Beginning any new sport can be very challenging, and snowboarding is no exception. Luckily, the slopes at Val d’Isere are very snowboard-friendly, and the instruction is world-class. There’s enough going on that snowboarders rarely need to venture beyond the slopes around their hotels. Val d’Isere is a great place to begin snowboarding – here are some of our top tips for those looking to begin this rewarding sport.

Clothing

With all the unavoidable falling down and getting back up, as well as the effort and physicality of snowboarding, you will be sweating on your first day, despite the cold. You’ll warm up a lot quicker than you think, and it’s not easy to shed layers when you’re out on the slopes. Choose wisely to save yourselves running back to your hotels – Val d’Isere has plenty of options for buying clothing, or if you want to choose your own beforehand, wear an outer layer that’s water resistant, and maybe one or two thinner layers underneath. Durable, water resistant mittens or gloves are also a wise choice.

Gear

Falling forward, you’ll likely be landing on your hands and knees. Falling backwards, you’ll either land on your bum and wrists, or end up with your back and the back of your head hitting the snow. Making sure you come equipped with protective gear such as a helmet, knee-pads, and wrist-guards can save a lot of injuries, and stop you from aching once you go back to your hotels! Val d’Isere is famous for its snowboarding and skiing, but it’s not much fun if you’re sitting on the side and watching everyone else have all the fun.

Tuition

Investing in proper lessons or tuition is always a wise investment, and can end up paying for itself in the amount of enjoyment you’ll get with better basics over a long stretch of time spent snowboarding. The same holds true for any sport, and although Val d’Isere hosts many good ski and snowboarding schools and teachers, many beginners wind up simply experimenting to teach themselves, or setting off with only the barest instruction from fellow snowboarders in the bars and hotels. Val d’Isere’s slopes are definitely best experienced while actually snowboarding, not struggling with basics such as stance and balance. Propter tuition will take you through the movements required for snowboarding, enhance your understanding, and will let you share the experience of your instructor. Not a bad way to start at all!

Fatigue

It’s important not to run before you can walk, and sometimes not to go snowboarding before you can run! It can definitely be tiring to learn a new sport, and although snowboarding can be enjoyed at all levels, with a greater level of fitness will come a greater enjoyment of the experience. If you’re taking a full day lesson, or spending an entire day on the slopes, it’s important to manage your time to avoid burning out. Becoming tired and dehydrated will increase your risk of injury, and it’s much better to go snowboarding than spend a holiday stuck in the hotels. Val d’Isere has many great restaurants and bars for relaxation and eating, and it’s important to give yourself time to rest to revitalize yourself for the afternoon.

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at hotels Val d’Isere and other tailor-made itineraries. For a skiing holiday in luxury or good-value hotels, Val d’Isere is an ideal location.