You need ski only once to discover why it is such a popular winter pastime, and why people are absolutely mad about it. Skiing offers something for everyone - whether you choose to spend your time leisurely navigating the green slopes, or carving fresh powder “off piste.”

For most South Africans, the idea of “snow” is limited to a distant mountain top sprinkled with white. In the bitterest depths of winter it might snow in certain cities and towns, as residents of Plett and Gauteng discovered this past year, but even then it is minimal, and most definitely not worth getting your skis out for! For that, you will probably have to travel a little further…

If skiing is a dream of yours, check out the below article for answers to some skiing FAQs, downloads on preparing yourself for the slopes, links to our travel partner (skiAustria Tours) and of course a selection of the best Cape Union Mart skiwear available.

1. Where can I go skiing?

Remember: The quality of your skiing experience will probably be most determined by the quality of the snow. There are many countries around the world in which one can ski, but certain areas are a better bet than others. Imagine pitching up at your ski resort to discover no snow!

There are many great ski spots in Europe, the Americas, and even Australia and New Zealand. For a more cost-effective skiing holiday, pop round the corner to Tiffindell or Lesotho. We feature Austria – the home of alpine skiing.

2. Finding a good tour operator

No matter where you travel, use of a tour operator is often the best route to a hiccup-free skiing experience. There are loads of different operators available (check out the web), but when it comes to skiing in Austria, Cape Union Mart trusts and recommends skiAustria Tours.

3. “To rent or not to rent” – should I rent or buy my skiing equipment?

Even if you go on a skiing holiday as much as once a year, it is still far more cost effective and convenient to rent your skiing equipment (skis, skiing boots, helmets etc.) from your resort.

Hired skiwear is risky; instead visit your local Cape Union Mart for a full selection of jackets, ski pants, fleece, beanies, gloves and socks. Be prepared before you get to your destination – why waste time shopping when you could rather be skiing?

4. Is skiing easy?

Unlike many other sports, skiing is relatively easy to learn, provided that it is taught correctly. Also, it does not require months of practice to become a skilled skier – a day to two in ski school and you can already hit the slopes (well some of them anyway).

As you grow more proficient in skiing, you will find new areas in which to challenge yourselves, like skiing off piste or snowboarding.

5. Skiing vs. snowboarding

People often ask, “Which is better – skiing or snowboarding?” This is quite a “controversial” issue, with supporters of both disciplines firmly claiming that theirs is superior. If you have never done either, Cape Union Mart suggests that you go with your instinct and perfect one of the two. A good ski holiday is about 10 days long, and you don’t want to waste time flitting between skis and a board.