You’ve seen the commercials on tv, the billboards, and the gopro videos on YouTube. The ones with the effortless landings on jumps, perfected turning, and smiling families enjoying a cup of hot chocolate by the lodge fireplace. Those advertisements make learning how to ski seem so easy, like you could just strap on your boots and hit the slopes, however, it’s not that simple. There can be a true frustration, and not to mention the scrapes and bruises, but it’s quite an easy sport to pick up with a few simple tips and tricks.
1. Choose the right type of resort.
Choosing the perfect spot for you to begin your endeavor can be challenging. There are so many options to choose from, ranging from huge resorts to smaller, local mountains. If it’s on a mountain, one type of terrain tends to dominate the entire scene. Search for resorts who keep up on their grooming and offer ski lessons and programs. You’re bound to learn more this way. And if you’re too anxious to test your skills on a real mountain for the first time, the hill in your backyard is always a good option for a bunny hill.
2. Start out on the right type of terrain.
You don’t want to be bouncing up and down on moguls, or attempting to dodge trees in the glades. Starting out on a bunny hill with smooth, freshly groomed terrain is your best bet. I know you may feel out of place with the youngsters on the magic carpet, but it’s the best place to learn the basics before you hit the chair lift. It’s better than sticking to your ego and heading straight for the double-black diamond, too. Watching all of the advanced skiers head to the top of the mountain can be discouraging as you head over to green circle, but it’s worth it in the end. Green circle is the beginner trail, which runs shorter, has a flatter surface, and is not as steep. It is, typically, the best groomed trail, and there are less obstacles in your way. Practicing your technique on a small scale before hitting the intermediate, blue square level, will overall prepare you and make you a better skier in the long run.
3. Stay evenly balanced over your skis. Bend your knees!
If you’ve never skied before, positioning can be awkward and uncomfortable at first. The boots are not only awkward to walk in, but they push you forward as the weight on the front of your ski pushed you backwards. Some beginners tend to lean back too far (back-seat skiing), or will lean too far forward in an attempt to balance themselves - this is wrong! The proper technique is to keep your legs under your hips with your shoulders pointing downward, allowing for more control. Be sure to keep your body weight directly over the narrowest part of the ski, this way, it is easy to maneuver them the way you want them to. Bend your knees forward, do not keep them straight, and do not look down at your tips. You are less likely to fall over this way. Skiing out of balance is exhausting, so make sure your feet are not in front of your body - trust me, your leg muscles will get tired quickly.
4. Take a lesson!
You may think that having a friend or family member to teach you how to ski may be ideal and cheaper, however, unless they are a ski instructor or you are a five year old,, you will ultimately not be getting all of the information you need. Not to mention, there will be tension, things will get frustrating, and that friendship will roll down the hill faster than you will when you fall down. Taking a lesson is your best bet when it comes to getting the technique down from someone with great experience. Some mountain resorts offer deals if you sign up for certain classes.
5. Dress appropriately!
You do not want to be that person everyone is looking at because he showed up to the mountain in jeans and not snow pants. You’re not expected to look like a sponsored Olympic athlete, but you should dress warm. Wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do, to keep yourself safe. You can never be sure of what other people are up to, and you may unexpectedly fall down. Boots that fit properly are the most important item to have. Wearing snow pants is essential since you’re just starting out, you’ll be bound to take a tumble or two. They will, also, keep you warm and dry, so you spend more time on the slopes rather than in the lodge. Warm gloves/mittens, goggles, and sunscreen for those spring skiing days are essential items as well.
6. Don’t be afraid to fall down.
It happens to everyone, especially when you are just starting out. Don’t get discouraged or feel embarrassed. Falling on your side rather than falling forwards or backwards. This way, it will be less likely that you will injure yourself. Be sure to try and stop yourself from sliding completely down the hill, as your skis will most likely pop off and your poles will fly out of your hands, and it will be a struggle to climb back up to retrieve them. Trying to stop yourself from sliding too far down the hill will also ensure that you avoid hitting an obstacle or another skier. Don’t be afraid to get back up and keep trying again until you get it right!
Skiing is an enjoyable sport, whether you’re shredding solo, or making memories with family and friends. It can easily be picked up whether you’re a toddler being led down the trail on a leash, or you’re hitting your midlife crisis and are looking for a new activity to enjoy during the winter months. It’s one of the greatest sports to see some of the most beautiful places and views in the world. All it takes is a little practice and knowledge on how to get started. Begin slowly, and always remember not to french fry when you’re supposed to pizza.
