step by step instructions to shield ourselves from cold in winter.

 Step by step instructions to shield ourselves from cold in winter.

READ MORE: Is it safe to ski off-piste in Italy with no supervision?

If you use standard skis (unless you are ski and board, in which case you'll find yourself wearing footwear), then you need to attach boot liners to your boots before you start skiing or boarding.

When you're not moving much, you can use your skis as regular shoes. Just make sure you tuck your skis into the boot liners so that they don't get in the way when you want to sit down or move around.

Boots for skiing

The job of a ski boot is to keep your foot warm, protect it from injury, and keep you going and walking so you don't sink to your knees and have to go back to the bottom.

The key is the shape of the boot and the construction of the upper half, with thin liners that compress, but not too tight, around your foot. A good sole will keep your foot stable when skiing, as well as to help with balance.

Skis for skiing

The importance of this goes without saying. To protect your knees and keep you upright, skis are shaped to protect them, as well as to help with balance. There's a balance between downhill, on-piste, and cross-country skiing.

Skis are often too long for downhill skiing, so you'll find them with shorter tips that come up higher and put less pressure on your knees, but then you might find yourself stopping more often when going downhill, which will prevent you from using your legs to lift yourself up.

The further you get into the technical side of downhill skiing, the faster your skis will be, which means you will need to start switching from downhill to on-piste and back. The same goes for cross-country skiing, which can be done on both an off-piste and on-piste skiing tour of the Alps.

It's important to find a balance between how much of a challenge it is going down the hill and how much you enjoy it. There's no point in skiing on a short piste and then stopping at the bottom, especially if it means you've got to walk.

Finnish style ski bindings

Finnish skis are another thing to take into account when choosing a pair of skis. Finnish style bindings are lighter, faster, and easier to use. They're usually good for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. They use a large metal strap that clips into a rocker on the outside of the binding and is secured to the boot by a strap around the back of the boot.

These are great for when you're getting the hang of skiing or snowboarding. The metal strap is fastened around the back of the boot and the foot is then slipped into the boots.

It takes some getting used to, but after a few hours, it becomes a lot more comfortable and much more easy to control.

Bear in mind that you can often buy shoes or boots without a strap because it's just easier and quicker. However, if you buy shoes that are already equipped with a strap then you should be able to use them with the correct ski bindings.

Finnish style bindings are great for beginners but don't be fooled into thinking you need to learn the heel turn first before trying cross-country skiing with them. This is not the case.

Convenient European bindings

The European bindings are a modern evolution of the Finnish style. It's essentially the same idea, but with a wider footbed and a more comfortable sole that means you'll be able to glide more smoothly. They have the advantage of making learning to ski a lot more comfortable.

There is an upside to these European bindings. As opposed to the Finnish style, the extra room allows for wider boot sizing. So, when you go to ski hire or buy a pair of boots, you may find they're too narrow for you, but they will fit into your European bindings.

However, this is unlikely to happen unless you've got a pretty narrow foot.

Finnish style ski bindings and ski boots

If you're not used to the feel of Nordic style bindings and it's more difficult for you to adapt, it's worth going for a pair of boots that have an attached pair of bindings. These boots are ideal for beginners who haven't had the chance to experiment with the Nordic style.

The problem with boots attached to Nordic style bindings is that they can cause blisters on your little toes when you're trying to adjust them.

However, if you're comfortable with using Nordic style bindings then a set of snowshoes is another way to get around and get some practice on cross-country skiing. It will save you having to change your skis and can help you see where you need to put in more work.

Read more about skiing in Switzerland.

How to rent or buy a ski pass

Not only does renting or buying a pass give you the opportunity to take advantage of any promotions they offer and get discounts on some of the most popular ski resorts in Europe, but if you want to ski off-piste or just get some fresh air, this is the ideal way to go.

If you have the time, the luxury of not paying for accommodation, food, and ski hire, you can easily take advantage of ski hire for the day. Or, if you don't ski, you can enjoy some time walking the local trails.

Renting a ski pass can be a good idea if you're struggling to find someone to ski with, want to experience skiing off-piste, or if you're too shy to talk to people in the lift queue.

You can always keep your ski pass for future use and pass it onto friends.

How to buy a ski boot

Once you've got your ski pass, you'll need a way to put this to good use. There are a number of ski shops and specialist suppliers to help you find your ski boot and get fitted.

When shopping for your ski boots, remember to look for a good fit. If your ski boots are too tight, the laces will be tied too tight around your ankle and won't be comfortable. It's much better to be able to remove your boots and take them to a technician, rather than ski with them on your feet and not be able to use them.

So, remember, always try on ski boots before you buy them.

Buy ski boots online

Ski boots are easier to get online than on the high street. There's no need to trawl through a few shops to try on different styles and sizes.

You can also save some money by buying online. The costs are the same as they are in ski shops but it's probably easier to browse around online to find your perfect match.

However, be sure to do a search to make sure your chosen website is secure, and ensure the website you are buying from is approved by the authorities.

Read more about online ski shopping.

The best ski shops in Europe

There's plenty of choice if you want to buy your ski gear in Europe. But which ski shops are best for getting the right fit and finding your perfect ski gear?

Alpine skiing in France

When it comes to ski shops, the country that offers the widest choice of sizes and ski boots, as well as the best fitting ski boots, is France. There are a huge number of shops to choose from – however, a couple of shops are always worth visiting.

Paul Harnois, renowned for their regular Ski Boot Giveaway, is the go-to store for many skiers. While the range of sizes available in their shop may seem very limited, there are a few shops that specialise in specific brands and types of ski.

Salomon Alpine Shop at Val Thorens in Chamonix

Salomon has a loyal following and customers can find the right ski boot very easily thanks to their proximity to the lift line.

Ski & Snowboard Shops in Switzerland

Of all the ski shops in Europe, the shops in Switzerland are the easiest to shop. They sell all the gear you need for a day on the slopes, and every shop stocks the latest range of gear from French brands.

But with so many ski shops, it can be difficult to find the perfect fit and the staff can often be more focussed on how the product fits you than actually looking at your feet.

Choosing the right mountain may be the most important decision you'll make. If you choose the wrong one and spend the first day skiing down a black run, you'll want to go home and have a think about what you've done.

So it's always a good idea to compare different options. The three mountains that we are highlighting are great for first-time skiers and are suitable for a range of skiing levels.

Alta, Italy

Alta can be found in the eastern Alps, very close to the border of Slovenia. Although it is the most southern resort in the range, the climate here is much milder than in the Italian alps.

There is lots of terrain to try at Alta, with both beginner and intermediate slopes. It's not uncommon to find a ski school or two on every slope as well as other local coaches offering private lessons.

You can also go off-piste, which is a great way to experience off-piste skiing. More experienced skiers can find plenty of challenging terrain.

Go easy on the lift and head to the back of the mountain where you will find wild mountain views. There are some challenging ski slopes, but the main challenge is finding the right skis for Alta which all have a similar shape.