First time on the slopes
As a first-time skier, no doubt your snowsport-addicted friends have gone on and on about the joys of being out on the slopes; feeling the sun on your face, the snow beneath your feet, the adrenalin pulsing after the perfect run...
It’s all true. However, if you’re not prepared, being on the mountain can be difficult and downright dangerous.
Before you step on to the skifield for the first time, here are some things to think about to ensure you have a memorable debut into snowsports:
- Are you physically fit enough (see “Conditioning” article)
- Do you have enough warm and waterproof clothing? (see “Keeping warm” article).
- Do you have the right gear for what you want to do and your ski level? (see “Buying skis” or “Buying snowboards” articles)
- Do you need protective gear?
- Have you planned for your nutritional needs while up the mountain? (see “Nutrition and hydration” article).
Where to ski?
The number one requirement of going skiing is that you have a good time. And the best way to ensure that is to go somewhere that offers a decent range of beginners slopes. Don’t be convinced to go somewhere that is more suitable for experts on the assumption that you’ll be an expert too in no time. You won’t. And skiing slopes that are beyond your skill level is dangerous and rather terrifying.
So, ask around or get online and make sure where you’re planning to go has plenty of green (beginner) trails.
Getting to the skifield
If you are new to snowsports, chances are you haven’t had a lot of experience driving in snow or icy conditions. Therefore, it’s best you’re not the driver. You’ll need to plan your transport to and from the skifield, ensuring that whoever is driving is accustomed such conditions and is a safe and sensible driver. See the “Driving to the Skifield” article for more information.
Also, you’ll need to think about getting your equipment up the mountain. Difficulties with transporting gear is a good reason to hire your skis or board if you’re a first timer.
Onto the slopes and into lessons
Once you’ve warmed up and liberally applied the sunblock, the very next thing you need to do after arriving at the skifield is to enrol for skiing or snowboarding lessons.
And don’t feel like a baby – everyone needs lessons to start off, and learning the basics from a qualified instructor is the best way to make sure you stay as safe as possible. Sure, your more experienced friends could teach you, but you really should invest in an instructor. They’ll do a much better job, they won’t teach you their own bad habits, and won’t be itching to slip off to do that black (advanced) run while telling you that “it really isn’t that hard, so why don’t you give it a go?”
Lessons will set you up with a good command of the basics and give you the confidence to go on with your new found sporting love – hopefully without injury.
Public or private?
Most ski areas have lessons available for all ages and abilities, although some of the smaller, private ski fields may not. If in doubt, call and ask if there’s a ski school on-site; if not you’re better off finding somewhere else to ski.
Think about whether you want to do group lessons or do you want some one-on-one attention? That’s more expensive of course, but you’ll learn more and more quickly. Whether it’s public or private you opt for, if you’ve got the time, buying a multi-lesson package will be cheaper than buying one-off lessons.
If you are able to ski during the week rather than at the weekend, chances are you might luck into a group class that’s not very full, so you’ll have the benefit of more attention without the price tag.
If it’s your children who are starting out skiing, double-check the skifield has classes especially for kids. Most do, but it pays to check.
In class
Whether you learn with a group or on your own, make sure your instructor has the right qualifications.
Along with learning good habits and general mountain safety, you’ll learn the basics of how to control your skis; turning, stopping, slowploughing, moving up to paralleling and generally how to enjoy your time on the snow.
And over-all the lessons must be fun – even though skiing and snowboarding can be hard and frustrating to start off with. If it’s fun you’ll get a lot more out of the lessons and will be joining your friends on the more advanced runs within no time.
