‘This isn’t just where I teach, it’s where I live’: ski instructors share their insider tips

“Your holiday will ideally start before you reach the snow,” says Stuart Fleming, who came to the Andorran resort of Soldeu 20 years ago on a career break and subsequently made it his home. “Addressing your fitness levels before you start skiing will help you ride longer and enjoy your holiday more. It’s not about getting super fit – just taking the stairs rather than the lift in the weeks leading up to your break will work wonders. Walking downstairs is the perfect pre-ski exercise!”

Pre-trip training is something Simon Cook also advises. “Spending a few hours at an indoor snow centre before your trip is essential for all occasional skiers, and beginners in particular,” he says. “It means you can get used to walking in your boots and crack the basics of turning and stopping in a safe environment and ultimately get better value out of your time on holiday.”

Well accustomed to the ebb and flow of guests to their resorts, Fleming and Cook have some handy tips for those who can’t avoid travelling during peak times. “It’s easy to be attracted to big-name resorts but lesser-known destinations, like Soldeu, are much quieter during school holidays, meaning you won’t waste precious time in lift queues,” says Fleming. “Also, because Spanish and Catalan guests typically eat lunch quite late, you can enjoy a peaceful lunch around midday before lapping up deserted pistes for a couple of hours.”

• Andorran villages like Grandvalira, with its iconic ‘X’ pistes, are true hidden gems

Cook urges people hoping to enjoy some ski lessons to book well ahead if heading to the Alps during peak periods. “Guests who have enjoyed my complimentary Neilson Mountain Expert guiding and coaching sessions often want to book further private lessons, but are disappointed when they discover the ski school is already booked up,” he says. “You really do have to book early to secure your lessons.”

Perhaps because they’ve offered to carry their clients’ skis home one too many times, both experts suggest finding accommodation that’s as close as possible to the pistes. “It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been skiing or snowboarding,” says Cook, “dragging your kit around is always annoying so finding a hotel or chalet close to the lifts, or even near a bus stop that will take you there is a gamechanger.”

During the first couple of days of a ski holiday, it can be hard enough remembering how to ski, let alone figuring out the lay of the pistes, particularly if you’re visiting a resort for the first time. A day or two riding with a local, gleaning tips on the best cruiser blues and secret off-piste stashes, will make a world of difference to your enjoyment of the entire week.

Related: 'Don't stand on people's skis': 10 top tips for good ski etiquette

As Fleming explains, this is where Neilson Mountain Collection guests can capitalise on the guiding sessions included in their holiday: “These informal group sessions are well worth the investment of your time – you can brush up on your skills, provide a point of focus in a fun, relaxed environment and build a great sense of camaraderie. You don’t have to join all the sessions, use them entirely as you want, but just an hour or so out of your day will make a huge difference to your holiday.

“Ski instruction has developed in leaps and bounds in recent years – here in Andorra, our philosophy is about self-discovery through activity-based teaching, not barking out orders and doing repetitive drills,” he says. “We’re here to inspire you, to encourage you to push your own boundaries while also enjoying some social skiing.”

What really shines through while talking with both Mountain Experts is their passion for the towns they’ve chosen to make their home. “This isn’t just where I teach, it’s where I live,” says Fleming of Soldeu. “It’s so beautiful here and the mountains are much bigger than people expect. For skiers familiar with the Alps and looking for a change, Andorra is their ticket to a fascinating new culture, diverse skiing for all levels, zero queues and even the option to go heli-skiing.”

• Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps, where Cook has settled

In France, Cook says he has skied every big resort in the Alps at some point over the past 20 years, but Alpe d’Huez is where he has chosen to settle. “The mountains around the resort are shaped like a big bowl with super mellow greens and blues at the bottom and steeper runs towards the top,” he says. “Because you basically ski through the town, there’s ski-in/ski-out access for most hotels and chalets, and there’s a huge choice of places to eat, drink and party.”

So do things a little differently this year. Don’t jump on the ski lift and hope you’re in good enough shape for the week ahead. Do your homework before you leave – which includes thinking about extra lessons you might want while on the slopes. Stay close to the action, look beyond the big-name locations and resorts, and take advantage of the free ski coaching and guidance with the Neilson Mountain Experts.

Enjoy the crisp mountain air this winter in style. Join Neilson for top resorts, food, accommodation and free ski guiding and coaching