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Top 5 tips for first time skiers in Alpe d'Huez 2019
How to have the best possible first ski holiday
Alpe d’Huez is a truly wonderful ski resort so it’s no surprise that it’s been voted Europe’s best ski resort for the second time in three years. As far as first time ski holiday destinations go, there really is no better place to practise your initial turns on the snow.
There’s no reason to be daunted by your first ski holiday but here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Prepare at home in advance
Ski holidays are relatively physically demanding and you can start your preparations well in advance of your first trip to Alpe d’Huez. There’s no need to head to the gym for hours, as a qualified personal trainer, I could recommend dozens of exercises but here a few very basic ones. For the upper body, good old-fashioned press ups will strengthen the arms for a bit of pole action; these can be performed from a plank starting position or with your knees on the floor if you’re not that strong. For the core, simple exercises like planks and sit-ups will strengthen those all-important abdominals (stomach), obliques (sides) and erector spinae (back) muscles. While your legs can be strengthened by performing basic squats, watch your technique with these and try and keep your spine straight, making sure you squat rather than bend forward from the hips.
Book some ski lessons
The quality of tuition in Alpe d'Huez is really second to none. Your holiday will be vastly improved with the progression that you will quickly see from professional instruction. The biggest of all the ski schools is ESF ('Ecole du Ski Francais'), instantly recognisable by their bright red uniforms. With group, small group and private lessons you are sure to benefit from the great tuition given by ESF’s English speaking instructors.
Head to Marcel's Farm or Chez Roger
Constructed in the summer of 2016 and opened during the 2016/17 winter season, Marcel's Farm saw a huge investment from local lift operator SATA Ski. Accessed from the Signal lift (opposite the DMC at the top end of town), it’s is a fun zone perfect for beginner. With a series of easy slaloms, a gentle half-pipe, rockers, kickers and a lovely section of rollers is sure to put a smile on your face. Chez Roger followed on last winter and is another themed fun area which can be accessed from either the DMC or the Marmottes lift. Based around Roger, a local shepherd, here you will find some great tunnels and rollers – all of which, as well as being great fun, will really help with your ski skills progression.
Hire your equipment
With plenty of hire shops in town competition for your custom is fierce, and this really helps keep the quality of equipment at the fore. I would recommend hiring for your first trip, as you're still trying to find your feet and decide on the length and style of ski or board that you really like and that suits your ability. Equally the qualified local “ski-techs”, virtually all of whom are English speaking, will set your kit up perfectly for your skill level, height and weight and ensure that everything is just right for your debut on the piste. If you book your gear in advance, you'll also get some pretty substantial discounts.
Explore the whole ski area
While the green and blue runs from the mid-station of the DMC are brilliant for first timers, don’t be afraid to venture further afield. The easy blue run Foret, down to the quaint village of Maronne over in Auris-en-Oisans, is lovely and always quiet. The easy blue run Village, down to the old village of Huez, is another lovely run and the village of Huez is really like a step back in time. So, get away from the main bowl area and see the real beauty of the Grand Domaine that awaits you.
More inspiration...
There are lots of different ski pass options available in Alpe d'Huez, including discounts for families and groups. Take a look at them and choose which pass is best for you.
