On the slopes

How do I hire equipment with you?

You can hire all the equipment you need before you go. With standard carving skis, poles, snowboards and boots, all safety checked and guaranteed. You can also upgrade to superior equipment by paying your Rep in resort. Children’s helmets are also available in resort.

In selected easy to learn resorts we offer a Learn to package tailored to beginners. This includes fun and flexible ski or snowboarding tuition, five or six days a week, a local lift pass and all your kit.

To book equipment online use the Ski Extras link on the ‘Holiday Price’ page. This will provide prices and all available options in your chosen resort.

Alternatively call us on 0871 200 7799 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) once you’ve booked your holiday.

How do I book ski lessons with you?

Make the most of the slopes by joining our ski or board schools. From first-timers to experts, our pre-bookable tuition has something for everyone.

In selected easy to learn resorts we offer a Learn to package tailored to beginners. This includes fun and flexible ski or snowboarding tuition, five or six days a week, a local lift pass, all your kit.

In many of our resorts we also offer fun ski clinics and private tuition. These can be booked through your Rep in resort.

To book lessons online in our ski or board school use the Ski Extras link on the ‘Holiday Price’ page. This will provide prices and all available options in your chosen resort.

Alternatively call us on 0871 200 7799 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) once you’ve booked your holiday.

Do the ski instructors speak English?

Most ski schools throughout Europe have English-speaking instructors.

Can intermediate level skiers take ski lessons?

Ski lessons aren't just for beginners. You can carry on taking them at all levels of skiing in order to further improve your technique and confidence.

How do I get a lift pass?

Save time by booking your lift pass before you go for hassle-free access to the lifts and slopes. Either go for a local lift pass or if you want to explore further try an area lift pass.

To book your lift pass online use the Ski Extras link on the ‘Holiday Price’ page. This will provide prices and all available options in your chosen resort.

Alternatively call us on 0871 200 7799 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) once you’ve booked your holiday.

Do I need a lift pass photo?

We advise that you always take a passport sized photo with you for the lift pass, even if it states that a photo is not needed, in case of any changes in resort requirement.

Can I take my own equipment?

You can take your own snowboard and skis with you. As these items are classed as oversize they are transported in the luggage hold and incur an additional charge. Ski carriage can be pre-booked from just £15 and must be added to your booking before departure.

To book ski carriage online use the Ski Extras link on the ‘Holiday Price’ page. This will provide prices for your chosen resort.

Alternatively call us on 0871 200 7799 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) once you’ve booked your holiday.

Can I hire ski clothing through you?

You can hire ski clothing and accessories through snowsports specialists Edge2Edge. An ideal solution for beginners or families with growing children. Hired kit can be collected from their stores, posted to you at home or delivered to your airport for collection on departure.

By travelling with First Choice we can offer a15% discount on published prices. All you need to do is call Edge 2 Edge on 01293 649300 quoting your Booking Reference number and our reference FCE2E.

Where are the best places to ski with children?

We're leading the way in family ski holidays, with our kids' clubs open for more hours than any other UK holiday company. Based at three of our best family hotels in in Alpe d'Huez (France), Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) and Yllas (Lapland), they have a crèche and kids' clubs tailored to three age groups from 6 months to 12 years. For prices and more details visit our ski kids’ club page.

For all other resorts information about children’s facilities can be found in the ‘About’ resort guide link on the ‘Accommodation Details’ page.

How high is the resort?

Please refer to the ‘About’ resort guide link on the ‘Accommodation Details’ page. This contains the resort height and other piste facts from your chosen resort.

Is it a good resort for beginners/intermediates/advanced/snowboarders?

Please refer to the ‘About’ resort guide link on the ‘Accommodation Details’ page. This contains information about suitability of the resort for beginners, intermediates, advanced and snowboarders.

Can I change from skiing to boarding if I don't like it?

Yes, but there may be an extra charge payable in resort for the hire of different equipment.

Is cross-country skiing available in resort?

Please refer to the ‘About’ resort guide link on the ‘Accommodation Details’ page. This page indicates if there is cross-country skiing available and how many kilometres of cross-country skiing there is in your chosen resort.

Is there enough to do in resort if you don't ski?

This depends on the resort that you are travelling to. The ‘About’ resort guide link on the ‘Accommodation Details’ page displays information about facilities that are available other than skiing.

However, if you don’t intend to ski, you will be much better off travelling to one of the bigger, livelier resorts.

What is the 'Skier's Code of Conduct'?

To ensure safe skiing for you and others on the slopes it is advised that you follow the Skier's Code of Conduct, and the rules of the piste:

· Always stay in control and be able to stop avoid other people or objects
· People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them
· You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above
· Whenever starting downhill look uphill and yield to other skiers
· Always use devices to prevent runaway equipment
· Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep closed trails and out of closed areas
· Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely