Winter sports for beginners

Are you a newbie when it comes to winter sports? If you have never been to the mountains and snow on holiday, your first winter sports holiday can be quite exciting. What follows are some tips for the less experienced winter sports enthusiast.

Where to?

The first and most important question is of course: where are we going?

Whether you want to go skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing: Austria is by far the most popular destination for a winter sports holiday. The Zillertal in particular is very popular and the favourite destination is the child-friendly Gerlos. However, the Defereggental offers you the most snow certainty.

In second place is France: also the most popular destination among the Dutch for a summer holiday. Val Thorens is particularly suitable for beginners, child-friendly and offers you guaranteed snow. Families with children also like to go to the charming Châtel, in the Haute Savoie.

With destinations such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Winterberg and Oberstdorf, Germany is the third most popular winter sports country among the Dutch. Winterberg, in the Sauerland, is only a three-hour drive from Maastricht and is ideal for a short winter sports holiday close to home. Winterberg does not offer you the most snow certainty, but the Germans solve that with artificial snow.

Italy and Switzerland complete the top five most popular winter sports destinations.

What to pack?

If you are going on a winter sports holiday, you will probably take a few more suitcases with you than on your summer holiday. Ski pants, jackets, warm sweaters, thermal underwear and thick socks simply take up more space than a pile of Bermuda shorts and bikinis. You will probably not forget your skis, snowboard, ski poles, ski/snowboard boots and helmet. But have you also thought about your snow boots, hat and gloves? In addition to your snow/sun glasses, you should also think about sun cream and after sun – things that you might not immediately think of when you hear the word 'winter sports'.

Your car is of course equipped with winter tires for winter sports and there are snow chains in the trunk. A lock defroster, an ice scraper and an insulation blanket are also not an unnecessary luxury when you go on a winter sports holiday. A snow shovel and broom are also not an unnecessary luxury. Are you going to France? Then don't forget that you must have a (certified) breathalyzer with you!

Do you, an experienced winter sports enthusiast, have any tips for newbies in this area? Share your travel tips and practical tips with our followers and leave a comment! Do you prefer to stay home and are you looking for transportation? A rent a van in the Sittard region or rent another vehicle at Adrem!