If you’ve followed my previous adventures, you’ll know that Samos stole a piece of my heart last summer. But as the seasons shifted and the Greek sun made way for crisp mountain air, I found myself wondering: could the Alps offer that same sense of “home away from home”?!
As part of my role here at Richmond Holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to go on my first-ever ski trip! While my colleagues and friends raved about the magic and joy of the mountains, I’ll admit I was a little nervous! As a beginner, I had so many questions! How do I get there? Where do I get my skis? Will I fit in?
So, if you’re a first-time skier, a beginner, or new to Richmond Holidays, let me take you through my beginner skiing experience with them – a journey that proves you don’t need to be a pro to have the time of your life!
The Journey: Scenery and Peace of mind
Our trip began with a smooth flight into Chambery (and there is nothing quite like that first glimpse of snow-capped peaks from the plane window to get the excitement building!). Stepping into the arrivals, I immediately felt settled. A friendly Richmond Holidays team member was waiting right there to greet us, holding a sign that felt like a beacon of welcome!
We were guided to our private Richmond transfer, and any worries about navigating a foreign transport system simply melted away. The journey winding up the mountain was stunning. Lovely villages and snow-dusted pines rolled by, we could simply sit back, relax, and watch the incredible scenery unfold, knowing we were in safe hands.
Arriving at the Chalet: A welcome like no other
After a day of travel, there’s a unique feeling that comes with stepping over the threshold of your new holiday home. A mix of relief, weariness, and excitement for the week ahead! At the Richmond chalet, that feeling is met with an immediate, calming sense that everything is taken care of.
You’re greeted with a warm smile and the best kind of mountain welcome: an afternoon tea with fresh coffee, homemade cake, crusty baguettes, and jam! It was the perfect restorative treat after our journey. You are shown to your room, and then there’s an invitation to get your ski hire sorted from the shop just down the road, so you’re all set for the adventures ahead! But there’s no pressure. If you’re in need of a cup of tea and a sit-down first (or a nap?!), or if you arrive a bit later, that’s absolutely fine.
The real excitement happens at the first evening meal. As everyone gathers, the chalet managers create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. They don’t just serve you delicious dinner (we’ll get to that later!) they equip you for the week. They chat about the latest snow conditions and run through the plan for lessons. And those lift passes you might worry about queuing for? They’re already waiting for you in the lounge! Every little detail that could cause a question mark in your mind is smoothed over before you even have to ask.
This is where it goes from simply efficient to truly special. As a beginner, the sprawling map of the Three Valleys can look a bit intimidating! Seeing my slight overwhelm, the chalet managers took the time to sit down with me personally. They spread the map out, patiently pointed out some gentle, achievable routes for me to try, and suddenly the mountain felt less intimidating and more like an exciting possibility!
And it wasn’t just for me. I saw them doing the same for other guests – showing first-timers where to meet their instructors, giving tips on what to bring with them for a day on the slopes, and just generally making everyone feel seen and supported. It’s the Richmond way of turning what could be a daunting mountain, into your personal playground, right from the very first night!
The Richmond Difference: Logistically Effortless
For a lot of people, one of the best feelings about a holiday is the moment you finally switch off. It’s the chance to quieten the endless to-do lists and escape the mental clutter of our daily lives. You’re not just changing your location; you’re looking for a break from coordinating, planning, and figuring things out. The last thing you want is to trade one set of logistics for another!
What I loved about skiing with Richmond Holidays (and my time in Samos!) is how they’d already thought of everything. If you’ve skied elsewhere, you might be used to the “first-day stress” of hunting down lift passes and shops. Not here.
This is where the Richmond difference becomes crystal clear. The ski hire shop is a stone’s throw from the chalet. Richmond organises it all in advance, so you just turn up, get fitted by the friendly local team, and walk back.
But the magic isn’t just in the convenience of the location; it’s in the feeling. One of Richmond’s core values is being ‘relational’, and wow, do they mean it.
You walk into the ski hire shop, and you’re not just another tourist needing boots and skis. They know you’re with Richmond, and suddenly you’re not a stranger; you’re a friend of a friend. The whole exchange is a breeze. This sense of connection extends beyond the hire shop. The ski instructors, the team – they all seem to know and have genuine, long-standing relationships with the Richmond Holidays.
It feels less like you’re a tourist and more like you’re entering a warm, welcoming partnership where every detail is taken care of by people who genuinely know and trust each other.
For someone like me, who is already feeling a bit worried about how to master the snow plough without ending up in a heap! this is huge. It erases another layer of potential anxiety and replaces it with a comforting sense that you are completely, and genuinely, being taken care of. You can relax into the holiday from the moment you arrive, because you’re in the hands of people who have spent years building a community, not just a business.
The Easiest Start to the Day… Ever!
Let’s talk about the morning routine. Anyone who has been skiing before knows the potential for a scramble: the early alarm, the awkward walk-in ski boots, juggling skis and poles, and cramming onto a busy bus!
Now, forget all of that! This is where the Richmond Holidays experience truly shines, and it’s a detail so brilliant it feels like a secret hack…
The meeting point for lessons is just a few steps from the chalet’s front door.
I’m not exaggerating. You finish your fantastic, cooked breakfast, click into your boots (that have been conveniently dried all night in the Boot Room!), and walk outside. Your instructor is right there. The lessons start right there. You are already on the snow, on the slopes, ready to go!
This isn’t just convenient; it’s the absolute epitome of ‘ski-in, ski-out’, and for a learner, the reassurance this offers is off the charts! Skipping any logistical juggle means you can just focus on the important stuff: learning (which for me involved repeating ‘pizza, PIZZA a few times…!)’, laughing, and enjoying the experience! This single detail transforms the start of every single day from a potential frantic scramble into a relaxed glide, and honestly, it’s a total game-changer!
The Perfect Richmond Après-Ski: From Hot Tubs to Hearty Laughter!
After a day on the slopes, the ritual was always the same for me: a much-needed retreat to the hot tub and sauna (maybe with a cheeky glass of bubbly?!). There is something incredibly special about sitting and watching the sun set over the peaks you’ve just conquered with new friends.
And just when you think the day’s treats are over…you’re greeted by the smell of afternoon tea. We’re talking proper, freshly baked, homemade cakes served up every single day. I must give a special mention to the carrot cake – let’s just say my slice count for the week was… impressive. No regrets! This is such a relaxed and precious time, a chance to refuel, connect with other guests, and spend some time with your ministry leader.
The day continues at your own pace. The lounge is a gentle hum of activity. You might find a friendly competition brewing over a board game, a puzzle taking shape in a quiet corner, or friends catching up over a beer from the bar. Or, if you’re like me, you might just find a comfy sofa, curl up with a book, and steal glances at the breathtaking mountain view right outside (did I mention its ski in, ski out?!)
After ministry, then comes dinner, and it’s a true highlight. Every evening, we were treated to a delicious three-course meal, complete with thoughtfully paired wine, prepared by the talented Richmond chef and served with a smile by the team of Chalet Hosts. We all ate together on long tables designed for conversation, and I can honestly say I got to know some of the most interesting people I have ever met right there in the chalet! The fun doesn’t stop there. There’s always optional evening entertainment, and this is where the friendships forged on the slopes are truly cemented! From quiz nights to fun games, I don’t think I’ve laughed so much in my life! It’s the perfect end to a perfect day.
The Heartbeat of the Holiday: More Than a Ski Trip
So, what is it that truly sets a Richmond Holidays apart from any other ski trip? It’s not just the seamless logistics or the homemade carrot cake, (as wonderful as they are!).
It’s the ministry. The community. The soul of the holiday.
Each morning, before you even click into your skis. In the quiet, reflective moments of the optional devotional, you pray together, you let the Word rest on your soul, and you intentionally bring God into the day ahead. Throughout the week, there are beautiful times of prayer and worship, all gently led by ministry leaders who travel from all over the country, bringing their unique experiences from different spheres of life to minister to everyone.
This shared spiritual foundation is what makes the community so special. It’s why I would have no problem coming on a Richmond Holiday completely on my own; you are never truly alone. I have made genuine friendships with real, incredible people. There’s something sacred about the rhythm of the week: sitting around long tables every night sharing food, gathering for morning prayer, spending days conquering the slopes, and then eagerly telling your tales over dinner.
You’re worshipping together, journeying together, and sharing in a way that feels completely natural. You can’t help but fellowship; it’s the beautiful, unavoidable outcome of a week designed with God and community at its very heart.
As the girl who would always choose a sun lounger over a ski lift, my biggest takeaway from this holiday wasn’t a newfound, Olympic-level talent for skiing. It was a profound sense of belonging. I came expecting to survive a week on the slopes; I left feeling like I’d been part of something special.
I learned that it’s possible to feel completely supported, even while falling over! And that shared laughter is the best remedy for wobbly legs!
This is the unique beauty of a Richmond Holiday. It removes the barriers and anxieties that can so often hold us back, and replaces them with community, encouragement, and genuine care.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure but are held back by nerves, if you want to travel alone but not be lonely, or if you simply crave a holiday that will nourish your soul as much as it thrills your senses – then this is your invitation.
Whether you’ve been skiing your whole life or you’re still trying to figure out which boot goes on which foot, there is a place for you here.
Looking to ski with other beginners?
During our Learn to Ski week in March, we will have lessons with dedicated instructors working exclusively with our guests!
Not sure what to bring?
Have a look at our handy checklist for beginners to help you prepare for your ski holiday!