Eddie the Eagle's tips on organising a trip to the slopes for first-time skiers (2025)

More than four in 10 adults would love to go skiing with the Alps listed as the most popular destinations, whether that's via France, Switzerland, Austria or Italy.

Sadly, in a poll of 2,000 people who haven't hit the slopes before almost half don't know where to start in preparing for their holiday. Working out what ski gear is essential (33 per cent) and knowing which pass to buy (33 per cent) were most likely to confuse non-skiers.

Interestingly, 31 per cent confess to not knowing the difference between a green, red, blue or black slope. And others would be embarrassed to go with friends who are already proficient skiers (48 per cent) or are simply worried about constantly falling over and struggling to get back up again (23 per cent).

Another major factor is price - a third say they wouldn't know how to budget for the trip with most estimating that a holiday on the slopes would be around £950 per person.

According to the survey, many participants also voiced concerns about hidden fees when paying for accommodation or passes in a foreign currency (42 per cent), overspending on unexpected costs (32 per cent), and running out of money through the trip.

The study was commissioned by international money app Wise has released its own guide of ski destinations for every budget and enlisted the help of iconic Olympian Eddie the Eagle on top tips for skiing newbies.

Eddie the Eagle's tips on organising a trip to the slopes for first-time skiers (1)

He said: "Skiing trips can appear quite daunting. There’s a lot of moving parts and different bits to plan. But when you’re out on the slopes with your friends and family, there’s nothing quite like it."

Roisin Levine, head of UK & Europe partnerships at Wise, said: "Going on a new kind of holiday can be daunting, but isn’t that the point of travel? Broadening your horizons, trying new experiences – skiing is brilliant for ticking off loads of these boxes, even if it might seem scary at first. And its understandable people have concerns about how much it might cost."

Roisin Levine added: “There’s a preconception that skiing is an expensive trip, which it can be, but there’s certainly ways of keeping costs down to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun.

“When booking your lift passes, ski hire or accommodation - make sure to use a card or service which gives you the exchange rate you see on Google, charging only a clear, transparent fee, so that you can keep your cash for the après ski bar.”

Eddie the Eagle added: "Some of the best times of my life involve me skiing, and I’d love to think that others could have the same opportunities to make unforgettable memories."

EDDIE THE EAGLE'S TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST SKI HOLIDAY:

1. BUDGET IN ADVANCE AND DO YOUR RESEARCH ON DESTINATIONS

Set aside some money as far in advance as possible and where you can, pay for things like flights, accommodation, and ski lessons, passes and hire in manageable chunks or alternatively look at package deals as they can often be cheaper.

2. DON’T SPLURGE ON SKI GEAR AS A FIRST TIMER

Borrow or buy second-hand. Alternatively, you can also hire ski gear - which is perfect if you’re particularly unsure on if you’re going to love it or not.

3. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (OR AT LEAST, LESS AWKWARD)

If you can get up to a local snow-zone or dry slope prior to your holiday, it’ll take the sting out of hitting the slopes for the first time.

4. DON’T SCRIMP ON LESSONS

Get some private or group lessons when you’re there - no amount of natural athleticism can prepare you for skiing - trust me, you need help.

5. BEWARE OF EXTRA FEES WHEN BOOKING YOUR TRIP

Many airlines and accommodation booking websites will rip you off through ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion.’ And when paying for them in another currency, some websites convert the cost for you and add on a markup - always pay in the local currency and check exchange rates on Google.

6. BYO-SANDWICHES TO SAVE ON PRICEY MOUNTAIN MEALS

Cut costs by packing your own sandwiches, snacks and plenty of water.

7. PAY LIKE A LOCAL

Save money abroad by using a card that ensures you get a good exchange rate.

8. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BOOTS

Take your time to get the right pair of boots in the ski shop because it will make all the difference to your experience - you may think the boots are too tight, they’re usually not.

9. DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO OFF-PEAK

Aim for the beginning or end of the season when slopes are quieter - you’ll save money and enjoy a more relaxed skiing experience.

10. HAVE FUN - AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO FALL!

Falling down is part of learning to ski – we’ve all been there (including the pros, believe me!)

Eddie the Eagle's tips on organising a trip to the slopes for first-time skiers (2025)
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