Hello. My name is The Beginner. My job is simple - I’m visiting some of the World’s most famous skiing destinations, with zero skiing experience, to tell you what they’re really like for a first-timer.

It’s not my real name, though it’s the codename I’ve been given to disguise my real identity. I didn’t, however, choose to be called ‘The Beginner’ - I preferred The Secret Skier, though I wasn’t allowed it. I mean that’s got alliteration and everything.

ANDORRA - SOLDEU

So, my first destination is the small nation of Andorra. I didn’t know much about the resort of Soldeu before agreeing to the trip, other than what I’d been told from a number of piste-mad (Piste is the right word isn’t it?) friends. 

I’d also heard stories of Soldeu’s stunning landscape, something which was evident in all its beauty as soon as I stepped out of the taxi I’d taken from the airport. I stood dead still, jaw dropped to the floor, staring out at the nighttime view of some truly incredible surroundings. Believe the hype, that’s all I have to say. 

The first morning, I woke up earlier than my chalet hosts, expecting that it would take me slightly longer than a more experienced skier to put on my gear. Having donned my thermals, salopettes, jacket, helmet, gloves and boots, I picked up the skis and poles I’d bought the night before and set off for ski school. 

It’s not generally recommended for first-time skiers to buy their kit, though I decided to treat myself to my very own set for this tour of the globe, taking advantage of Andorra’s duty-free offerings. 

The beauty of learning to ski in Soldeu is the wide, gentle slopes the resort offers for total novices like myself to build up their confidence on (my self-belief was not particularly high before my first day). In an opening speech, our group’s ski instructor, James, proudly declared Soldeu’s one of the “best ski schools in the World.” Though I’m sure he’s a little bias, I couldn’t help but agree with him. His english was remarkably good, in fact I’d argue he spoke the language better than some of the Brits in my group.

After a tiring first day, I was delighted to be invited along to a nearby ‘Thermal Wellness Centre’ that my chalet hosts were particularly fond of. I cannot recommend highly enough the powers of their Turkish baths, jacuzzi and sauna to make you feel like totally re-energised. 

My highlight of the trip? The evening my hosts took me to ‘Fat Albert’s’, a bar/club which has an enviable reputation for an incredible atmosphere, live music and buzzing scene. From what I can remember (very little), it was one of the best nights out I’ve ever and will ever have. Soldeu has some incredible offerings when it comes to the apres - the resort is an eclectic mix of the Spanish and French cultures, making it a sophisticated and classy place to be.

Soldeu is the perfect ice-breaker (forgive me) for the first-time skier - and it’s a bargain considering how much cheaper it is than other resorts. I look forward to returning one day.

The Beginner’s Rating: 9/10

Next Time: I travel to nearby France - as I visit Les Menuires. 

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