Get Started in Snowsports

“A pair of skis (or snowboard) are the ultimate transportation to freedom.” Warren Millar

MEMBERSHIP

CLUBS

MOUNTAINS

Where do I start?

Skiing and Snowboarding is fantastic fun and pretty easy to learn. You can learn the basics in one day, but with a few more, you’ll be ready to venture onto the Scottish Mountains!

The first step is to find a centre with a snowsports school.

Artificial slope ski schools are open all year round. Mountain Ski Schools are open from when the snow comes until just after Easter. Most snowsport schools offer private one-to-one lessons or group lessons. To find ski schools that can cater for learners with disabilities and additional needs visit our adaptive page.

Learning on an artificial slope in the warmer months can be a great way to get started. And once the snow arrives and you are ready, you can then advance to the mountain ski school to experience that alpine environment for the first time

What equipment do I need?

When you first start out, most ski schools will be able to lend or loan you equipment, so you don’t have to spend money on, what can be, expensive equipment. Remember you can always get great bargains in summer sales, and also at second hand sales at clubs. You can also get some great discounts from our supporter membership. If you enjoy your first outing on the slopes, then we’ve complied a basic list of equipment that you may wish to purchase before progressing further in your skills…

These equipment recommendation are primarily for skiing and snowboarding. If you would like to know more about cross country kit, head over to the cross country homepage.

Gloves or Mittens

Gloves are an essential part of your kit, not just for the cold weather, but to keep your hands safe from the sharp edges of your ski or snowboard. All facilities will make sure you are wearing gloves before accessing the slopes.

Helmet

Helmets are always recommended, especially when learning. Skiing and snowboarding can be a risky sport, and there’s nothing like taking precautions to make sure you protect your head! Most facilties won’t allow you onto slopes without wearing a helmet. Plus it keeps your head warm.

Base Layers

There’s nothing worse than being cold up a mountain! For your comfort, and to stop anything more serious happening, always check the weather before going and layer up appropriately. Base layers are a great way to add extra warmth.

Goggles

Goggles are another essential part of the kit, much needed in all conditions when on the mountain. In sunnier and warmer conditions you can get away with a good pair of sunnies (remember to check the UV protection), but in colder conditions and when there’s less visibility look to get a decent pair of goggles to protect your eyes.

Socks

Warm and comfortable socks when on the slopes are a must! It’s really worth investing in a decent pair, as uncomfortable socks can impact on the fit of your boots and make or break a days outing.

Jacket

A decent jacket is going to keep you warm and dry on the slopes, so do your research and get one that has good waterproof and insulating properties. Ski and snowboard jackets don’t differ too much, although snowboard jackets can sometimes be slightly longer and have a ‘skirt’ to stop unwanted snow going up your back.

Ski/Snowboard Pants or Salopettes

When first learning, you want waterproof pants to stop the chills getting to you, as you may be on the snow a fair amount! Snowboard pants often have a back to them, to stop snow getting down them, and can be a little bigger to aid movement.

Boots

We recommend always getting fitted for ski boots when you first start out. For skiing, you want boots that are stiff and don’t have much wiggle room - they’re designed to be tight! Snowboarding boots are a lot comfier and you need a little more flexibility. Retailers are well trained to size you up and help you fit your boots.

Skis & Poles or Snowboard

Lastly, if you want to invest in skis or a snowboard, you’ll want to know what kind you would like - all mountain, off piste, park and alpine are just a few different styles of both boards and skis to choose from. Have a think about what you would like to progress in, or if you are just a recreational snowsports enthusiast, then you can’t go wrong with an all-rounder. But do your research!

Membership Benefits

15% OFF ALL MOUNTAIN SPORT EQUIPMENT

ELLIS BRIGHAM is a retailer of mountain sports equipment for skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, hiking and climbing, with 24 shops across the United Kingdom. 15% discount online and in store.

SHOP HERE
15% OFF SKI & SNOWBOARD CLOTHING

PLANKS are a movement of off-beat humans creating change through skiing. Join the movement.
15% off all non-sale items, including jackets, pants, beanies, hoodies and t-shirts.

Shop here
15% OFF WHITE WATER RAFTING, CANYONING AND MORE

Based in Perthshire, NAE LIMITS specialises in water based activities such as canyoning, white water rafting and tubing in some stunning locations.
They are offering members a 15% discount on all water based activities.

Shop here
10% OFF SURFING, SUP, SKATBOARDING OR COASTEERING

Growing organically, COAST TO COAST SURF SCHOOL are based at Belhaven Surf Centre in Dunbar. Our experienced instructors provide quality instruction in surfing, paddleboarding, skateboarding and coasteering from beginners to advanced. C2C are offering 10% off!

Shop here
15% OFF SKI, SNOWBOARDS AND ACCESSORIES

SNOWSTRAX Store is the largest independent Ski and Snowboard retailer in the UK, with a host of brands including Salomon, Head, Burton and Dakine, they're bound to have you covered! They are offering 15% discount online.

Shop here
15% OFF SNOWBOARDS & EQUIPMENT

For over 30 years TSA has been at the forefront of ‌snowboarding in the UK and abroad. Run by the same small team that started out with a tiny stand, our values haven't changed. We want as many people to experience the best thing around, snowboarding. TSA are offering 15% off!

Shop here
15% OFF OUTDOOR CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

CRIAGDON are a leading supplier of outdoor clothing, equipment and accessories, covering a variety of activity wear, with stores in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Inverness.
Craigdon are offering 15% off in store only, please print your card off via the SportLomo site.

Shop instore only
10% OFF ON MOUNTAIN BIKE COACHING

Trailcoach are a Mountain Bike Coaching business, that are based within the central belt of Scotland.
They are offering 10% off guided rides, 1:1 coaching sessions and kids club.

Shop here
UP TO 20% OFF LAPTOPS AND MORE

Up to 20% discount off laptops, desktops, monitors, and accessories at DELL. Plus, additional discounts during promotional periods. Access to our highly trained Small Business Technology Advisors to help members with free advice to grow their business.

Shop here
UP TO 10% OFF BACKCOUNTRY EQUIPMENT

SNOWSAFE products are aimed at those who venture off-piste and each year release the latest models to the market.
Snowsafe are offering 5% off all Avalanche Airbags and 10% off all other avalanche safety equipment on their website.

Shop here
10% OFF FREERIDE SKIS

Uncomplicated, Understated, Unique skis | By Freeskiers for Freeskiers.
All our production skis are built in small batches built in a specialist factory, using the best quality materials available, after extensive development and testing on mountains across the world. FAUNA are offering an incredible 15% off of skis.

Click Here
20% OFF FASHIONABLE BASE LAYERS

A ski & snowboard lifestyle brand, with a goal to make you the coolest & most comfortable cat this season, on and off the slopes.
Whether you’re heading to the mountains for your first ski holiday or a seasoned snowboarder, our range of SNOWCAT Clothing will be sure to keep you warm on the slopes but never sacrificing style!

Shop here
25% OFF SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS EQUIPMENT

MOVEWELL provides a range of portable, environmentally-conscious products for injury rehabilitation, fitness training & wellbeing.
They are offering 25% off their full range of equipment online.

Shop here
20% OFF MEGNETIC LENS GOGGLES

Change your lens in the blink of an eye. Change your strap. Change how you think about Goggles.
Customisable magnetic lens goggles for snowboard and ski. Cylindrical, frameless design for clear vision from SLUGOPTIC.

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20% OFF (OVER £40) SNOWSPORTS BOOKS AND LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS

As well as promoting Ski A to Z, to help more people get into and enjoying their ski experiences the book’s creator Kimberley, who works under the brand INSPIRE BY KIM, has brought the art off the page of the book and onto walls with a range of ski and snowsport themed art prints, greeting card and even fabrics.

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