Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy winter. Like anything, learning to ski can be challenging at first, but the results are truly worth the effort.
We share our top tips to prepare you for your first day skiing.
Can I Learn To Ski in a Day?
Yes, you can learn the ski basics in a day with the right mindset, preparation, and instruction. The ski basics are knowing how to control both speed and direction using the snow plow. The next step is to learn how to control speed and direction using parallel.
Proper Ski Form
The best ski stance is one that keeps you ready for action. Bend all your joints slightly, ensuring that your shins are in contact with the tongue of the ski boot.
This position will keep you ready to move in any direction you want or that the slope requires. Practice this position on flat terrain without moving, then attempt it on a small slope that naturally brings you to a stop.
How Important Is Ski Length?
Ski length is very important. In general, skis should come somewhere between your chin and the top of your head when placed with their tails on the ground. Too long and they will be difficult to control, too short and they will lack stability.
How To Stop on Skis
Beginner skiers use the snow plow to come to a stop, where skis are positioned to a forward point. More advanced skiers use the “hockey stop”, where skis are kept parallel during a stop.
To stop using snow plow:
- Be in the proper ski stance with all your joints slightly bent and your shins in contact with the tongue of the ski boot.
- Turn both skis inwards so that they form a triangle.
- Widen the triangle by moving your feet apart and press down to maintain the snow plow.
- Maintain this position until you come to a stop.
How To Turn While Skiing
Like stopping, skiers learn to control their direction using the snow plow before learning it in parallel.
To control your direction using snow plow:
- Begin in a snow plow with the proper ski stance, making sure your shins are in contact with the boots.
- Place more weight on one of the skis by bending one knee while slightly unweighting the other.
- The weighted ski will naturally begin to turn across the hill and you can aid direction change by using the muscles in your legs to turn the skis while leaning slightly into the turn.
- As your direction of travel moves across, rather than down, the slope, you’ll notice that most of your weight will be on the downhill ski.
- To turn in the other direction, use your leg muscles to turn your snow plow down and then across the hill while gradually shifting weight to your other ski as the turn progresses.
How To Walk Uphill
Learning to walk uphill with skis on your feet is an important skill for all skiers. You might need to pick up a dropped ski pole or reposition for a better ride.
To walk uphill with skis on your feet:
- Place your skis across the hill.
- Roll both of your skis onto the uphill edge to create grip.
- Lift your top ski up the slope and place it again on its uphill edge.
- Lift your bottom ski up the slope and place it on its uphill edge below your top ski.
- Repeat this motion until you get where you need to go.
Before Getting on the Mountain
Follow these tips to prepare for getting the most out of your ski day.
Get Familiar with Ski Run Symbols
Ski runs are suited for skiers of different experience levels. Generally, advanced skiers shouldn’t be in the beginner area and beginner skiers shouldn’t be on advanced runs.
To help skiers navigate their mountains, ski hills use the following ski run symbols:
- 🟢 (Green Circle) – Beginner runs
- 🟦 (Blue Square) – Intermediate runs
- ♦️ (Black Diamond) – Advanced runs
- ♦️♦️ (Double Black Diamond) – Expert runs
These classifications are based on slope angle, terrain (e.g., groomed, ungroomed, cliff features, etc.) and risk.
Pick the Right Place
After learning how to tell a beginner run apart from an advanced run, you’ll want to look at the trail map of the mountain you’re planning to visit.
Look for the learning areas (known as “bunny slopes”) which are designed to fast track your progression. Proper bunny slopes have wide and gentle runs.
TBL (Terrain Based Learning) features, such as berms/snow banks to help with turning and upslopes (slight inclines) to help with stopping, are good things to look out for in a quality learning area.
Attempting a run beyond your ability level can be dangerous to yourself and to others. If the mountain you’re planning to visit doesn’t have a learning area, we recommend looking for somewhere that does.
Rent Gear Before Committing
Renting ski equipment for your first day is a good idea. Not only will rental technicians help you choose the right ski gear, rental gear allows you to try things out before deciding to invest in them.
Many ski hills offer rental and lesson deals.
Book Lessons
Taking lessons is helpful whether you’re skiing for the first time or one hundredth. There’s always more to learn.
Ski instructors will not only keep you safe and help you progress quicker, they’ll also give you tips on when/where to take a break and which ski runs are just the right amount of challenge based on your individual level.
Lessons are a worthwhile investment for children and adults alike and will pay off in skills that lay the foundation for any skiing to come.
Can I Teach Myself How To Ski?
It is not recommended to teach yourself how to ski for several reasons:
- Elevated risk of injury
- Development of bad habits and poor form
- Risk of frustration and loss of interest in the sport
It is possible to learn the ski basics in one day with a professional ski instructor. It can take another two to three lessons to learn parallel.
What To Wear First Time Skiing
Once you’ve chosen your ski hill, rented equipment, and booked your lesson, the next step is to consider what to wear.
Ski hills are generally cold environments and require appropriate clothing. Wearing proper clothing for skiing can mean the difference between a fun day and ending it early.
For an in-depth guide, check out our dedicated article “What To Wear Skiing.”
Bring Water and Snacks
Hydration and nutrition are key when doing sports of any kind. Stop frequently for water or consider bringing a small collapsible silicone water bottle in your pocket.
Keeping lightweight, high-protein snacks, such as a protein bar or trail mix, in your pocket is a good idea too.
Ski hills all have cafeterias at the base of the mountain and some even have them at the top. Check them out if you’re feeling thirsty or need to fuel up.
Stretch Before and After Your Session
Skiing is a sport, like any other. Taking care of your body is essential for injury prevention and performance.
At minimum, stretch before and after your day on the mountain. Skiing uses just about every muscle in your body, so your stretching sessions should include all the major muscle groups.
If you’re skiing for multiple days, consider scheduling a rest day on day four of your vacation. Your body will thank you for it.
After reading this article, you should feel more confident in how to prepare for your first day skiing. Start by choosing your ski hill and booking your tickets, rentals and lessons. Then get your ski outfit together and get ready for an epic day on the mountain.
