Prepping for ski season
Winter is on its way, bringing the excitement of carving your first turns on our Valais slopes. Proper prep ensures you get the most out of your season.: suitable equipment, well-maintained gear, great deals on ski passes, accommodation booked and safety rules in mind. Maximise the fun, minimise the worry: here are our top tips for total peace of mind.
Essential equipment
Choosing and maintaining your equipment
Skis
To choose the right skis, it is important to consider your skill level and how you ski. An intermediate skier who mainly skis on the slopes will generally opt for skis that are between 5 and 10 centimetres shorter than their height. Before the start of the season, it is strongly recommended that you take your equipment to a sports shop for a full service. Bindings should be checked once a year, as they need to be adjusted according to the skier's height, weight and skill level. Remember to maintain your skis regularly throughout the winter: waxing and sharpening are recommended every five to six days of skiing, or even more frequently if you ski on hard snow. Sharpening improves cornering, while waxing nourishes the base and optimises glide. If the base turns white, a sign that it is drying out, it is time to treat it to restore ideal gliding performance.
Boots
When buying or renting ski boots, it is essential to ensure that they fit your feet perfectly and that they are neither too big nor too small, to avoid discomfort and injury. Well-fitting boots not only ensure better movement transmission, but also provide greater safety. Before each season, take the time to check the condition of the buckles and soles to ensure optimal support and good grip when walking.
Poles
The choice of ski poles is mainly based on their size. To determine this, simply turn the pole upside down, place the handle on the ground and check that the basket is at elbow height. This simple rule will help you find the ideal length, ensuring balance and comfort on the slopes.
Buying your ski pass
For regular skiers, a season pass is still the most economical option, especially if you mainly ski at the same resort. If you like to vary your skiing experience, the Magic Pass is an excellent alternative, as it gives you access to numerous ski areas in Valais and beyond. Complement your pass with a Valais Mountain Card (VMC), which offers total flexibility and means you don't have to queue at the ticket office when you visit other resorts.
If you are only staying in Valais for a few days or a week, don't hesitate to purchase a pass valid for the entire duration of your stay at your holiday resort. Some destinations also offer multi-resort packages, which are ideal if you want to explore different areas during your holiday.
Finally, occasional skiers, who ski for a few days in the winter, will find the Valais Mountain Card a flexible and practical solution, with immediate access to the slopes without having to queue at the ticket office. Another option is to purchase your ski pass directly online via our e-shop, saving time and enjoying exclusive discounts.
Booking your accommodation
For an unforgettable winter sports holiday in Valais, there's nothing better than ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Located close to the slopes, these establishments offer storage space for your ski equipment, a large sunny terrace where you can admire the surrounding alpine landscape during après-ski, and a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals after a day on the slopes. Some hotels also have a wellness area and most even organise luggage transfer.
Safety rules
Hitting the snowy slopes in Valais is a unique experience that combines fun, adrenaline and spectacular scenery. To ensure that everyone enjoys themselves in complete peace of mind, it is important to follow certain safety rules and guidelines for good conduct. These are designed to protect you, safeguard nature and promote harmonious coexistence between the various kinds of mountain users. Careful, respectful behaviour allows everyone – skiers, snowboarders and hikers – to share the slopes and snow-covered areas under the best possible conditions. The mountains are a magnificent playground, but they are even more enjoyable when experienced in total safety.
Take regular breaks and assess your level realistically.
Do not attempt new exercises at the end of the day.
Choose slopes that are suited to your abilities.
Only ski on open and marked runs.
Check the snow report
Follow the FIS rules
Behave respectfully towards nature: snow sports and respect
For off-piste skiing: consult White Risk, use Avalanche Check and contact the Valais Guide Office
Download the Echo SOS app for added safety.
Expert advice
Originally from Holland, Romanee Nieuwland is a ski and snowboard instructor in Bellwald, her second home.
Here are her five tips for a perfect day’s skiing:
Good equipment – visit a sports shop in a ski resort and get advice from a professional.
Book a ski instructor – they can guide you safely on the slopes
Read the FIS rules – to find out how to behave on the slopes
Assess your abilities – don't overestimate yourself and choose the level of difficulty of the slopes according to your skill level
Enjoy yourself – having fun is the most important thing! Après-ski and gourmet breaks are part of that.
Alpine Manifesto
In the face of climate-related and environmental challenges, the Alpine Manifesto proposes a new way of experiencing the mountains that is more respectful, more conscious and more sustainable.
Under ten simple and inspiring principles, it invites everyone – residents, visitors and professionals alike – to take concrete steps to preserve Alpine landscapes, local communities and the unique biodiversity of our regions.
