Why South Africans NEED to go on a Skiing Holiday
For the majority of South Africans, the concept of a snow skiing holiday is unfathomable. I often get the confused emoji expression from clients when I suggest it as their next holiday and here are some of the popular reasons why people disregard a skiing holiday:
A – Our Lack of Snow
Many South Africans have only seen snow on TV or perhaps sprinkled on their lawn in the freak snowfall of 2007 but never so thick that it covers everything in a 10 centimeter layer of frozen white cotton candy. Many have never heard the sound of snow crunching under their boots or felt the urge to catch snowflakes on their tongue. A snow holiday is therefore not always front of mind.
B – Paying to Dress Up like The Michelin Man
Walking around in weighted boots which are then clicked into long thin sticks in order to go sliding down a mountain is a downright ridiculous notion to some. Besides skiing = exercise and therefore sounds like it would require A LOT of effort.
C – Skiing is Expensive
A snow skiing holiday in a standard 3 star pension can cost the same as a luxurious Mauritius holiday. Special clothes, ski hire, ski passes, ski school. Is it really worth it?
D – Active Holidays are Not Relaxing
When I need to relax, I generally picture a tropical beach, silky soft sand and calm turquoise water. Beach = relax. A holiday where I am able to do as much lounging as possible never mind dragging myself to ski school every day.
The above points aside, a Ski Holiday, in my opinion, is possibly the best holiday you will ever have. Seriously.
Studies suggest that the most important part of a holiday is detachment, letting go of work or other every day stresses. Leaving behind routine and experiencing something completely new is both exciting and restorative.
Spending 7 nights in a Ski Resort somewhere in the Alps is like being catapulted into a different world. The stark beauty of the snow-capped mountains towering over charming alpine villages. It is enchanting just to be there never mind witnessing people winding several kilometers down a mountain, zig zagging from top to bottom in the distance like little ants.
Physical exercise may be just what you need to recover from a stressful year as it will help relax the muscles and relieve tension. Think of all the hours you sit in a chair behind a desk or in a car stuck in traffic. Instead of gorging at the buffet table and then lazing at the pool all day – consider that you can gorge without the guilt because you will be burning off the calories on the slopes. Plus moderate to vigorous physical activity generates the brain to release endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, which are chemicals that make you feel good and happy.
Another unusual way of increasing your chances of having a rejuvenating holiday is to try and master a new activity. “Mastery” is engaging in an experience that involves learning and a sense of achievement.
You may not be able to master the art of skiing in a week’s ski school but you can certainly conquer the nursery slope creating self-belief and pride which is good for the soul. Now imagine sharing this with your loved one, friends or children and watching them experience the same self-belief and pride.
“Remember how much we laughed when Dad collided with the instructor and they got their skis entangled. Or remember how fun it was when we created a human chain and bum boarded down the nursery slope and we almost ended up in the car park.” Ski Holidays create amazing memories and it’s the memories that hold the most value.
I once worked as a Ski Guide for a South African Touring Company and hosted several South African groups over the two winter seasons I worked in the lively village of Livigno. During this time I was fortunate enough to share this experience with my mom and dad. My mom has since passed away but my dad and I still reminisce about that week in Italy which was now 15 years ago.
The Skiing
It’s not easy – we know this. We did not grow up skiing and if you go skiing in Europe, chances are there will be six-year-old children skiing circles around you, but skiing is for the most part is TONS OF FUN and the reason why millions of people go on skiing holidays around the world.
I would describe skiing to be like riding a bicycle. Instead of wheels you have skis and instead of handlebars to control your direction, you use your legs to turn by shifting your weight from one leg to the other. The faster you ski the more exertion on your legs. That’s why world champion downhill skiers have quads on top of their quads. You control your speed and the feeling is exhilarating.
Most Ski packages include Ski School and there will be many first timers of varying ages so don’t worry. It’s actually a great way to meet new people.
The mountains look steep but during your first ski holiday, you are likely to spend most of your time on the nursery slope which is no steeper than an average golfing green. Skis need only a slight slope to get moving, their bases are specially made and waxed to glide easily over the snow.
At ski school, you will learn how to snowplough and many people are able to attempt a blue (easiest) or even a red (medium) run by the end of the week.
You will fall down, and getting up can be embarrassing but the snow is soft and falling down is part of learning. Besides everyone falls at some point.
Even though you will spend most of the day on the slopes, you do not need to be super fit to go on your first ski holiday. Much of the day is spent taking turns to practice a new skill or chatting while waiting for a button lift to take you back up the slope. The next thing you know it’s time for lunch or a hot chocolate break.
If you try a few days and decide it is just not for you, that’s fine too because there are several other activities available for those who are not skiing such as bum boarding, après ski, ice skating, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Most Ski Resorts have access to the top of the mountain via Gondola’s which will allow you to experience the views at a Mountain Hut for a lunch and a gluhwein without having to Ski down to the bottom.
Skiing is an amazingly addictive sport. It offers something for the whole family, and can be enjoyed into old age.
The Cold
Depending on the time of year you could be experiencing -20 degrees with your beer froth freezing to the glass during après ski or you could be skiing without a jacket and joining Europeans sun gazing like lizards on beach like recliners at a restaurant during lunch.
Either way – the cold in its extremity is part of the experience.
The hotels in Ski Resorts are well equipped, insulated and a cozy escape from the cold outside and your ski gear will keep you warm while you are outside.
You will more than likely be sitting in a T-shirt (and pants obvs) for dinner after soaking in the hot Jacuzzi.
The Clothes
You have to invest in gear such as waterproof ski gloves, a ski jacket and ski pants as well as a few pairs of ski socks and some thermal underwear. Many South Africans wear havaianas all year round but if you go skiing you will need socks so thick, it feels like you are putting mini sleeping bags on your feet.
The first time I went skiing I thought ski pants were long lycra leggings – because that is what we called leggings back then. Much to my embarrassment I had to obtain a pair of actual ski pants from a local shop which were obviously far better designed for the snow. #facepalm
Although the clothes are expensive, budget for them as part of the holiday. You may feel it is a lot of money for a once off holiday but I guarantee you will not want to part with them just in case you get another chance to experience it again one day.
Just do it!
If you are looking for a different type of holiday – consider going on a Skiing Holiday. I guarantee you will not regret it – as long as you don’t break a leg but then there is always insurance for that.
