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How to Plan for Your First Skiing Holiday
How to Plan for Your First Skiing Holiday
Skiing isn’t as expensive as you think, and if you’re planning your first ever skiing holiday you can be guaranteed a fun and enjoyable experience. Most good skiing resorts will cater to skiers of all ages and levels, so even if you have no previous skiing experience or want to go on a family holiday with your kids, you’ll be able to have a great time. When planning your first skiing holiday it’s important to know how to prepare – there’s nothing worse than arriving at your beautiful Ski Armadillo catered chalets just to discover that you’ve forgotten a vital piece of equipment. We’ve put together a list of what you’ll need to take in order to help you best prepare for your skiing trip.
Package Holidays
If this is your first ever skiing trip, you might find it’s a good idea to book a package holiday so you don’t need to worry about forgetting to take or book anything – your holiday provider will do it all for you. Although it’s perfectly possible to DIY a great ‘package’ when it comes to your first skiing holiday, it’s always a great idea to look out for deals on package skiing holidays – last minute deals can often be found at great discounted prices.
Book Lessons
If you’ve never been skiing before, you’ll need to book some lessons with a skiing instructor for when you arrive so that you’ll be able to get the most out of the slopes. Reputable skiing resorts such as Ski Armadillo have trained skiing instructors who’ll be able to take you out on the slopes and show you the ropes so that you can ski safely and have as much fun as possible.
Mountain skis buying guide
Given below are some of the best tips for skiing equipment purchase by a newbie skier.
Most important parameters
The few basic features you should look for are:
- Length
- Size
- The width and
- Rocker type
Here is an interesting thumb rule for picking the right length: prop up the ski next to yourself. The tip of the ski should be somewhere between the top of your head and your chin.
The width of the ski is measured across the middle. The narrower skis offer the ability to execute a quicker turn. For instance, skis less than 85mm are great for groomed trails. Skis with waist widths or more than 110 mm are preferred by those who want most stability and the highest amount of flotation, especially in deep powder.
Rocker
The rocker profile is nothing but the camber in reverse. This distinct cambering gives the ski a shape that allows them to float easily even in soft snow. Most skis work in unison with a camber and a flat design in order to produce equipment that will suit you the best.
A full rocker, for instance, could result in the ski looking almost like a boat. Whereas a camber ski could also have just a front rocker – just the front portion is tilted up.
Level or ability
It is also a great idea to factor in the level of skiing into your buying decisions. Every online seller or shop for skiing equipment will have categories of mountain skis aimed at:
- Beginners
- Intermediate level skiers
- Advanced and
- Expert skiers.
Be practical in choosing skis according to the level of expertise because this will help you gain complete mastery over the equipment and the terrain.
Turning radius
Simple rule: the narrower the ski, the shorter the turn radius. Add to this the side cut of the ski and you also get another rule: deep side cut makes for a shorter turn radius or faster turns. Broadly speaking, turn radius can be classified into 3:
- Short
- Medium and
- Long
Below 16m is good for short turns and above 22m is good for long turns. In between both these numbers; or 17 to 22m; is the medium turning radius.
Finally, look for flex in your skis too. Very soft or flexible skis are good for beginners. At the opposite end of the spectrum lie the rigid skis that are used by expert and aggressive skiers.
Ski Clothing
Although many resorts will sell or rent ski clothing, it’s important to contact them and double check that this is the case before you set off – you don’t want to arrive without a ski suit only to find out that you can’t get hold of one. The best thing to remember when choosing clothing for skiing is that layering clothing is the best option – that way you can easily adjust to the temperature and put on or take off a layer if you get too hot or cold. You will need a base thermal layer, a fleece, a ski jacket and pants, gloves, neckwear, ski socks, and goggles or sunglasses. Some countries require skiers to wear a helmet when taking part in the sport, and if you’re going with kids its best that you make sure that they’re protected.
Insurance
Because skiing is a sport that holds a degree of risk, it’s more important than ever that you get holiday insurance when visiting a skiing destination. Check with your insurance provider that skiing holidays are covered – don’t assume that your regular holiday insurance will cover you as it may not cater for winter sport holidays.
Are you an experienced skier with any advice for first-timers? If you’d like to add anything to this list, we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since  HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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