Over 40% of adults are keen to try skiing but feel overwhelmed about where to begin, according to a survey of 2,000 non-skiers.
The study revealed that understanding essential ski gear and choosing the right pass are the main areas of confusion for beginners.
A third admitted they couldn’t distinguish between green, red, blue or black slopes, while some feared slowing down more experienced friends on the slopes. Over one in five have refrained from booking a ski holiday due to worries about exchange rates and hidden costs impacting their budget.
The research was conducted by international money app Wise, which has published a guide to ski destinations for all budgets and enlisted Olympian Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards to provide top tips for skiing novices.
Eddie, who made history as the first Brit to compete in Olympic ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics, said: “When you’re out on the slopes with your friends and family, there’s nothing quite like it.
“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.”
A quarter of people are unsure about the ideal season for perfect skiing conditions, with even fewer admitting they lack knowledge on basic mountain safety and skiing etiquette.
Novice skiers estimate a ski trip could cost up to £950 per person, with 31% uncertain about how to budget for such an excursion.
Roisin Levine, head of UK & Europe partnerships at Wise, commented: “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.”
She highlighted common confusions among non-skiers, such as booking flights, choosing a suitable chalet, and selecting the right ski pass.
Levine advises using a card or service offering the Google exchange rate with a clear, transparent fee when booking lift passes, ski hire, or accommodation, leaving more cash for apres-ski activities.
She continued: “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.”
She acknowledged people’s concerns about potential costs. The most popular skiing destinations include the Alps via France, Switzerland, Austria, or Italy (31%).
The Rocky Mountains, accessible via the USA or Canada, and the stunning Pyrenees are among the most sought-after global destinations.
Eddie the Eagle, a seasoned skier, shared his thoughts on the matter: “With the amount of times I’ve been skiing, it doesn’t bear thinking about how much money I’ve lost in hidden fees from bad exchange rates.
“If you’re going with your mates it’s a good idea to pool your food and drink money into a kitty – this way, you can save time at the bar by paying in one go and no one gets the brunt of the bill. And remember – always pay in the currency of the place you’re in and use a provider that doesn’t rip you off with hidden fees.”
