Skiing in Europe is different. Of course, it’s still riding up the lifts and sliding down the hill, but the little details and differences can be huge. Thus, a few tips from our travels.

Bring your boots. (And goggles, helmet, gloves, clothes.) Rent skis and poles. Your feet are the engines of your skiing. Rental boots in Europe can fit just as badly as rental boots in the U.S. For skis, you should have excellent options of some of the best and latest models.

Rent the ski you want. Don’t be talked into renting a ski too long, too short, too old, not suited to your ability, or badly tuned. Ski shop employees are no different than in the U.S. – underpaid and indifferent.

Consider skiing with a small day pack with snacks, an extra layer, and maybe shoes. At the big resorts, weather can change on one part of the mountain and you might easily be half an hour from getting back to your starting point. Also, many resorts are strung out along a long valley, and you might start at one end but finish your day several miles away. A pair of walking shoes in your day pack can make the bus/taxi/walk back much more comfortable.

Take a few little repair items – zip ties, leatherman tool, duct tape. As with weather and resort layout, you may find yourself  a long way from a ski shop (even one on the hill). A small kit can come in handy.

Adopt the Euro long-lunch attitude. Lunch at many European ski areas is seldom a sandwich-in-the-cafeteria situation. Go native. And remember that most resorts have an actual town at their base – you can easily eat lunch in a real restaurant (yes, in your ski clothes) almost as conveniently as on the hill.

Euros start to ski late (having stayed up late the night before). Join the fun, or have an hour to yourself by being on the lifts when they open. A surprising number of skiers close the hill, too. Maybe it’s those long lunch breaks they take.

The renowned unruly lift lines (queues) of the past are mostly fading with high-speed lifts, but be ready to be shoved a bit.

If you ski out of bounds (off piste) be aware that it’s perfectly legal, but if you screw up you’ll be charged for rescue. Buy the optional rescue insurance (which usually only costs a few Euros) with each day’s lift ticket.

Luggage. You’ll almost certainly have to check a bag with your airline, but make sure your boots are in your carry-on. In your checked bag, bring just one pair of pants, parka, etc. Spare or replacement clothing can be purchased anywhere (and besides, it'll be Euro-trendy).

Everything ski-related is available, but shops may not have your favorite sunscreen, energy bars, or personal items. If you really want something specific, bring it from home.

Bring a few passport-size photos for multi-day lift tickets. Most ticket booths have photo kiosks, but it’s a lot easier to bring your own photos.

All photos copyright © Kenneth & Francesca Hulick