Skiing is a wonderful sport, but it can be nerve-racking for new skiers without the essential first time skiing tips.
For beginner skiers, there are many items needed to be able to ski and it can be quite daunting whether you are prepared or not.
We will share with you all of our great first time skiing tips and advice we have learned from our many years of ski trips.
30 Essential First Time Skiing Tips And Advice For First-Time Skiers
#1 Find The Ski Resort You Plan To Ski
Look into ski resorts and find the right ski resort that will be good for your first time skiing.
Resorts that are geared to families will usually be good ones for skiing beginners as well.
Some ski mountains are better for first-time skiers than others. Find a resort that has a higher concentration of green runs and good beginner areas.
Check out pictures of the ski mountain on the ski resort websites. It will show you the percentage levels of the different types of runs they have. It’s a good idea to do your research and find a ski resort where you will be comfortable skiing.
Also, if you are planning on getting private or group lessons some resorts have a discount for first ski trip skiers.
#2 Plan Your Ski Trip Dates
Find the time period that works best for you first off. Then look at the time period that would be best to ski at the resort you want to go to. Some aren’t open in November or if they are, they may only have a few runs open. If you go during the holidays, it will be busier and pricier. And if you wait and go when the ski resorts will be closing soon they may not have very good snow. Once you have set your ski trip dates you can then start searching for a place to stay.
#3 Book A Place To Stay
If you are trying to budget money, stay somewhere in town or away from the ski resort. Ski resort prices are usually more expensive as it is very convenient.
Booking it far enough in advance may get you a cheaper rate but either way, you will have a secure place to stay. If you wait too long to book you may end up paying a lot of money since the demand will be high and the number of places to rent will be fewer.
- Stay at a place with a kitchen – You can prepare some of your own meals and save time and money. We always have easy breakfast food items we can fix fast so we can get to the slopes early. Pack your lunch and then either eat out for dinner or make easy meals.
#4 Figure out how many days you will ski
An ideal situation would be to ski for two days and have a day to rest and then ski for two more days. With that being said some new skiers might not even be able to withstand that. Skiing isn’t simple and does require a lot of exercise. For some people two days in a row is plenty.
#5 Book Ski Lift Tickets In Advance
Some resorts offer discounts through their website when you purchase in advance. In some areas, there are passes that can be purchased in advance and can be used at multiple ski resorts. Buying those passes ahead of time can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example: We bought an Epic Ski pass for 3 days and that ended up costing us about $99 a day for a lift ticket versus $203 a day. So, that can be a big savings.
Also, buying lift tickets in advance can save you time from standing in line at the resort.
#6 Rent Your Ski Equipment/ Don’t Buy It For Your First Time
Beginners should never buy skis, ski poles, ski boots, snowboard boots, or snowboards for their first time skiing.
No one really knows if they will enjoy skiing or snowboarding until they have really tried it. It is an amazing sport but it’s not always for everyone.
Being a new skier, you really don’t know what brand or type of gear you really want or like. And it’s not cheap!
All beginners should rent ski gear!
Where should you rent ski gear? I suggest renting at the ski rental shop at the ski resort. Rentals at the ski resort can cost more than other places but with renting at the resort you have the option to trade out boots or skis if you need to.
You will have the option to rent a basic package, which is fine for beginners but if you have been skiing a while I would recommend getting the more expensive package where you will get to rent newer skis and boots.
Also, renting at the ski resort means you don’t have to haul the skis to and from the resort. Most ski resorts offer ski lockers or ski storage if you rent from the resort. If you don’t have a big enough car or ski rack on your car to haul them then you might find yourself in a big problem.
#7 Dress Appropriately – Dress In Layers
Make sure that you have the appropriate clothes to ski in. You need to dress in layers so that you are warm in the cold weather. If you end up getting too warm on a sunny day you can always shed some clothing.
You will need a base layer besides your underwear, this is your thermal base layer that will keep your heat in, but also wick moisture.
Your second upper layer can be a fleece top or even a sweatshirt. Then you will want a waterproof jacket for your top outer layer. A regular winter jacket could work if it is waterproof.
For your second and last bottom layer, you will want ski or snow pants that are waterproof.
Be sure to check out my blog to know the needed clothing for skiing.
#8 Have The Ski Accessories Needed
There are some main ski items you will want to have. Ski goggles, good waterproof gloves, warm wool socks, a face mask or neck gaiter, and many other items will help you out. Packing lip balm, sunscreen, and tissues will be useful.
Get my Ski List Checklist to help you out in packing the needed ski items.
#9 Exercise and Get In Shape Before Skiing
You don’t have to have a six-pack and large muscles to ski. But you do want to be in good shape. You will be surprised at how many muscles you use and how much it takes to ski.
Do a lot of cardio exercises to help with physical endurance. I do a lot of squats and lunges among other exercises to help me get prepared for skiing. You can also look up good exercise programs for skiing. My husband and I purchased one that had helped us get more in shape for skiing.
#10 Plan to take ski lessons at the resort in a ski school
Check out ski resorts, some offer free lessons for first time skiers. It is a great idea to get lessons from a professional ski instructor. Most ski resorts offer group or private lessons. A private lesson would be ideal but can cost a lot. Group lessons can be a little more affordable. Either way, you will want to have some type of lessons.
It can be easier to get lessons from a stranger (certified instructor) and they may know the best way to teach newbies. However, if you are going with a family member or person that is very experienced you could try getting lessons from them. Not everyone can afford lessons and if that person will be patient with you then go for it.
I say that because my husband is an advanced skier who skis very well and has for 40 years or so since he started as a child. He is awesome at helping new skiers in our family learn how to ski.
#11 Learn Some Basic Skills And Watch Some Ski Videos To Get A Basic Understanding
Before you go hit the slopes make sure that you have learned some of the basic skills. You can do that by reading blogs like this and then getting a visual through some videos.
Your ski instructor or the person who is teaching you will teach you how to do the Pizza and French fries.
Pizza is where you make a slice or wedge of pizza with your skis. You push the back of your skis out making the tips of your skis come close together. That is also called the snowplow.
You need to bend your knees and turn them inward so you can carve in the snow to slow down. If you don’t bend your knees and turn them in, then you will end up crossing the ski tips which will make you fall. You will want to do the snowplow or pizza to slow yourself down and stop.
French Fries is when you have your skis parallel to each other. This is how you want to ski or how you want to ski when you can. With your skis like this, you will ski faster but also will be able to turn your skis.
#12 How to Slow Down and How To Stop
Before starting lessons or heading to the ski slope understand how to slow down and stop. If you are taking lessons they most definitely should teach you those skills right away. If learning from friends, make sure that you know how to do those skills before getting on a lift.
To SLOW DOWN put your skis in the pizza form and push your knees in together. Going side to side skiing will help you slow down too rather than just a straight line down.
To STOP you will want to do the pizza and really push your knees in to get you to stop. As you learn to ski well you will then be able to learn how to stop with your skis parallel together like you see a lot of more advanced skiers doing.
#13 How To Put Skis On
For new skiers, this can be a little hard figuring out how to get your skis on and off, but it really is fairly easy. When putting on your skis you will want to balance with one foot off the ground.
Use your poles to hit the snow that is trapped under your boot then simply put the toe of your boot in first then press your heel down. Sometimes you must give a little pressure for the ski to bind to your boot.
When you are skiing and fall your boot and ski may become unattached. In that situation, you will have to stand up on the side of the mountain and put them back on. Always lean into the mountain and place your skis parallel to the mountain. Never point your skis downhill while putting them on.
#14 How to Take Skis Off
To take your skis off you use the pole to poke into the back of the ski binding and push down so it will release your boot.
For your first time skiing, people in the ski rental place should show you and explain how to put on and take off your skis. If they are really busy and in a hurry, they might not think about educating you so ask them to show you.
#15 Learn Some Skiing Terminology and What The Signs on the ski slopes mean
All ski resorts have color-coded ski runs so that you will know how easy or hard it is. Bunny Slopes is an area for beginners. Beginner slopes usually have a conveyor belt also called a magic carpet or red-carpet conveyor for the skiers to get up the gentle slope.
When you are ready you will progress to green runs. A green circle is the easiest run, of course after a bunny slope.
Then there are blue slopes which you will see as a blue square. Those are more difficult or intermediate runs.
Next is the black diamond. Black is the most difficult. A double black diamond or triple black diamonds are for experts. Black runs are only for expert or very experienced skiers since they are usually very steep, may have deep moguls, and might have obstacles like big rocks.
#16 Get To The Ski Shop Early
On your first day of skiing, you should get to the resort at least half an hour before the ski shop opens. Sometimes your walk from the parking lot will take you a while. Long lines form really fast, and you don’t want to miss precious ski time in line or trying to get your ski gear.
Another good idea is to rent your ski gear the afternoon before. If the ski resort will accept you filling out the paperwork and getting your boots and skis sized the day before, then you will be prepared to start the day ready to ski.
Some resorts will allow you to fill out the necessary forms online which can save some time.
#17 Be Easy On Yourself
Know that skiing takes time to learn and be good at. It can be a large learning curve. Kids seem to pick it up faster since they don’t have as far to fall or don’t have the fear of falling.
Be patient with yourself. Realize that everyone falls, and you will fall a lot. Don’t get embarrassed. It is normal to see people fall and nobody cares, well unless it looks like you are hurt. But seriously everyone falls.
I remember having butterflies in my stomach before I would go. I’d get nervous and feel sick but that soon went away. Once I understood the basics and that I was in control of what runs I did or did not do I felt easier.
#18 Getting On Ski Lifts
Ski lifts or Chair lifts can be intimidating and scary to get on and off. When you are getting on a ski lift you will move slowly and stop where it is marked to stop.
When the people in front of you get on the lift you will then move forward and stop on the line. While getting on the ski lift you need to put both poles in one hand and use your other hand to reach back grab the bar on the chair and sit down. Make sure that you scoot back and stay on the chair securely.
#19 Getting Off Ski Lifts
When getting close to exiting the ski chair lift you will point your ski tips up a little. You will usually see a sign that says Tips Up. Scoot out just a little right before standing up when the lift has moved to the exit spot. You will know when you are at the exit spot since your skis will then be on the snow and you have a slight downward slope to move off.
I usually keep one hand on the chair seat to give me a little push-off. Keep poles in one hand and simply ski down the little slope.
If you are riding with other people let them know this is your first time so when they exit, they can exit away from you. It’s best for you to just exit straight out but make sure you let the other people know that, so they don’t collide with you and make you fall.
If you do fall when exiting don’t worry, the person working the lift will slow it down or stop it completely so you can get up and out of the way before the next people exit. I remember falling when exiting the lift tons of times when I started skiing because no one told me about any tips on how to exit. Don’t use your poles exiting, it’s not a good idea and they will get in the way.
#20 Cut Your Toenails Before Skiing
This may seem silly but can save you from being miserable. I have experienced this before and it’s not fun with your toenails cutting into your other toes. So, cut them before you ski.
#21 Stay Hydrated
Make sure you have water or sports drinks on hand or make stops to get drinks throughout the day. My personal preference is to wear a hydration backpack since it’s a great way to stay hydrated. All my family wears one but I wouldn’t recommend it for your first time skiing or for small kids. If and when you wear one, make sure that it isn’t too big and that it lays flat against your back.
#22 Pack A lunch and Snacks
It is a great idea to carry some snacks in your jacket pocket so that you can last till lunchtime or have a snack later in the day. You can get very hungry and need some snacks since you will be expending a lot of energy.
You don’t have to bring your own lunch but if you are trying to save money or just avoid the long lines to get food it’s a great option. My family always brings a lunch which consists of a sandwich, chips, and cookies. You can easily leave your lunch in your car in the parking lot and have someone get them for lunch or store it in a locker.
#23 Pack Extra Socks and Gloves
Packing an extra set of gloves and socks to put in a locker or leave in the car is a good idea. If at lunchtime your gloves or socks are way too wet and your feet or hands too cold, you can easily trade them out for a dry pair. That means a world of difference if you are really cold.
#24 Ski Boot Tips
Make sure that you wear ski boots that fit snugly. You don’t want to wear ski boots that you can move your feet in. You want to be able to wiggle your toes and not cut off circulation. When you put on your boots kick the heel of the boot on the ground making sure your heel is firmly in the back. Buckle up your boots and then stand up. See how your toes feel in the front of the boot, if they are almost touching or barely touching the end of the boot that is good. You don’t want extra room in your boot for your foot to move.
Only wear one pair of socks. Never wear two pairs. If your feet get too hot, they will sweat and then your feet will get cold because of the moisture. The same goes for really thick socks. One really good pair of thin long wool socks or proper ski socks works really well.
Do not tuck anything besides your sock into your ski boot.
#25 Wear a Helmet
I highly suggest that you wear a helmet. A helmet can help prevent the risk of injury or even death. Helmets really aren’t awkward to wear and in fact, are great at keeping you warm. A lot of people wear helmets, even experts, so don’t think that it will be embarrassing to wear one.
Check the ski resort that you will be going to and see if they rent them. If you don’t wear a helmet, then you at least need to wear a hat to keep in your body heat. But a hat won’t add protection if you fall and hit your head hard or run into a tree.
#26 Take Breaks When Needed
Understand that you will use muscles that you never knew you had. You can tire easily so plan to take breaks when needed so you have enough energy. The great thing about riding the ski lifts is that it can give you a little rest period. If you are taking young kids let them rest when needed.
#27 If you are skiing with small kids have a backup plan
Kids can get exhausted fast. If you have someone who isn’t skiing, they could be a backup for you to call to pick up the kids if they can’t make it the whole day. That way you and the others can still enjoy the rest of the day skiing.
#28 Let Your Body Get Acclimated to Elevation Changes
If flying in or even driving in and getting there late in the evening don’t ski the next day. It’s best if you can use that day to check out the town, get groceries, go and rent your ski equipment for the next day, and let your body get acclimated with the elevation.
This can help prevent altitude sickness. People can have a hard time with high altitudes so help your body to get acclimated.
#29 Have a Little Fear of the Mountain
You can get hurt easily if you aren’t being careful. People uphill must watch out for the people downhill, so be aware of your surroundings and control your speed. If you run into a person downhill it is your fault. Be prepared to move away from others that are in your path or that have fallen.
I say a little fear of the mountain because at one time my son didn’t have any fear and ended up getting hurt. He was skiing very well and thought that he was ready to hit the terrain park. Always know that you can be an excellent skier but should always have a little fear and caution of the mountain. Even expert skiers can get into trouble especially having a cocky attitude.
#30 Have Fun
Enjoy the beautiful scenery. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the mountain. The snow, fresh air, the smell of the pine trees, listening to the birds chirping, and just being out in nature. The outdoors is such an amazing, beautiful place and can really be peaceful. Skiing really can be so much fun and offer so much to a person.
At the end of the day treat yourself to a relaxing warm bath or hot tub. That will help loosen up any tight muscles you have from skiing and may help any bruised or sore parts of your body.
Enjoy a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a special beverage and relax each evening. This will help rejuvenate yourself for the next day of skiing. Oh, and if for some reason you are dehydrated because you didn’t hydrate well then hydrate yourself before going to bed. I always pack some hydration packets to use when needed.
We hope that your first experience skiing is great and that you have a good time.
Take it easy and keep to the bunny hill and easy slopes till you are confident and skiing well enough to progress.
If you follow our beginner skiing tips and have the right gear, we think that you will be prepared for your first ski trip.
Have a great ski holiday and enjoy the beautiful scenery.