to treat yourself to some new gear for your holiday. Check out the market, there’s always new gadgets kicking about and don’t forget to make sure you have the right clothing and equipment for your trip.

We recommend buying your own ski boots if you’re planning on going skiing quite regularly. It’s worth spending a little extra to ensure you’re comfortable when having a day on the slopes.

If you’ve never been skiing before, then remember that you don’t have to go the whole hog - you can hire your skis from the resort so don’t need to shell out for your own pair. Take a selection of base layers with you to keep warm and some middle layers such as sweatshirts to lock in the heat. Finally, finish off with a waterproof – we recommend using Salopettes and a ski jacket. Remember to protect your head, feet and hands and take thick socks, gloves and hats with you.

Are you ski-fit?

No less than six weeks before you head off on your ski holiday, prepare your body for the slopes. Take to the gym and get working your muscles to prepare for long days on the slopes. Skiing is great fun, but can be strenuous. There are a range of exercises you can do to get ready for your trip so you can make the most of your time on holiday. Running and cycling will improve your cardiovascular fitness and squats and lunges with strengthen your quadriceps. Don’t forget to work your core with planks too! 

Freshen up your skiing skills.

It may have been a little while since you’ve hit the slopes, so once you’ve booked your holiday, shake off the rust and brush up on your ski skills. You can head to artificial slopes in the UK for some lessons before your trip. A refresher before you jet off will allow you to make the most out of your trip and rebuild any lost skiing confidence.

Before you go …

It’s a good idea to buy your ski passes before you go away. You can buy them at the resort, but if you’d like to get organised and not have to waste time on holiday queueing up for your passes then speak to your tour operator or travel agent before you jet off. You can also think about pre-booking your equipment if you’re hiring it.

In the run up to your holiday, keep one eye on snow reports. You’ll find that most resorts tend to be below freezing temperatures so you need to make sure you’re fully prepared for the wintry weather. Make sure you have everything that you need with you, use our Ski holiday checklist to make sure you’re organised. 

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