Book your next skiing holiday with Cimber Sterling – it's easy and inexpensive!

The skiing season is approaching, and what better way to get the most value for your money than putting your holiday in Cimber Sterling's capable hands?

This year Cimber Sterling will be flying to no less than four different ski destinations - Munich, Salzburg, Oslo and Zurich – so there's bound to be at least one choice ideal for your travel requirements.

There’s something for everyone at our four destinations:Moguls, beginners' slopes, intermediate slopes, and the more advanced black runs, and ski schools for those who need a little extra practice, or for kids.And when it comes to après-ski, you're spoiled for choice:Alpine idyll, family fun with kid-friendly activities, hardcore après-ski or whatever you fancy - the options are endless!It’s really just a question of what you most want to do, but don't wait too long:You’re probably not the only one with the same idea!

Beginners on skis

If you’re new to skiing, here are a few tips that can help you ensure a good experience.And who knows, you may even become so addicted to the sport that skiing holidays become a cherished highlight of your travel year.

• Do what you can to get into physical shape prior to departure:The better shape you’re in, the more you'll get out of your expensive skiing hours.

• Don’t forget travel insurance – and remember that transportation back to Denmark is no longer covered by your national health insurance.Remember also to check if your travel insurance covers active holidays.Before departure, look into your coverage with regard to paragliding, ice climbing and similar activities.

• Lift pass – book this from home if you can, saving you valuable hours spent queuing at the lift office at your destination.Make sure you have a passport photo for the lift pass. If you have an electronic lift pass from a previous holiday, you may be able to “recharge” it on the resort website before departure. Visit the destination website to find out more.

• Ski school is always a good idea for beginners – but remember to book from home to ensure that you get a place in the right class and don't have to settle for ‘whatever is left’.If you’re not fluent in the language at your chosen resort, make sure to book with a ski instructor who speaks English or even Danish (many ski schools in Austria in particular feature Danish instructors).

• Ski equipment – rent your equipment at the resort so you can exchange it if necessary, such as in the case of ski boots.And speaking of boots: Spend a little time trying on different pairs until you find some that fit perfectly. Badly fitting boots can ruin your hard-earned holiday. Ski boots should fit snugly so that the heel doesn’t move, but you should be able to wiggle your toes (otherwise they’ll freeze!).

• Clothing – if you’re not completely sure that skiing is for you, make sure to borrow ski clothes the first time you head off on holiday instead of spending thousands on expensive ski outfits.And always remember the three-layer rule: The base layer (NOT cotton), the insulation layer (such as fleece), and the outer shell (such as a Gore-Tex jacket).

• Ski socks – spend the money on a quality pair of ski socks – sports socks or tube socks simply won’t do!

• Remember your goggles and sunglasses too.

• And bring your swimsuit, if the resort has a swimming pool.You may also want to take along additional gear if the destination offers other sporting activities (e.g. tennis, skating, etc.).Bad weather days can end up being fun.

• Sun block – this is of particular importance during the spring months.

• The rules of the slopes – ALWAYS follow instructions given by resort personnel, and head home BEFORE you get tired out. Review the rules online

• And remember ski helmets for the kids!Many resorts require children to wear ski helmets, and some even offer free lift passes for helmeted children under a certain age.

Tips for ski holidays with kids

Taking the kids on a ski holiday is a special experience for the whole family, with glittering snow, blue skies, sunshine, magnificent nature, outdoor picnics, and the opportunity for everyone to relax, gear down and enjoy being together.

But before you set off, it’s always a good idea to do a little planning.Some considerations:Are you travelling alone or with other families, what will your trip cost, do you need to book ski schools for children and/or adults?

Setting your expectations is an important part of the planning process - it's a good idea to get everyone on the same page if, for example, you're taking along small children.You won't be spending as much time skiing as you would with slightly older kids.In general, children can begin skiing around 4 or 5 years of age. At that age, most children have the motor skills to stop and navigate their way around others.Naturally the child's interest in learning to ski also plays a role.It is important that the child thinks it's fun to ski, and views the learning process as a game.Try not to pressure the child with your own ambitions.Some children can only maintain interest in skiing for short periods of time, particularly when they are just learning to ski, so it's a good thing that there are so many other activities to choose from.Perhaps a cup of hot cocoa, an afternoon nap or just relaxing with the rest of the family.

If you’re bringing very small children, a sledge is a great option for family fun.We also recommend using a pulk sled to pull behind you, if you’re planning cross-country skiing. Just remember that children require more clothing and proper protection from the elements, because they are being pulled in a sitting or horizontal position. So it’s very important that you use an insulating foundation layer and frequent ‘temperature checks’. Bigger kids can be dressed in several layers of clothing with a snowsuit. But beware of the ‘Michelin man effect’: Children need to be able to move freely, or they will have difficulty maintaining body heat. The same applies to the toes, which is why boots need to be sufficiently roomy to allow ‘wiggle room’. Long waterproof mittens are best, and do yourself a favour by knotting them together to avoid missing mittens on the ski lift!

At many resorts you can purchase food and drink near the slopes, but if you're on a budget it's always a good idea to take a homemade packed lunch.Some resorts feature roofed shelters with areas set aside for campfires, where you can cook hotdogs and other foods. And whatever you do, always remember to bring plenty of water/fluids. Chocolate is also a great choice when it comes to ‘emergency rations’.