Useful Snow Sport Information
When embarking on a snow sports holiday you will need to be prepared for every type of weather. Layering is the key as the temperature often fluctuates throughout the day, and our bodies warm up and cool down as we alternate skiing and riding on the lifts. You will need plenty of layered clothing for staying warm and for shedding once you warm up. Wherever possible it is best to choose moisture-wicking fabrics. Cotton is not ideal as it absorbs the moisture resulting in your skin being next to a cool layer, which over time can drop your body temperature significantly.
In general ski resorts are fairly casual so for the evenings we suggest you pack jeans or trousers (cords are warmer), some tops or shirts, and perhaps a coat other than your ski jacket which might be damp. Sensible shoes or boots with non-slip soles are also advisable as sometimes surfaces can be slippery and some streets are cobbled.
If you pre-book your lift pass through us in the UK you will receive a voucher in your ticket wallet as proof of purchase and Just Skiing will have your lift pass either delivered to your accommodation or the voucher can be exchanged at the Lift Pass Office in the resort. NB: We will require a photocopy of passports for both children and seniors as proof of age for this service.
For further information regarding lift passes, please see Lift Pass information in the individual Resorts.
If you choose to purchase your lift pass direct once you arrive in your chosen resort, you will need to take a passport to the lift pass office as proof of age for either children or seniors.
NB: No photographs are required for lift passes.
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If you have pre-booked ski hire through Just Skiing (see individual Resorts), you will receive a voucher in your ticket wallet that you will need to present at the Ski Hire shop.
Please be aware that children under the age of 14 years have to wear helmets when participating in snow sports which are available at all the ski hire shops (see Ski Hire on individual resort pages).
Ski School may be pre-booked through Just Skiing, details of which will be supplied in your ticket wallet prior to departure. This will detail the time of your lessons, the group you have been allocated, the meeting point and the name of your instructor.
Group lessons start on a Monday morning. Therefore if you want to participate in group lessons or are a beginner, we advise you to arrive in the resort on a Sunday. Alternatively private lessons are available (see individual resort pages for cost).
Please note that it is advisable to get your ski hire equipment sorted out either on your day of arrival or early on your first day of ski school as the group lessons leave promptly on Monday morning (for times and prices see individual resort pages for Ski School information specific to that resort).
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In general all our resorts are ‘snowboard friendly’ and most resorts now have Snow Parks ideal for snowboarders. As with any resort there are areas where the slopes flatten out and you may need to unfasten your board and skate.
It is possible to have both group and private lessons, which can be pre-booked by Just Skiing. If you are a complete beginner we would advise group lessons as an entry point into snowboarding. These operate on a Monday to Friday basis. For more information regarding lessons, please refer to the Ski School Information on the individual resort pages.
When on the mountain we advise you to carry a piste map with you at all times. The piste map details the different routes around the mountain. Each piste is graded by colour according to its considered level of difficulty. Do not attempt runs that are above your ability as this may result in a dangerous situation that may lead to injury to yourself or others. When exploring the mountain, wherever possible, make a mental note of the piste name in order to easily pinpoint your position.
The opening and closing time of the ski lifts will depend on the time of the year. When arriving at lifts or if you are planning lengthy excursion, take care to notice the lift opening and closing times to ensure that you can always make it back to your accommodation safely and do not get stranded on the mountain.
The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and change very quickly. A beautiful sunny day can soon become overcast and foggy combined with heavy snowfall. Alternatively the sun may be shining but the wind at high altitude can be biting due to extremely low wind chill factor. As a result it is always advisable to wear an extra layer and go out prepared for the worst. It is much easier to remove clothing when warm than it is to recover once your body is cold.
If the weather changes and closes in when you are on the mountain, it is easy to become disorientated and lose your way. Coloured piste markers mark the edge of most runs and the safest option is to follow the path of these markers until you reach the bottom of the mountain or the safety of a restaurant. Do not go out in weather conditions for which you are unprepared.
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Whilst Just Skiing does not offer a snow guarantee, all our resorts have comprehensive snow making systems with snow canons covering a number of pistes (see individual Resorts for specific information).
There are a number of different restaurants, cafés and snack bars on the mountain. Normally these are located at the top of main lifts or where a number of slopes converge. Generally it is marginally more expensive to eat up on the mountain than it is to eat in the town. For more information, please see The Ski Area on the individual resort pages. It is advisable to book the more popular restaurants in high season. A list of their telephone numbers will be in your ticket wallet or on the piste map or ask our Rep. In most establishments you will not be able to use the seating areas for your own picnics.
Your well being whilst on holiday is of prime importance to us and we will do our best to ensure your holiday is safe and trouble free by working with our service providers to improve standards. It is, however, important to remember that standards abroad are not always the same as those we would expect at home and so we do ask you to take care while you are away. We strongly urge you to follow the safety guidelines detailed in our documentation plus any extra information afforded by individual service providers. All properties we offer receive an annual inspection.
Please be aware that snow sports are associated with considerable risks. Snow sports demand that you are healthy and reasonably fit. You will be making your muscles (particularly the legs) work harder than normal. Therefore we would advise some gentle exercise in preparation for your holiday in the snow to avoid unnecessary aches and strains. Please note that at higher altitudes breathing can be more difficult as the air is thinner. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, please consult a doctor before you travel.
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