Summary
I went skiing for the first time recently – you probably know this from this post here and my countless Instagram, Facebook and Twitter updates.
Before going skiing, we did all the typical planning – get ski gear, find out how to get to the town, sort out ski passes, and figure out where to rent the ski boots and skis… you know, the usual. I even went with a deluded sense of self-confidence where I figured I would get so bored with the skiing lessons I’d booked and would be confidently skiing down the slopes within a couple of hours of arriving. Consequently, within a few hours of skiing, I realized that there’s so much stuff that people don’t say about skiing that truly needs to be said.
1.) Understand the Surface Varieties
Skiing on ice and skiing on snow are two very different experiences. Therefore, skiing on snow is what you aim for, while skiing on ice can be challenging and is best avoided.
2.) Embrace Falling
Falling doesn’t hurt as much as you might think, especially if you’re taking it slow. This is particularly important for beginners, as being too scared of falling can actually impede your progress and willingness to learn.
3.) Master Basic Skills
The three main techniques you need to learn as a beginner are:
- a.) Snowplough (forming an A with your skis) to slow down,
- b.) Turn left by placing your weight on your right foot, and
- c.) Turn right by placing your weight on your left foot.
It all gets easier once you can do these, as they are simple enough to learn.
4.) Dress Appropriately
You will get very hot while skiing, and soon realize that the thermal wear you brought might be too heavy as you will likely be sweating and wanting to remove layers. For instance, I found myself skiing in just a t-shirt at one point!
5.) Enjoy the Exercise
While you might feel sore at the end of the day, it’s in a good way. All that snowploughing and maintaining your position helps you stay fit without you even realizing it.
6.) Take Lessons
Having lessons is crucial if you’ve never skied before. You can learn from family or friends (if they’re capable) or pay for professional lessons. No matter the route, ensure you receive adequate instruction as skiing isn’t as intuitive as it may seem.
7.) Cultivate Courage
A little bit of courage goes a long way when it comes to skiing. If you’re hesitant to try new things, you may find your progress will take longer. Therefore, challenge yourself when learning, while ensuring you practice falling safely to your side.
8.) Poles Are Optional
You don’t necessarily need ski poles to begin with. In fact, you’ll likely start learning without them. While they can be useful, they’re not mandatory for everyone.
9.) Manage Your Ski Boots
Ski boots can be difficult to walk in. They are not only heavy but also restrict your ankle movement, making them harder to maneuver compared to regular shoes.
10.) Choose the Right Slopes
When you decide to ski for the first time, ask someone where the ‘nicest’ blue pistes are. Not all blue runs are equal, and some are far easier to learn on than others. If there are green runs available, ask for those instead. After a few enjoyable runs on suitable slopes, you can start exploring more challenging areas.
