Snowsports for Beginners

 
 

Snowsports

We love the snow, and we love it even more when we are skiing and snowboarding together, and we want to share this love for the mountains with everyone. 

We are so pleased that you are looking to come skiing or snowboarding. For those new to winter sports this page will seek to answer questions on what to expect and what to bring. For returners these can be some helpful refresher notes too.

There is also the option in some resorts to book a hiking pass and spend the week using the pass to see the mountains and meeting others for a hot chocolate.
 

Getting to the Mountains

We currently visit resorts in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Andorra. Some trips are by flight and some are coach trips on our very own luxury coach. There is always the option of independent travel too. 

Each resort page will tell you the transport options. You can find more details here. 
 
 

Ski Instruction

For complete beginners it is essential to have lessons - it is by far the quickest and safest way to explore the mountains! Our instructors are very encouraging and an Oak Hall winter holiday is the ideal way to learn. All resorts, apart from Champéry, are suitable for beginners.

Be warned though, snow sports are addictive and we know you will be back with us time and time again to enjoy the mountains! More information about instruction can be discovered here.


 

Getting up the Mountain: A Lift Pass

We start each day journeying to the mountain - in some resorts we take a bus or a train, or a short walk to begin the mountain ascent. This is a great time to get to know others on the trip.

To access the mountain a lift pass is required. There are different types of lift pass often depending on age and number of ski days. When booking your trip have a look at the options and calculate how many ski days you want to select. Please do call the office team if you are unsure and we will figure it out with you!

Lift passes booked with Oak Hall are payable one week before departure in line with the current exchange rate. There is more information here about lift passes.
 

A Piste Map

Like going on a walk, we use a piste map to get around a mountain. These maps show all the runs and lifts in a ski resort. Ski runs vary in difficulty, being graded by colour:

Blue - gentle, wide - good for beginners
Red - either slightly steeper or narrower
Black - significantly steeper or narrower or both

Instructors will be able to show and teach you how a piste map links to what you can see. Piste maps for all of our resorts can be found here. 
 

What do I need to wear skiing?

Now you have booked your holiday, instruction and lift pass it is time to think about what to wear skiing. Choosing the right ski wear is important, particularly when you're new to skiing. Ski clothing is best worn as layers, so it is easy to change as temperatures fluctuate. We have put some ideas here, but this will also depend on when in the season you are skiing and your own body climate!

You can often borrow ski clothing from friends or family, who will only be too pleased to share if they are gaining another mountain buddy. 
 

Can I hire ski/snowboard equipment?

Oak Hall have excellent winter gear available for hire. When making your booking there is the option to add ski or snowboard and boots. More information here.

We do also encourage everyone to wear helmets for added safety. 
 

What does a typical day look like?

The mornings start with prayer and a hearty breakfast before heading promptly up to the slopes to maximise ski time. If you have booked lessons, then these will take place in the morning or afternoon. Timings may be similar to the following:

07:15                      Prayer meeting
07:30                      Breakfast
08:30                      Head to the mountain
09:30                      Morning lessons
12:00                      Lunch (check trip inclusions)
12:30                      Afternoon lessons
18:00                      Evening meal
20:00                      Evening meeting
21:15                      Evening activity - quiz, games etc

You can make your way back to the chalet at any time. All activities are optional.

Dinner will be served and then each evening there will be a helpful Bible message. Often an evening activity will follow as a great way of getting to know one another better. 
 

Getting Ready to Go!

We hope that you are excited to join us and enjoy all the adventures the mountains have to offer! Here are two final documents that will also help: