Slopes of Schladming: Learning to ski in the mountains of Austria

Thinking about booking your first ski holiday? From what to pack, to tips for taking to the slopes, Anna O’Donoghue has all you need to know

Anna O'Donoghue got a crash-course in skiing in Austria

With the first glimpse of the slopes, panic began to set in. Thankfully, as one does in Austria, it was to the soundtrack of the Sound of Music, so it didn’t seem so bad: ‘Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright-coloured ski pants and warm borrowed mittens.’

I always pictured myself fulfilling my Ned Flanders skiing fantasy one day. Still, over the years as friends dropped the fancy terminology such as ‘Aprés’, ‘fresh powder’ and ‘off-piste’, I began to feel overwhelmed.