Anyone who never did winter sports as a child and later preferred to spend their holidays by the sea as an adult will certainly not be able to talk to their friends about the breathtaking views in the mountains, the best routes and techniques. Then maybe it’s finally time to take a winter sports course for beginners. Below we reveal which sports are better suited for newcomers to winter sports, the best ski areas, tips on equipment and what else you need to pay attention to.
Winter sports for beginners – preparation is recommended
Anyone who practices winter sports experiences nature intensively and combines it with sport and speed. Very few other sports have all of this to offer. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hiking or ice diving – each winter sport has its own appeal. Approximately 15 million Germans As of 2015, have already tried it out and a third of them practice one or another winter sport regularly. There is no age limit. You can learn to ski from the age of 3 or as an adult.
For beginners and people over 40 years of age who cannot describe themselves as athletic personalities, it is recommended to strengthen their shins and ankles, for example through classic exercises and ski gymnastics at home or in the gym. In order to train your balance, which is required for all winter sports, experts recommend practicing with a wobble board.
Winter sports for beginners – equipment for beginners
You have to keep your body fit, but also protect it properly from the changeable weather in the mountains. The temperatures in the mountain areas fluctuate greatly, which is why winter sports enthusiasts should rely on the onion principle. The function of the lower layer of clothing is to regulate body temperature and transport moisture to the outside. Thermal underwear made from breathable fibers is therefore a good clothing choice. Pants and jacket should be water-repellent, protect against wind and rain and have a snow guard. When buying trousers, newcomers in particular have to make sure that the leg length fits, as it is difficult to shorten them. When it comes to equipment, the basic rule is: for professionals – buy, for beginners – rent when it comes to boards and boards. Renting shoes is simply not ideal for hygiene reasons. Although there is no obligation to wear glasses and a helmet, they protect the head and eyes, which could be of great importance in the event of a fall.
Winter Sports for Beginners – Some of the best ski resorts
During a winter holiday, everyone dreams of being able to enjoy bright sunshine and a mountain area where the snow glitters beautifully and white peaks welcome winter sports enthusiasts. We have listed below which ski areas in Germany, Austria and the surrounding area are prepared for newcomers to winter sports and offer the best conditions for a ski holiday.
Ski resorts ideal for winter sports beginners
- Winterberg in Sauerland, Germany – Height: 580 – 820 meters; flat, easy slopes; family-friendly ski area; more than 20 lifts on six different mountains
- Reit im Winkl, Germany on the border with Austria – height: 1160 – 1869 meters; snow-sure ski area with rolling hills and wide slopes; Cross-country ski area number 1;
- Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, Austria – Height: 1000 – 2830 meters; numerous quiet and cozy ski resorts; a total of 7 individual ski areas; almost 140 km of slopes; various options for winter fun – hiking, cross-country skiing, excellent childcare;
- Riezlern, Austria – Height: 826 – 2224 meters; Skiing in two countries: Austria and Germany; versatile ski area with 6 ski mountains; well suited for families with children; areas for cruising, relaxing, hiking and cross-country skiing;
- Adelboden, Switzerland – Height: 1353 – 2400 meters; huge selection for all driving levels; over 200 km of slopes; rustic ambience, excellent leisure activities;
- Brunico, Italy – Height: 834 – 2275 meters; wide, mostly flat slopes, ideal for inexperienced people and children; modern ski lifts – no waiting times;
- La Plagne, France – Height: 1250 – 3250 meters; one of the largest ski resorts in the world; enough space for beginners and professionals; very good entertainment offering;
Winter sports for beginners – Enjoy a winter holiday without children
If you want to enjoy your winter holiday without your children or simply in peace, make sure it’s perfect Winter enjoyment in an adults-only hotel. The hotel concept is geared towards the demands and lifestyle of adults and individual relaxation comes first. Child-free hotels offer a romantic, feel-good atmosphere based on the tradition of a spa and wellness hotel and consciously forego facilities for children under 15 years of age.
Which winter sports are best for beginners?
Of all winter sports disciplines, Germans have the greatest interest according to the statistics to biathlon. However, it is not suitable for inexperienced enthusiasts because it combines cross-country skiing and shooting. Skiing is undisputedly the number 1 winter sport in Germany. It strengthens the leg muscles and the circulation. Cross-country skiing is one of the most effective winter sports and is suitable for children, teenagers and adults of all ages who have a good basic level of fitness and enjoy physical activity. Because everyone can choose a suitable terrain and an appropriate speed for themselves. Snowboarding is a little harder on the legs because the two are connected on one surface, making this winter sport riskier and perhaps more difficult to learn. Twists in the knee or torn ligaments cannot be ruled out, so the leg muscles should be trained and strengthened beforehand. The 20% of Germans who have no interest in winter sports can enjoy their vacation without skiing. Pleasant outdoor activities are available for these, such as ice skating, touring, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, snowmobiling, horse-drawn or dog sledding, and for brave guests – ice diving or tandem flights.
Winter sports for beginners – our recommendation
If you have never skied or snowboarded before, but want to learn how to do it as an adult, then you have to overcome your fears of going downhill. Because a self-experiment is always worth it and everything else takes time, including the right technique.