by Mollie Millington | Mar 31, 2025 | community, ski
Have you ever booked a holiday with twelve strangers? That’s exactly what I did in January when I joined the Outdoor Adventure Girls (OAG) annual ski trip to Avoriaz, France. With limited friends who ski and a husband tied up with work, I decided to try the group ski package offered by OAG. Before this, I’d only been on a few OAG trips, including hiking in the Lake District, and each experience was well-organized and, most importantly, so much fun! The OAG ski trip seemed like an incredible value for the money, and it was the perfect opportunity to take the week off work and maximize my time on the slopes. The seven-day trip included five days of skiing, delicious meals, and a relaxing hot tub—everything I wanted in a ski getaway. What I didn’t expect was to come away with several new friends, ranging from ages 21-49, and the urge to re-book asap.
What’s included for the price
When I booked the trip in 2024, the price was £1499 and payable in installments without an financial penalty (which is something that they offer on all of their trips, which I think is awesome). The price included group transfer to and from Geneva airport; shared accommodation (twin rooms) from Saturday evening to Friday morning; ski equipment hire (which I didn’t need but since it was included in the price, I used it); daily cooked breakfast with continental options too; nightly three course dinner with wine (except on Wednesday); five day ski pass; daily afternoon tea with snacks; OAG goody bags; OAG host; hot tub, sauna, and more! It was the little touches, such as door signs with people’s names on them, amazing goody bags (see photo below), daily itineraries texted to us every day, and a WhatsApp group created prior to the trip so we could get to know each other, that really added value by developing community before we had even met.
Flights to and from Geneva were not included but these can be affordable from London if you plan ahead. Ski lessons were not included either but a bunch of girls organized some between themselves. We also had to cover food and drinks on the slopes but I think you could eat enough at breakfast to make it to tea time if you really put your mind to it. I would also recommend packing snacks or stopping at the grocery store in Geneva Airport to stock up on a few things. There isn’t a convenience store in Avoriaz unless you go up the mountain, which can be tricky if you have a craving late at night. Luckily for us, the chalet has an honesty bar for beer, liquor, Coca Cola, and more. This definitely came in handy for the group a few times!
Accommodation and mountain access
Our 4* chalet (run by Chilly Powder Holidays) was a 10-15 minute walk from the chairlift. Spread over three floors, it included an indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub. It had hard wood floors, six bedrooms with en-suites (plus one for kids with a toilet next door in which the OAG host stays), and an open plan kitchen which connected to the living room and dining room. Balconies on each level (aside from the ground floor) gave us instant to the access to mountainous views and fresh air. It was so hot in the bedrooms overnight, most of us ended up sleeping with the balcony door open a little bit. Lastly, the ground floor also had a boot room where we could dry all of our wet clothes overnight.
Even though it was only a 10-15 minute walk from the chairlift, it was an uphill walk. Add in the gradient to carrying skis and walking in ski boots, it was not an easy feat (I blame the altitude too). Given this, we followed the advice of OAG founder, Sophie, and hired lockers for the week to store our skis, boots, and poles. This is worth every penny! It ended up being about £15 per person for four people to share one locker. Since the combination was automatically emailed to you, you could for share with your group. Therefore, you don’t need to be skiing with your locker mates in order to access the locker. Everybody can do their own thing in terms of scheduling, which can be nice if someone becomes tired or very wet. The locker code could also be added to your ski pass which meant a wave of your arm over the reader made the locker door magically pop open. That was must less hassle than remembering a random four-digit code.
Some of our evening meals were served in the Chili Powder’s main chalet. This building was about a five minute walk from our chalet, just down the main road. The dining room featured a huge fireplace and small bar. It was nice to leave the chalet for some meals and have the opportunity to mingle with others if we wanted to. There wasn’t a dress code for dinner and everyone kept it pretty casual in jeans and sweaters or fleece tops. On the other hand, it was also nice to stay in our pajamas after returning from the slopes and eating pizza in our chalet on the night the Chili Powder team had off.
Ski conditions
Given the trip was in late January, I was fairly confident there would be good snow conditions while we were in Avoriaz. Day one was a good day on the slopes. We headed off in groups to find our ski legs and learn where the best runs were in the resort. On day 2 it was raining so I stayed at the chalet to recharge and read my book in the morning. The rain was meant to stop but when it didn’t, I headed out after lunch. The group was at La Folie Douce for lunch (organized by OAG but you had to pay for the set meal), so I skied on my own. Everyone was soaked from skiing in the rain that morning, but I managed to stay warm and dry in new TOG24 jacket (which also had the benefit of making me easy to spot in a crowd). We got sunshine and fresh snow on Wednesday which made it the best day to head to Switzerland. Lauren, Lilly and I paid a big extra to upgrade our passes so we could dip in and out of Switzerland. This day had the best conditions so we focused on the skiing rather than content creation. The Swiss side didn’t have any trees which meant that sunshine and snow was all we could see. It also meant that on Thursday my legs were dead. Luckily, my roomie packed a miniature massage gun. Between that, my massage stick, and the hot tub, I managed to keep my legs going for the next two days. Next year, I will do more training beforehand so I am ready for five days on the mountain.
The. Food.
In short, it was amazing. Every morning, a chef and our chalet host would put out an incredible spread of hot breakfast, continental choices, pastries, and fruit. My meal was the same format each day: hot breakfast, two hard-boiled eggs, small yogurt, a mini pain au chocolate (trying to be good!) and a Lemsip (I had a cold the entire trip). On our first day out, we all met for lunch in town. To keep costs down (and after paying 4 Euros for a Red Bull that morning), I only ordered chips and a Pepsi Max. My ski buddies, Lauren and Lilly, were a bit more adventurous with a ham and cheese and a local dish in a clay bowl and covered with cheese (can’t remember what it is called), respectively. Since we had to cover costs of lunch, the other days of the week we ordered ham and cheese sandwiches from the local hotel. At only 7 Euros each and with fresh French bread, they hit the spot after a busy morning on the slopes. I also had brought GORP and Snickers bars in my suitcase for emergencies and stocked up on Diet Coke at the convenience store.
As mentioned above, dinners were three courses and served with (free) paired wines. As we arrived the Chili Powder main chalet, we were offered bite-sized appetizers. The first course was sometimes a soup or salad, which was then followed by a large portion of protein (pork, lamb, steak, chicken) with various vegetable and salad sides. Dessert always hit the spot (even though it didn’t always have chocolate in it). Those with food allergies and sensitivities were well catered for too. Our group had people who were gluten-free, dairy-free, and even someone who didn’t eat fruit. None of us ever had room for the post-dinner cheese board, so I think that is a testament to how filling the dinners were. My roommate suggested that the cheese board could be shared at afternoon tea, which I think it a great idea. Although it would probably affect how how much dinner the group ate later that evening.
It wasn’t all glitz and glam while we were there. The chalet team does have Wednesdays off, which meant that morning there was just a continental breakfast that morning and then pizza in the evening along with a rom com at the chalet. Wednesday was that powder day at the top of the mountain and they deserved the day off to play!
Would I book it again?
Absolutely. The only reason I have not yet is because I am nearly out of annual leave for next year. I had the best time and met a fantastic bunch of women. In my experience, the OAG trips are always fun because you are with women who are interested in the same things as you. The adventurous spirit in all leads to fantastic stories of travels and dreams of what to hike (or in this case, ski) next. The trip was so inspiring, I am now volunteering my time with OAG to continue to grow the community and help women find their intrepid circle of friends.
If you are keen to register, click here and see all of the overseas trips offered by OAG.
I paid for this trip. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 17, 2025 | product review, ski, travel
Spring skiing offers a unique experience that can’t be beaten. Blue skies, warmer temperatures, and abundant sunshine elevate your mood while on the slopes. A ski holiday is always a great time, but add in the opportunity to enjoy a cold drink under the sun, and it feels like you’ve found the perfect balance between a mountain getaway and a beach vacation. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!) If you’re considering a spring ski trip, Cervinia, Italy, in the Aosta Valley, is a must-visit destination. Known for its reliable snow and breathtaking views, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy skiing in Italy while soaking up some spring sunshine.
Never-ending season
Sunshine was not what I was expecting when we planned a trip to Italy to ski. We chose Cervino Ski Paradise based on a friend’s recommendation that you are guaranteed for there to be snow. At an altitude of 2600 metres, the temperatures should stay cold enough during the winter months to allow skiing without any risk of brown patches. And now Cervino Ski Paradise boasts a never-ending season. Open 11 months of the year (with September off for lift maintenance), there is never a bad time to hit the slopes. From 4 May, 2025, summer fares will be offered with skiing primarily limited to the Plateua Rosa glacier on the Swiss side and accessible by three chair lifts.
Our trip to Cervinia
We had a five day trip planned, with two travel days and three days to ski. Flying in and out of Turin, we ended up hiring a car rather than booking transfer to Cervinia as the car was slightly cheaper and gave us more flexibility. With a 7pm flight on our last day, we were tempted to plan a 4th day of skiing before heading home. Unfortunately, I had a pretty bad fall on the Sunday which meant no skiing on Monday.
From Turin airport, it was about a 2 hour drive to Cervinia. As we got higher up into the mountains, more snow started to appear along the roads. In the last few kilometers to our accommodation, we had to put on tire covers/socks (instead of chains) to give us enough traction to climb the hill (we only got stuck a few times before this). We rented a studio apartment through Booking.com that had parking, a ski equipment room, and was ski in/out. When we travel, we usually just look for a place to stay that are convenient, safe and clean. We are normally out all day so just needed a place to eat, sleep, and shower. While this place was a tight squeeze (we ended up using the bunk buds instead of the pull out couch to sleep), it was perfect for us to make breakfast, pack snacks for the mountain, and then have dinner. Even thought it could sleep four, I can’t imagine how everyone else would have fit.
It was a short walk downhill to get to Cieloalto lift, where we could strap on our gear (sadly, James is a snowboarder) and ski about 90% of the way to Breuil-Plan Maison lift. Our first morning, we tried to leave the flat ‘early’ but it took us some extra time to get organized. Once we got to the main ticket office, we learned that high winds were keeping the slopes shut and no lift tickets were being sold until the lifts opened. The Cervino Tourism board kindly provided me with a 3 day lift pass, so I was able to pick that up while James had to wait. It totally makes sense not to sell the lift tickets unless they are sure the mountain will open up. We waited over an hour, to the point where I badly needed a Red Bull or Diet Coke. I went up the road to try to find a shop or cafe which would help me get some caffeine into my veins. The ticket office had numerous vending machines but they were stocked with coffee, tea and healthy snacks whereas I was after sugar. Because we arrived so late the night before, we didn’t have time to stop at store to pick up any fizzy drinks for me. I made sure we did at the end of the day. Soon thereafter, the winds resided and we were able to make our way up the mountain to meet our friends and their kids.
The choice for families
Our friends, The Williams, have been to Cervino Ski Paradise twice, one time booking everything themselves in 2024 and this year they came as past of a package holiday with Crystal Ski. They are a family of five and it is because of their recommendation we booked our trip to Cervinia. Serendipitously, they were there on holiday at the same time we were. It was much easier having someone familiar with the mountain and village to guide us around to the all best spots when we were not there for very long.
In 2024, the Williams, Jenny, Chris, Max, Milo, and Penelope, stayed for 10 days at Basecamp Apartments at Cieloalto lift. While this is a ski in/out lift, you have to be fairly advanced (and good at planning) to make it back on your skis by the end of the day. There is a bus that runs from the city centre up to the Cieloalto lift (and beyond). We also used this bus to get back to our flat because it would have taken forever to walk back uphill while carrying our kit. While the skiing in/out is convenient, Jenny said they wanted to be closer to the lifts and village centre (thus not needing a car), so they booked a package holiday for the following year before they had even left from their first visit.
How did the package holiday compare? First off, it was slightly more expensive than their DIY apartment and for only 7 nights instead of 10. But the benefits outweighed that. The kids ski lessons, the airport transfers, and daily breakfasts were all included. The Williams still paid for their ski hire, ski passes and for Jenny’s private lessons. Staying at the Hotel Europa, they were 150m from the Cretaz lift – the closest they had ever been to a lift when skiing. It made things so much easier if they had to go back to the hotel to fetch something like extra layers. The hotel had a spa and pool (which they used each day). As the hotel was bed and breakfast only, they went out for dinner each day in the village and enjoyed lunch on the mountain. One tip Jenny has to share is to book restaurants ahead of time for dinner as they get busy in the evenings (because all the tourists are eating dinner out). I would add that if you want to enjoy time at a spa during your visit to Cervinia, be sure to book a hotel that has one. We could not find a spa with public access in the town.
Eat. Ski. Sleep. Repeat.
It is hard to show you here in photographs just how impressive the valley looks with blue skies surrounding you. Aside from the windy first day, the others were a repeat of: ski in the sun, stop to enjoy a morning coffee in the sun, ski some more, stop for al fresco lunch admiring the Matterhorn (should have worn more sunscreen), few last runs, apres ski drinks, and then bed. Keeping in mind that the Matterhorn is the world’s most photographed mountain, I did what I could to preserve this title. You will have to pop over to my Instagram to see some video footage of our trip because as I have said, these photos do not do it justice.
Things to know about the region
- New chairlift in Goillet area, which is a 6-seater with individual footrests, heated seats, and a transparent bubble to protect you on windy days
- To encourage younger people to ski, there is a new pricing scheme for those under 24. A regional agreement in the Aosta Valley aims to make skiing more accessible by giving those under 24 years old a 20% discount and under 16s a 30% discount.
- The 3S Matterhorn Alpine Crossing opened in July 2023 and connects Testa Grigia with Little Matterhorn, linking Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt (which are only separated by the Matterhorn
- We enjoyed the Cretaz treadmill, which is protected by a clear tunnel and serves the baby hill. No ski pass required!
- The SnowXperience Plateau Rosa has snow tubing and a beginner’s slope.
- Other winter activities in the local area include: freeriding or heleski, cross-country ski, ski mountaineering, and snowshoeing.
For couples too
Even if you are just travelling as a duo, as compared to a large family, I would say Cervinia is still an ideal destination. It was easy for us to get around with our ski/in out accommodation with options to ski, walk or take a bus. Our studio flat was big enough for two of us and gave us the option to save some money by eating in. Lift passes were very affordable at 172 Euros for three days*. Although we had a big breakfast and packed snacks, we did enjoy lunch on the mountain each day. The first day, we ate near a lift because the wind caused it to close temporarily. We also lucky enough to enjoy lunch at Love* and Les Skieurs D’Antan*. One night, we had dinner out with The Williams in Cervinia village at Jour Et Nuit. There seemed to be a variety of restaurants and food trucks, from steak to Thai to pizza, that everyone should find something they like. Although we bought pasta and a few other bits for dinner, the lunches on the mountain were so filling we managed without dinner the other nights.
Exploring Aosta Valley
Unfortunately, on our last day of skiing, I had a nasty fall which ended with me taking a taxi (at a flat rate of 20 Euros) from the chairlift back to our apartment. I had to lie on the couch with ice on my leg for the rest of evening, which wasn’t much fun. The following morning, we had to be out of our apartment by 9am. As my leg and arm still hurt from the day before, we decided to explore Aosta Valley a bit more by driving over to Courmayeur for lunch to see Mount Blanc rather than squeeze in another day of skiing. We quickly left the snow behind as as we descended. Driving through Aosta Valley was beautiful with all the mountains off in the distance. And of course, the windy roads were fun to drive along. Before we returned to the airport, we stopped at the Turino Outlet Village because they had a Salomon and Ferrari outlet stores (and many high end brands). With longing memories of snowy mountains, we returned the car at the airport and boarded our plane.
This was my second time skiing in Italy (last time was in the Dolomites a long time ago). Both times I had blue skies and plenty of open piste to enjoy. Next year, I am going to forget about the French Alps and explore more of the Italian ski scene. After all, the coffee is much better in Italy (so I am told). Care to join me?
*My lift pass and our lunches at Love and Les Skieurs D’Antan were complimentary. Thanks to Cervinia Tourist Office for their support. All views are honest and my own.
My ski jacket is #gifted from Tog24. It was warm and toasty, as well as making it easy to spot me on the slopes.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 7, 2025 | ski
The tallest peak in Great Britain is 1345m at Ben Nevis in Scotland. This is a far cry from the Alps in Europe (4810m at Mount Blanc) or Scandinavia (2469m at Galdhøpiggen). On average, the UK gets 13 days of laying snowfall a year. These stats make it very challenging to learn how to ski if you live in the UK. Sure, up north in Scotland, you can access some outdoor ski resorts but the majority of people will struggle to find enough snow through the winter to make much progress when learning how to to ski.
Infinity Slope at South Wilts Ski Club
Aside from indoor ski centres, there are two other options to learn how to ski throughout the year in the UK. The first is South Wilts Ski Club (SWSC). It is one of two options I tried at the beginning of this year, with the other being a dry slope near home. To save you time and money, I am going to tell you all about both of these options so you will be ready to hit the slopes next year.
South Wilts Ski Club opened in October 2024 and it located about 20 minutes west of Stonehenge. It is an indoor ski slope which has a Infinity Slope Think of it as a giant treadmill which the slope’s angle and speed can be adjusted. I have had two lessons there (both #gifted) and found the instructors to be very friendly and approachable. They are able to communicate simply and effective instructions. Sadly, my stamina meant I only lasted about 10 minutes before my legs were too tired to carry on. Think about how often you stop for a rest on a long run. Would you be able to ski for 30 minutes without stopping? We were told that most people split their lessons with someone else.
This was my first proper ski lesson. My dad taught me to ski when I was little and my favorite runs are blue squares. I can make it down a black diamond but it will take me a while! During my first lesson, we took it back to basics with the pizza pie and french fries (IYKYK). My confidence was quickly bolstered and I was nearly carving by the end of the session. James came along to share the lesson with me as he has never tried skiing. He found them focused due to the nature of being 1-2-1 and felt he progressed rapidly over the session. Of course, it was physically tiring too. Being a snowboarder, his thighs are not used to working that way. Luckily, he is pretty athletic and caught on quickly. James and I split a 60 minute session and that was more than enough time for us both to spend on the slopes before our legs went to jelly.
My second session, I went with my friend, Elle, and we had a blast. She hadn’t skied in years and was looking for a refresher. Her lesson started off similar to James’ (using the bar and moving across the slope) but she quickly found her feet and was practicing her pizza pies. I was able to pick up where I left off from a few weeks prior and was able to spend more time on carving. Unfortunately, I did ski off the side of the treadmill a few times but the instructor always had the emergency stop button in their hand to prevent accidents.
SWSC provide boots, skis, poles, and a helmet as part of your fee (£100 for 30 minutes at peak time with packages available). They also have a club house lounge where you can relax before or after your lesson. Within a few short months being open, they have had to expand the number of instructors and are fully booked. Most recently, they have added a SkyTech Ski Simulator which allows you to perfect your stance and build up your ski specific muscles year round.
The other benefits of SWSC include:
- Personalised one-on-one coaching with recorded video feedback for precision improvement.
- No time wasted getting back up the slope. In contrast, a run on a dry ski slope is 10-20 seconds and takes five times longer to get back up again. Even in a ski resort the ratio of skiing to lift time is 1:5.
- One hour non-stop at full speed on our slope is the equivalent of skiing from the top of Everest to sea level!
- In a one-hour session we can teach you as much as a whole morning on the nursery slopes.
- The surface is always the same, the weather is the same and there is no one to crash into you. You can focus on your technique.
- Great for introducing children to skiing before their first ski holiday so you can quickly skip the nursery slopes.
Dry slopes
If you are not close to SWSC or it is a little bit out of your price range, dry slopes are also an option. I have one a short drive away from me as part of the Better Gym Gosling Park. One Saturday morning, I headed over on the bus to give it a try. For £14, I was given skis, boots, poles, a helmet and one hour lift pass. I took the button lift to the top (only 40m up) and surveyed my options for the decent. The dry slope is made of thick bristles which I found made it quite slow to get down the hill. This particular slope was pretty wide and I had the place to myself. You definitely need to wear long sleeves and long trousers (which the gym recommends) because if you fall, it could be extremely abrasive on your skin.
40m is not a very long descent so I could only a few turns in before I was at the bottom. I was afraid I would hit a joint in the ‘carpet’ and trip but I only fell at the top as I went to start my run while filming a video selfie. One hour was plenty of time for me to get some (very short) runs in. Lessons are available and I think would be a good option for people wanting to learn how to ski on a budget. At this slope, you are not allowed to teach friends and family to ski but given the tricky nature of the dry slope’s surface, I think this is ok.
Which do you prefer?
In 2018, I was able to try Snozone in Milton Keynes which is an indoor facility with artificial snow all year round. In fact, it it Europe’s largest indoor real snow centre. One hour adult lift passes seem to currently start at £32.99 for off peak times and include the hire of skis and poles/ snowboards, boots and a helmet. The slopes and amenities may have changed since Covid, so if you have been there recently, please let a comment below and let me know what you thought of the facility.
Of course, skiing on a sunny slope is always best but I also like the idea of not having to “waste” my time at a ski resort in lessons. I see the above options as ways to supplement the time I spend on skis in the Alps. Since moving to the UK, we have only been able to go skiing once every two or three years. With local options in the UK now available, I will be able to get a few sessions in before out next trip to the mountains.
Thanks to South Wilts Ski Club for the complimentary session. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2025 | ski, travel
Winter ski season is here and many people will be headed out soon for quality time on the slopes. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, especially when the airlines keep changing the rules, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a skiing holiday.
Tip #1: Check airline regulations for baggage. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Don’t forget to check how much a checked bag is when booking flights on budget airlines. It may be a better value to pay for a flight that includes one hold bag if you are earning airline miles rather than paying for each little extra (like a reserved seat, drinks, and snacks). Be sure to read the luggage and sports equipment policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag falls within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions.
A recent tip I saw on Instagram was to use a double ski bag even if you only have one pair of skis. For example, British Airways says the maximum ski/snowboard bag size you can have is 190 x 75 x 65cm. This expandable ski/snowboard bag (with wheels!) measures 145-175 x 17 x 32cm. Use this massive luggage allowance to your advantage and all you need to do is stay within the maximum weight. If you are feeling generous, feel free to send me the Tramline Quad 170 Hardside (in pink, of course). Measuring 180 x 35 x 22cm, it has built in compartments for your helmet, poles and clothes.
Tip #2: Use clothes to pad equipment. If you don’t have a hard cased ski bag, pack your soft goods (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, comfy clothes, pajamas, and swim suit) in your ski bag. By wrapping the clothes around your skis and poles, you know your kit will be protected from damage in the hold. Toiletries and sneakers can go into your boot bag (which can be used as a carry on) which limits the need to check an additional bags for an added cost. It is much more fun to spend that money on the après ski.
Tip #3: Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wearing your bulky clothes on the plane will save room in your luggage. If you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these along with your ski jacket and any other big layers. Of course you can remove the extra layers once the flight is underway but this tactic will save space in your luggage. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced sooner.
Tip #4: Dress for the weather. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains. Be sure to pack outerwear that is versatile, such as being breathable and waterproof. You need to be warm as you ride the chair lift but then also cool as you make your way down the hills. It is usually best to wear layers in case the weather changes. Merino wool allows for temperature regulation and comes in a variety of thicknesses to suit the climate you are in. The other great thing about merino is that it doesn’t smell after a few sweaty wears. That means you can pack less for longer trips (although it is good to have a back up in case you get wet).
If you don’t ski often enough to justify buying ski clothes, check out Ecoski. They hire out ski gear and also sell used kit in w wide variety of sizes. They only sell sustainable brands so no matter what you purchase or rent from the site, you know you are making an eco-friendly choice.
Tip #5: Think about snacks and an easy lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for before struggling to find a seat. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift, or a large sandwich, to maximize my time on the slopes. A hot breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so I prefer to be on the slopes from 11am-1pm. I suggest you plan your day around that window.
Tip #6: Don’t forget the little things. Even thought I wasn’t in Girl Scouts for very long as a child, I still like to always be prepared. Tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle, hand warmers, a battery pack with cable, and sunglasses are the essentials I like to have on hand when I am out skiing. By wearing a small rucksack, I have everything with me to prevent trips back to the hotel room. A bag is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking around the resort village.
These are my top tips on how to pack for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
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by Mollie Millington | Nov 29, 2024 | gift guide, product review, ski
Happy Black Friday! If you’re new to the tradition, Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving (on the 4th Thursday of November) and is known for incredible deals and discounts. To kick off the winter season, I’m excited to share my Black Friday Gift Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders! Over the next few months, my content will focus on all things related to skiing, snowboarding, and snowy mountain adventures. This guide is just the beginning. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, snowshoeing, or enjoying après ski activities, these hand-picked gifts are perfect for anyone who loves snow days and winter sports. Get ready to find the ultimate gifts for outdoor enthusiasts this season (or for yourself)!
Before you go
We start off with getting ready for the trip, you may want to refresh your skills with ski lessons. The options in the UK are limited and I recently tried a new option in Wiltshire. The South Wilts Ski Club* (1) is located in Bapton and offers 30 and 60 minute lessons on a dry slope. James and I shared a 60 minute lesson and after 10 minutes my legs felt jelly. We swapped every 15 minutes and my calves need a good stretch during that break. Even though James had never skied before (he is a ‘boarder), he picked up the basics of “pizza pie” and “French fries” quite quickly. My lesson was a bit of a refresher with pizza pie to get used to the carpeted slope and after my first break, I started to move towards parallel skiing. The instructor, Craig, said it can take people 1-3 sessions to get used to the slope so we were quite happy with how we did on our first go. Even though it has only been open a month, the sessions are full and folks are coming from 1-2 hours away to brush up on their skills before their 2025 ski holidays. Currently, there are membership packages available for both peak and off-peak slots. This club has loads of potential and after sure an explosive opening, I see it continuing to build and create amazing skiers in the Southwest.
The elephant in the room is that skiing is not a carbon-friendly hobby. A lot of travel is involved to find the snow. One way to offset this to repair and refresh your ski gear rather than replace it every trip (especially if you only manage to hit the slopes every other year). Nikwax Glove Proof (3) is a sustainable way to re-waterproof your gloves for the snow without having to replace it. If you want to make sure all your gear will stay dry on the slopes, you can use TX Direct for washing your ski jacket and trouser. They also have down wash and base layer detergent if you want to take care of your kit.
What to pack
Since my ski lesson, I have been reaching for Muscle Mechanics pain relief balm (2). I came across this female-owned small business at Wild Goat Festival and keep my supply nearby at all times. Not only do they have pain relief, but they also have Muscle Balm, Respiratory Balm and a Calm Balm to help with sleeping. Since they come in 50g tins, I keep them in my gym bag and travel bag to help me no matter where I am. You can event take them in your carry on.
If you are lucky enough to be headed out for your first ever ski trip and need to shop for the mountains, you will want to find outerwear that is comfortable, breathable, waterproof and warm. A hat is a good place to start. While I have never skied in Austria, there is meant to be some great slopes there. If you find yourself in St Anton, blend in with the locals with the Frans hat (5). Moving on, you need to have a solid set of base layers to keep the chill away. Artilect Flatiron 185 base layers* (4) are great for temperature control (I took them to Antarctica), with a nice stretch to the fabric, and merino wool helps hold off the smell if you need to wear them a few days in a row (needs must with limited luggage allowance!). A TOG24 Hilder fleece pullover in a bright Starry Night print (6) is useful to have as an extra layer in case you get chilly out on the slopes (it will also make you easy to find in the pub). For outerwear, Ellis Brigham now carries Descente ski gear for men and women (7). I have not tried this line but I have tried their premium running gear and loved the trouser and zip up hoodie I had (to be honest, I am not even sure if they still make running gear).
Being the good Girl Scout that I am, I always like to be prepared. Carrying a bag when out skiing allows me to have a few things on hand in case I need them. In case you don’t have time for a proper breakfast as you aim to get first tracks on the slopes, keep a Hydroflask Insulated Shaker* (8) handy. Pop some protein in with warm or cold milk and head out the door. You can enjoy in the car or keep on hand for the chair lift, then refill with water later in the day. The Osprey Firn bag (9) is a good way to carry your shaker, along with snacks and sunscreen. This bag is perfect for the slopes too because it has a ski lasso system which allows you to strap your skis on the pack without having to take it off. This is so helpful if you need to carry your skis from the car to the slope or if you prefer to skin up the mountain. Throw a Paramo Grid Neckwarmer (10) in your bag too because it is so versatile, wicking and quick drying. The fabric also offers temperature control, helping you remain warm or cool. Wear it around your neck, your head, or use as a hankie. The last key item to keep in your bag is a Fold N Roll (11). This innovative packing organizer will keep a spare set of clothes for you or the kids in a neat little bundle. Once you get off the slopes, it is a quick change into dry clothes more suitable for après ski.
These days, a proper skier should wear a helmet. Salomon’s unisex Brigade helmet (12) is the first fully recyclable helmet on the market. It is very light, weighing less than 500g, and offers medium ventilation. It is so important to protect your brain when you head out for adventurous sports. If you don’t have a helmet yet, this is a must-have from Santa. With your head protected, you can head out for speed on the slopes. Leki’s Airfoil 3D aluminium ski poles (13) are perfect for tight turns and the teardrop shape allows for fantastic aerodynamics. The seamless glove to pole contact allows for high responsiveness and the gloves unclip easily when it’s time to ride up the chairlift.
Après ski
After an amazing day outdoors exploring the mountain, it is time to relax back at the chalet by the fire. Enjoy Baileys in your hot chocolate while wrapped in your Simba Hybrid duvet with Strata temperature control* (14). We received one a few weeks ago and it has been perfect to keep us snug at night with the weather changing daily outside. Before heading to bed, apply Voila Pure Retinal Moisturizer (15) to help repair and protect your skin after a day in the sun and wind (don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day).
My fashion style isn’t the most sophisticated and I love to wear a graphic t-shirt in the summer. For this winter, I would love a Joules Summit Cream Quarter Zip Ski Jumper (16). This long-sleeved top contains recycled wool and is still machine washable. Plus how cute is the back? Keen Howsers are casual slides* (17) that can double as travel slippers to keep your feet warm indoors and out. I took a pair to Japan earlier this year and found them great for flying too (because you don’t have any laces to tie). James is now a convert too and wears his indoors or to pop to the garage.
After a ski holiday away, a sports therapy treatment at Wellness and Beauty Clinic in West Hampstead, London (18)*. The treatment can help ease the pains of the muscles you don’t normally use day-to-day but were in high demand on the ski slopes. Use my affiliate code PTWBC10 for 10% off your first treatment (of any full price treatment, not just sports therapy). Of course, you can also visit the clinic before your trip too to make sure it is in tip top shape for the slopes.
Above is a variety of gift ideas in a wide budget range for your loved ones who are planning a ski trip. There is something for everyone and I hope it helps you find the perfect gift. If you noticed I have left something essential off the list, please do leave a comment below and let me know. For more ski content, keep checking back. In January and February, I am headed to Europe for skiing with the Outdoor Adventure Girls and James. The plan is to share info about the resorts and snow on Instagram in real time. Let it snow!
For items marked with * I was given a complimentary item or experience. All opinions are honest and my own. In addition, Amazon links in this post are affiliate links. Remember, affiliate links and codes cost you nothing extra to use and help me fund this website.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 22, 2022 | ski
Warren Miller. IYKYK. For those that don’t, Warren Miller was a ski bum who made movies about skiing and the slope-side lifestyle starting in the 1961 with Many Moods of Skiing. His next film didn’t come out for another 10 years (Any Snow, Any Mountain) and then the 1980s saw annual releases. The 1980s are when my memories of Warren Miller begin. My dad volunteered on ski patrol on a small mountain in Upstate NY so we could ski all winter for free. He took us to see Warren Miller films when the tour would come to town. Beyond the Edge (1986) was our favorite and we even had our own copy on VHS. I can’t remember what other Warren Miller films we saw, but Warren always had a place in my fondest memories. When I was at university, I continued to see the new releases when I could in Boston (definitely Fifty in 1999 and maybe Cold Fusion (2001) too. Many of my uni friends were skiers too and New England snow wasn’t too far away that a bus trip would help me fulfil my powder day dreams.*
My love of Warren Miller even went so far that my snowboarding ex-boyfriend and I rented out a movie theatre and hosted a Higher Ground (2005) screening in my hometown after a few years without any sign of Warren. While my ex and I only made a (very) small profit, I am proud to say that our city was added back on the official Warren Miller tour the following year.
In January, my husband and I were lucky enough to ski at Cooper Mountain in Colorado with my uncle. This trip was the first time we were on the slopes in over two years and it didn’t disappoint. If anything, it made me miss skiing even more. That is why I was thrilled to see Warren Miller’s latest film, Winter Starts Now, playing in London last week. Thanks to Adventure+, who are one of the UK sponsors and who also gifted me the tickets, I was able to feel alive again as I watched the cast of incredible athletes explore many of America’s finest resorts (both big and small). Usually the Warren Miller crew travels around the world to find the best snow, but I assume Covid put a damper on their plans. I also loved how this year’s film addresses the lack of diversity in snow sports by highlighting the work of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. Winter Starts Now also includes a segment on adaptive athletes who climb up and then ski down Denali as amputees.
If you have never seen a Warren Miller film before, I encourage you to watch the trailer here and then book your tickets to view one of the upcoming UK tour dates.
I can’t believe I am the only Warren Miller fan out there. Do you have any memories of Warren Miller films? Or are they something you have discovered recently? Leave me a message below and let me know how Warren Miller has influenced your love of the winter ski season.
*Full disclosure- I don’t know how to ski in powder. Western NY slopes are typically icy. I also had the same set of skis from 2001-2021. The ski design technology changed a wee bit during those 20 years, I think.
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