Don't Let Fear Stop You from Skiing: How to Enjoy Your First Day

Introduction

Skiing is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding winter sports you can try. It can boost your physical and mental health, connect you with nature, and create lasting memories with your friends and family. But if you're new to skiing, you might also feel some fear or anxiety about hitting the slopes for the first time. You might have heard some myths or misconceptions about skiing that make you hesitate or doubt your abilities. You might wonder if you're too old, too unfit, or too clumsy. You might worry about getting injured, freezing, or looking foolish. You might think that skiing is too expensive, too complicated, or too elitist for you.

Well, first some good news. Let me tell you that none of those myths are true! Skiing is a sport that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their age, fitness level, or background. Skiing is also a sport that you can learn at your own pace, with the right guidance and equipment. And skiing is a sport that can offer you endless fun, variety, and challenge, if you keep an open mind and a positive attitude.

I have been skiing for over 30 years and well before parabolic skis made learning and the sport infinitely easier and has allowed me to personally progress from a timid beginner to someone who now considers himself an all-mountain skier. Ok, to be fair I’m not hucking cliffs or getting sendy in the terrain park, but otherwise I can generally find my way down the hill from almost anywhere.

In this article, I'll debunk some of the most common myths that beginners have about skiing and show you how to overcome them. I'll cover four main topics: technique, gear, culture, and picking the right resort. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of what skiing is really like, and how you can prepare yourself for a great first experience on the snow.

Technique: You don't have to be a pro to have fun

One of the biggest myths that beginners have about skiing is that they need to master a certain level of skill or technique before they can enjoy themselves. They might think that skiing is too hard, too scary, or too dangerous for them. They might compare themselves to other skiers who seem to glide effortlessly down the slopes and feel intimidated or discouraged. They might avoid trying skiing altogether or give up after a few frustrating attempts.

We all think that we can learn something quickly and rarely give ourselves enough time to truly learn, practice, and develop mastery. The truth is, skiing is a sport that you can learn at your own pace, and have fun at any level. You don't have to be a pro to have fun on the slopes. You just need to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals, and a willingness to practice and improve. Here are some tips to help you learn the technique of skiing:

·      Take a lesson from an instructor. A professional ski instructor can teach you the proper stance, balance, turning, and stopping techniques that will make skiing easier and safer for you. They can also give you feedback, tips, and encouragement along the way. Taking a lesson is the best way to start your skiing journey and avoid developing bad habits or injuries.

·      Start on the beginner slopes (aka the bunny hill). Don't try to tackle slopes that are too steep, too icy, or too crowded for your skill level. Start on the green runs, ideally with a magic carpet lift. The terrain will be gentle, the speed will be slow, and there shouldn’t be too much traffic. This will help you build your confidence, and practice your technique without too much pressure or risk.

·      Progress at your own pace and check your ego. Don't feel pressured to move up to the next level of difficulty until you're ready. Everyone learns differently, and there's no shame in staying on the beginner slopes until you feel comfortable and confident. You can still have fun and challenge yourself on the green runs, by trying different turns, speeds, or styles. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, and not compare yourself to others. On top of that, I promise you that no one cares what you look like going down the hill. Everyone is focused on enjoying their own run and avoiding running into other people.

Gear: You don't have to break the bank to get equipped

Another myth that beginners have about skiing is that they need to spend a lot of money on gear and equipment. They might think that skiing is too expensive, too complicated, or too cumbersome for them. They might worry about buying the wrong or outdated gear, or not having enough or too much gear. They might think that skiing is not worth the hassle or the cost.

The truth is, skiing is a sport that you can do with minimal and affordable gear and equipment. You don't have to break the bank to get equipped for skiing. You just need the essentials. Here are some tips to help you get the gear you need for skiing:

·      Rent or borrow your gear. If you're new to skiing, or not sure if you'll like it, you don't have to buy your own gear right away. You can rent or borrow your skis, boots, poles, and helmet from a ski shop. This will save you money, and allow you to try different types and sizes of gear before you commit to buying your own. Renting or borrowing your gear is also a good option if you only ski occasionally, or if you travel to different ski destinations. Some places will even do season-long rentals if you want to build familiarity with the same equipment and know you’ll be skiing multiple days!

·      Buy only the essentials. If and when you’re ready to buy your own gear, you don't have to buy everything at once, or buy the most expensive versions. Also, the  trendy items are unnecessary. People wearing Columbia are just as warm as those wearing Bogner. Outside of the gear you can rent, I would start with the basics: jacket, snow pants, gloves, goggles/sunglasses, and a neck warmer/balaclava. These are the items that will affect your comfort, safety, and performance the most. For anything that can touch snow (e.g., jacket and pants), get something insulanted and waterproof. You can skip or save on the accessories, such as ski socks, base layers, avalanche equipment, or backpacks, unless you really need or want them.

·      Get fitted and adjusted. Once you start really getting serious, this is the time for a little splurge. Stock boots are horrible, and the web is full of lies about the “best boots”. The best boot for you is one that  fits you properly and is adjusted to your skill level and preferences. Ski shops can generally help, even better if you can find a certified boot fitter (Jackson Hogen has a great list). Having the right fit and adjustment will make skiing more comfortable and enjoyable for you, help accelerate your skills, and prevent injuries or accidents.

Culture: You don't have to fit in to belong

A third myth that beginners have about skiing is that they need to conform to a certain culture or lifestyle to belong. They might think that skiing is too elitist, too exclusive, or too snobbish for them. They might feel out of place, unwelcome, or judged by other skiers who seem to have more experience, knowledge, or style. They might think that skiing is not for them, or that they don't belong on the slopes.

The truth is, skiing is a sport that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their background, personality, or taste. Skiing is not a club that you have to join, or a code that you must follow. Skiing is a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes anyone who loves the snow and the mountains. Here are some tips to help you embrace the culture of skiing:

·      Be yourself. Ok, this one is a little hokey, but it’s true. You bring something unique and different to the slopes. You don't have to wear the latest fashion, use the coolest slang, or know the hottest gossip to be a skier. You just have to be yourself, and have fun. Also, the people who you think may be judging you? That probably says more about them than it does about you.

·      Be respectful. Don't be rude, arrogant, or disrespectful to other skiers, or to the staff, the environment, or the rules of the resort. Stay aware of your surroundings and give others plenty of room around you, to the extent that you can. Familiarize yourself with the skier's code of conduct, which is a set of guidelines that ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone on the slopes. For example, always ski in control, yield to other skiers, and avoid stopping in the middle of the trail. Be respectful, and you'll earn the respect of others. See our “culture” section for other ways to respect others on the mountain.

·      Be friendly. Skiers are generally a friendly bunch. I have never had someone ignore me on the chairlift if I say hello. Be friendly, because you never know who you’ll meet! You'll be surprised by how many people are willing to help you, guide you to the best snow, or ski with you, if you just smile and say hello. This sport is truly a community.

Picking the right resort: You don't have to go far to have fun

A fourth myth that beginners have about skiing is that they need to hop on a plane and fly to the most famous ski resort to have fun. Sure, trips to to famous or glamorous resorts, such as Aspen, Whistler, or Chamonix are fun, but they aren’t the only options. There are nearly 500 ski resorts in the US, covering almost every state in the US! Every ski area I’ve been to, from Coffee Mill Ski area in Minnesota to Mt. Norquay in Alberta has unique aspects that make the skiing fun.

More important than the name brand^TM of the resort you ski is selecting one that suits your abilities, preferences, and goals. Here are some tips to help you pick the right resort for skiing:

Do your research. Don't just pick a resort based on its name, reputation, or popularity. Do your research, and compare different resorts based on their features, trail map, facilities, and services. For example, consider:

Mountain: size, terrain, difficulty, and variety of the trails, the quality and quantity of the snow,

Services: availability and price of lift tickets, the options and quality of the accommodation, food, and entertainment,

Travel: the distance and accessibility from your location, your budget for getting to and from, and the weather and season of your visit (Editor’s note: weather can be a BIG one. Some resorts only have one way in and out and you could get snowed in if a storm joins you. Looking at you, Little Cottonwood Canyon).

Ask for recommendations. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from other skiers, especially those who have similar skill levels, interests, or goals as you. Ask for recommendations, and get advice from people who have been there and have some understanding of your abilities to make the recommendation. There are also many online reviews, blogs, and subreddits with ideas. You can also join our community at Ski Tutor to ask fellow skiers who share your passion and curiosity.

Be flexible and adventurous. Having a favorite or “home” resort is great! Sjust don’t forget to go out and try something new or different every once in a while. You might discover a hidden gem, a new challenge, or a new favorite among the many resorts out there. You might also find that skiing is more fun and rewarding when you explore new places, meet new people, and try new things. Be flexible and adventurous, and expand your horizons and possibilities.

You might just love it

Ok, hopefully you’re convinced by now. But if you aren’t, that’s ok! The sport isn’t for everyone, although I do think it’s worth everyone trying at least once. Whether you ski by yourself or with your loved ones, there are some definite perks if you catch the bug:

·      Being outdoors: Especially during the wintertime, getting fresh air and sunlight is a huge plus. Skiing helps you relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Anecdotally for me, I find that being outdoors boosts my mood, energy levels, all while lowering stress and anxiety.

·      Stunning scenery: Skiing takes you to amazing places, where you can admire the snowy mountains, forests, and lakes, and marvel at the views and landscapes. Across almost every continent, the mountaintop vistas are amazing. Skiing also lets you discover different cultures, cuisines, and traditions, as you visit different resorts and countries.

·      Feeling of flying: Skiing gives you a thrilling feeling of flying, as you glide down the slopes, feel the wind in your face, and move with freedom and speed. Skiing challenges you, tests your limits, and rewards you with satisfaction and accomplishment. Skiing also releases endorphins, the happy hormones that make you feel good and ease pain and stress.

·      Friends and family: Skiing is a great way to bond with your friends and family, as you share the fun and joy of skiing together. Skiing strengthens your relationships, creates lasting memories, and builds a sense of belonging and teamwork. Skiing also helps you make new friends, as you meet and chat with other skiers who share your passion and enthusiasm.

·      Shared bond with other skiers: Skiing is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle and a community. Skiing gives you a sense of identity, purpose, and pride, as you join a group of people who love skiing and support each other. Skiing also teaches you valuable skills and values, such as respect, responsibility, patience, and perseverance.

Skiing is a hobby that has made my life better in many ways, and I believe it can for you too. I have made incredible memories, formed new friendships, and pushed myself outside my comfort zone more times than I can count. If you're looking for a hobby that can make you happy, healthy, and fulfilled, skiing might be the perfect choice for you. Check out some of our other articles if you’re interested in learning more!

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