Backcountry enthusiasts, adventurers and weekend warriors rejoice! The ski season is here, which means that France’s ski resorts will be filled with skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes and hitting the snow parks.
While you might be very familiar with the English language, speaking and understanding the language of love might not be so easy. To make things a bit more challenging, French has some pretty specific words and phrases that are reserved only for the most intimate and passionate situations. The trick is to learn how to say skiing in French and master the artful nuances of this exciting sport. Keep reading for some helpful tips on how to say skiing in French!
Table of Contents
Get In Shape
Skiing is a physically demanding sport and a good warmup for your body especially if you are a beginner. The French word for skiing is ski-in/ski-out, which means that you will spend most of your time in the backcountry. Being in shape for ski-in/ski-out is therefore essential. You should be prepared for chilly temperatures and wet snow. Knowing how to dress appropriately for the mountain and how to prepare your body for the slopes will make a substantial difference in your enjoyment of the sport. The best way to get in shape is by taking up an outdoor activity like hiking or skiing. The fresh air and the vibration of the snow under your feet will do wonders for your general well-being.
Learn The Basics
Speaking French in general is a great skill to have, and it will be very useful in your life. Knowing how to say hello, goodbye, how are you, and even how to order food or drink will not take long to learn. These phrases and a few others will not be difficult to pick up once you have had a few lessons. Even if you are an experienced traveler, you may find it useful to review these phrases as a refresher. Being able to order food and drink will make eating out a lot easier and much more pleasant. You will not feel like a tourist in a strange place, ordering food with your hands while pointing to a picture of what you want will be much more practical and acceptable to the locals. Learning how to say hello, goodbye, how are you, and even how to order food or drink will not take long to learn.
Skiing Is A Family Activity
One of the great things about skiing is that it is a family activity. You will be with people you love, and you will laugh, shout, and sing along the whole ski run. It will be great fun, especially if you go with your kids. You will not feel like a single person in a big group, rather, the whole clan will be having fun together. Families will be the key to having a good time during the French ski season. Make sure you prepare your kids for the adventure, so they can enjoy the experience too. The best thing is that kids will quickly learn how to ski and become independent and adventurous enough to continue enjoying this thrilling sport as an adult too.
Skiing Is A Great Opportunity To Travel
One of the things that make skiing great is that it is such an incredible opportunity to travel. You get to go to beautiful places, like the French Alps, and enjoy the snow and the breathtaking views. It is an experience like no other, and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel Europe during the winter. When the snow starts to settle, you will feel like you are in a different world. Make sure you put the adventure of skiing before everything else, including your job, your school, and even your house-hold responsibilities. Skiing will give you a taste of the European winter, and it is a truly unique opportunity to travel to another country during the winter. You will also get to meet people with whom you share a love for the mountains and winter sports- what a great way to travel!
Make Sure The Area You Are In Is Familiar
Make sure you check the ski area rules and regulations before hitting the slopes. This should include things like whether or not you need a pass or if the area is accessible during the off-season. Familiarity with the area is essential, especially for beginners. There are many different areas and cultures in Europe, and you may wonder where you should go and what you should do. Having a general idea of the vibe in the area will help you make the right decision. If you are new to the area, go with the flow and try not to provoke any argument or conflict. Everyone will benefit from your ignorance, especially you. Once you have adjusted to the culture, you will discover a lot about the place and its people. Don’t forget: trust your gut, that is what matters most.
Learn Hand Signs
You will not be able to communicate directly with the locals if you do not know the hand signs. Learning how to give a wave or shake a hand will not take long. Knowing the basics of ski etiquette, such as pointing your skis forward when pulling off the slope will make a difference. Locals will appreciate the effort you make to learn the signs, so they can communicate with you and you can enjoy your time on the slopes. It would be best to learn the simplified French signs so you can ask for what you want in an easy manner. This will make a nice change from having to learn a new language all over again. After all, everyone wants to speak the same language on a trip, don’t they?
Use Your Gut
No one is an expert in every area of life. Everyone has something to learn, and everyone can benefit from practicing. Even if you have a lot of experience in other areas of life, you will learn something new from the perspective of a beginner. Make sure you are comfortable with your decision to participate in skiing, but do not be afraid to try new things. Use your instincts and listen to your body. Do what feels right, and enjoy the process. Your gut will always be your best guide, otherwise, you will end up in problems you cannot solve. Just remember, take it easy, and you will enjoy the experience greatly.
Prepare For The Weather
The temperature in the valleys can get pretty low, so prepare yourself for chilly weather. You should be prepared for temperatures that plunge to lows during the day and even reach an acceptable level at night. Make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes with you, including hats, gloves, and scarves. You will also need something to keep you warm, like a hat, gloves, and a warm jacket. You must be extra careful when walking on the mountain due to slips and sudden thaws. Going downhill in the morning in ski boots can be tricky. It is best to take them off and put on your regular shoes once you reach the bottom. This will help prevent accidents and injuries due to slips and sudden temperature changes. If it gets to be too cold even in the evening, put on more layers and cover yourself with a warm jacket. Remember to take off your gloves and hat once you enter a building or a car, as the heat can cause damage to your skin and make you sick.
Ski The French Alps In Style
The French Alps are without a doubt the best in Europe. There are so many fantastic resorts, and it is such an incredible opportunity to travel abroad during the winter. The skiing is superb, and the French cuisine is amazing. You will not get tired of eating hot chocolate and waffles after every run, and the pints will accompany the delicious food beautifully. Do not miss out on this incredible experience, go for it!
Speaking French can open many doors for you. It can even make a small difference in your day-to-day life. You can make friends with the locals, order food or drinks effortlessly, and tell the time very accurately too. Learning French will give you a deeper insight into the culture and the people in France, as well as the Alps. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the European culture, and even become patriotic and cherish the culture. Who knows? You might even decide to move to France one day and join the skiing community there! Good luck out there.