How to Ski: A Complete Beginner's Guide for 2025 (With Expert Tips!)

Did you know that over 60 million people worldwide enjoy skiing as a winter sport? Whether you're looking at the pristine slopes with excitement or nervousness, learning to ski is an adventure that anyone can master! As a certified ski instructor with 15+ years of experience, I'll guide you through everything you need to know to get started. From choosing the right equipment to mastering your first turns, this guide will help you transition from complete beginner to confident skier.

Essential Ski Equipment and Gear

Getting out on the slopes for your first day, you’ll immediately realize it’s cold. And it’s winter. And everyone around you looks like they’re wearing space suits. But fear not! While there are a TON of options out there for every budget, there are really just a few simple pieces of equipment that you need!

Gear

With the cold temperatures, your gear should prevent skin exposure wherever possible. There are a few core items to think about:

Core apparel and layering: This includes up to 3 layers for your top and bottom, including a base layer, mid layer, and outer (water- and wind-proof) layer. We have another complete guide to buying your first kit.

How many layers and what level of warmth depends on two things: 1) where you are skiing, and 2) the weather forecast. If you are skiing in the Midwest, where I grew up, you will need extra layers. The runs simply are not long enough to build up some energy and body heat like they are West or in the East. This means more time spent sitting on the lift where the wind can make you feel cold quickly. For weather, it’s simple. As it gets colder and the winds get stronger, you’ll need more layers. One wildcard to consider is the sun. If it’s a sunny day, it will definitely feel warmer than if it’s cloudy.

Socks: are another important item. These should always be wool or a synthetic material, never cotton. The reason is that cotton will absorb the moisture and as your feet sweat, they will ironically start to get very cold as the heat dissipates. You also don’t need very thick wool socks. Especially if you decide to get your own fitted boots, having a thinner sock will be more comfortable and give you better responsiveness vs. something that’s thicker. Surprisingly, your feet stay warm. If you have circulation issues, it may be worth looking into heated socks. Just be careful not to run them too hot, as you’ll create a similar situation with sweat that will leave your feet feeling colder.

Gloves and Neck: It will come down to personal preference between gloves and mittens. I personally prefer mittens as it keeps my hands warmer (with the fingers being together). The glove fans will say it gives them better grip and dexterity. Your mileage will vary!

On my neck, I like to wear a balaclava and a neck gaiter. The balaclava is great because it integrates underneath my helmet and provides extra warmth for my head. The neck gaiter provides additional insulation for my neck, where a cool gust of wind can sneak in and send shivers down my spine.

Equipment

Helmet: This is a critical safety item. It will also function as your hat. Plus if you buy your own, you can put stickers from the resorts you’ve visited on it and add some flair to your kit. If you do end up buying one, make sure that it is one with MIPS capabilities. They do cost slightly more, but the technology helps prevent concussions in falls by deflecting rotational forces directed at your head.

Boots: After the helmet, this is the single most critical component to making you a better skier and making you feel comfortable on the slopes. I do recommend renting boots if it is your first day and you aren’t yet committed to the sport long-term. That being said, my skiing ability rose dramatically as soon as I bought my own fitted boots. You may spend $1,000, but they will last you a decade. In addition, the boots will always fit better than rentals because it’s just your feet going in them vs. yours and hundreds of others during the season. That tighter responsiveness means that the power more completely transfers from your legs to your skis, giving you better control.

Skis: Ok, you’ll need these too. Just rent these for a while. There are so many options out there that it makes sense to rent a variety of models for your first season skiing. You simply won’t know what brand of ski best fits with your skiing style as it develops. In addition, depending on where you are going, the conditions will somewhat dictate what skis will perform best given the conditions (e.g., 100mm+ underfoot for powder days, but 80mm underfoot if you’re skiing groomers during a dry spell). Rental techs at the resorts should be able to help guide you through this, and many will let you swap skis out every day during your trip to try out different things.

Preparing for Your First Ski Day

On your first skiing day, preparation is important. This starts before you even pull up to the slopes. Skiing is an eye-foot dominant sport. My soccer / football athletes will have an advantage here vs. hockey and baseball. On your first day, your goal should be to really establish that connection between what you’re seeing on the snow and what you’re feeling in your feet. An instructor can help you work through establishing those initial connections and guide you to making your first turns.

If you’ve never been to a ski area, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the conditions. Regardless of location, you are in a cold and wintry area, which means that you should bundle up! We generally recommend dressing in layers. As the temperature drops below 25, this becomes incredibly important.

Always wear 3 layers: base, mid, and outer layers

• The base layer should be relatively tight fitting and be designed to retain body heat while wicking moisture. Wool and synthetic fibers are your friends here.
• Mid layers are purely insulating. This can be anything from a puffer jacket to a quarter zip top. Core responsibilities are to insulate heat. You’ll again see a combination of fabrics, although we’re generally fans of synthetic in these layers as there are more options, which balance cost and warmth well
• Outer layers need to be water- and wind-proof. This is non-negotiable. If you’re heading out skiing, it’s very likely that you’ll fall at least once. The clothing that hits the snow should be able to let that water wipe right off. Further, if you’re skiing on a winder day at higher elevations, you want your outer layer to be a functional buffer in ways that your mid and base layer won’t be. You’ll often hear about “Gore-Tex” here, which is in many ways the gold standard, although other variations exist (e.g., Helly Hansen’s ‘Professional’ line)

When you first get to the resort, you’ll be flooded with several new terms and signs, including:

• ‍Lodge: Where skiers meet at the beginning, at lunch, and at the end of the day. A good place to warm up, usually near the bottom (base) or top of the mountain. At larger resorts, there will be multiple. You can usually buy food here.‍
• Bunny Hill: This is a small and relatively flat slope served by a dedicated lift (usually a carpet or rope tow). Beginners will start here as they are building foundational skills before moving on to more difficult terrain.‍
• Jerry: A derogatory term to a beginner skier. There are easy ways to avoid being a Jerry, including building skill and ability on appropriate terrain, using appropriate equipment, and following general etiquette (see below)
• ‍Yard Sale: A situation where you fall and equipment is spread across the slope, including skis and poles. If these items aren’t close by, usually nearby skiers are more than willing to help you out and grab them to bring them close to you as you stand up.‍
• ‘The Bar’: Slang term for the safety bar that is installed on most modern chairlifts. Recommended for all beginner skiers. You may see some (unnecessary) protest from elder and more western skiers, but they’re still worth it. Especially at larger resorts, many bars have trail maps printed on them plus foot rests to give you a break on the way up. We thoroughly recommend putting them down.

We’ve also written a more compressive guide to the different types of trails and signing systems that you’ll experience at North American ski resorts. In general, you will be starting on green circle slopes as you build up your confidence and technique. An instructor can help accelerate your learning in ways that will rapidly exceed self-taught approaches.

Etiquette

While skiing, there are also a number of important etiquette items to be conscious of. For most of them, you might get an eye roll if you ignore them. For others, they might legitimately be a safety risk. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• When stopping, always move to the side of the trail that you’re on. Stopping in the middle creates a safety hazard for those skiing around you.
• When stopping, it should never be just below a crest in the slope. You want to make sure that people above can see you to avoid hitting them. People higher in elevation than you have responsibility to avoid you. Don’t make it more difficult than necessary.
• Be friendly and get into larger groups when boarding lifts. Is it a 3 seater or more? Welcome in singles that are in line. You’ll often find good conversation and may learn something about your seat mates by being open to it.

Basic Ski Techniques for Beginners

Now let’s talk through basic techniques for skiing. We have dedicated a whole section of this site to technique-focused articles that will help make you a better skier. But you aren’t there yet! You’re just starting out. Last week, my wife was learning to ski out in Colorado. During the multi-day lesson, I ended up taking furious notes, because our instructor was giving us great tips that I thought would be valuable to others.

All skiing technique can be boiled down to speed control. This includes learning to stand on skis (the first task!), then learning how to start moving, then turning (controlling your speed), and then ultimately stopping. Let me share some tips of what I've discovered works best after years of taking lessons from instructors myself and researching how to become a better skier.

First things first - let's talk about putting those skis on without ending up face-first in the snow (been there, done that!). The key is to find a flat spot and clear any snow from both your boots and the bindings. You don’t want anything that can interrupt the connection between them, as it can impact your ability to stay in the skis. You should always position yourself perpendicular to the slope, using your poles for balance. If your skis are pointed down the hill, you’ll start sliding as soon as you click in. Point your toe into the front binding first, then firmly push your heel down until you hear that satisfying click. You'll know it's secure when you try to lift your heel and the whole ski lifts with it.

Now, about that proper stance - this is crucial, and I spent years figuring out how to do it right. Imagine you're holding a tray of hot soup (that's what my old instructor told me, and it stuck!). Your knees should be slightly bent, about as much as if you were sitting in a tall bar stool. Keep your arms in front of you, relaxed but ready. The biggest mistake I see? People leaning back on their skis like they're in a recliner - that's a one-way ticket to losing control! You should always feel contact between your shin and the front of your boot. Otherwise, you are sitting too far back.

The famous "pizza" position (or snowplow, if we're being technical) is not necessarily your friend when you're starting out. Especially if you are an adult, it can limit your ability to progress. That being said, your first turns will inevitably be pizza-shaped: start on a gentle slope and push your heels out while bringing your ski tips together. The wider your pizza, the slower you'll go. When my wife was learning, she was terrified of going too fast – she would frequently use the pizza position to stop. Just know that it takes a lot of muscular energy to make those kinds of turns, so you will be more tired at the end of the day!

A much more efficient way to turn is to use “french fries” (or parallel turns), which is pretty intuitive. The key is weight transfer - put more weight on your outside ski: push on the right ski to turn left, and vice versa. Once you start practicing this subtle weight transfer, then you’ll get much more efficient speed control by making your turn, and then continuing it until you are pointed slightly uphill. At that point, gravity will slow you down without any effort! Then you can shift your weight to the other side and start your next turn!

Now, the ski lift – something that can be intimidating to newbies, especially if they are somewhat afraid of heights! Here's a simple way to get on: approach the loading zone with your poles in one hand. As soon as the chair in front passes, slide up to the red loading line. Keep your skis parallel and just let them glide straight ahead. As the chair comes around, look over your shoulder - this is super important! - and sit down naturally. Don't jump or pop up; just let the chair scoop you up. Once you’re safely out of the bottom station, I recommend putting down the safety bar.

For dismounts at the top, you’ll basically reverse the process. One tower from the top? Lift the safety bar. Coming up to the unloading ramp? Scoot slightly forward. Once your skis are firmly back on the snow? Stand up smoothly and glide away from the chair. Keep your skis straight until you're clear of the ramp - I've seen many spontaneous turning attempts end in a pile-up! If you want to read more about chairlifts, we wrote a whole guide.

Remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Give yourself the grace and time to learn the proper technique. What matters is staying relaxed and confident - tense muscles make everything harder, especially if you are skiing for multiple days! And most importantly, go enjoy apres!

Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Let me share some of the most common skiing myths I've encountered, along with the reality checks that have helped me break through those early learning barriers. These are the misconceptions that seem to trip people up the most.

MYTH #1: "Leaning back will help me stay in control and prevent falling forward."

This might be the biggest whopper I've encountered! Leaning back actually reduces your control and makes turning nearly impossible. Think about riding a bike - you wouldn't lean back while steering, right? When you're skiing, your weight should be centered over the middle of your skis, with your shins pressing forward against your boots. I once had an instructor tell me to keep leaning forward until I thought I would fall forward. Just before that point, I had found the right balance point.

MYTH #2: "Tight boots mean better control."

This one was painful to just even write. While your boots shouldn't be loose, cranking them until your feet go numb is a recipe for disaster. Your boots should be snug but comfortable, allowing enough flex in your ankles to maintain proper form. The right fit means you can wiggle your toes but your heel stays firmly in place. In many ways a good boot fit is the most critical element to good skiing. It is where power transfers from your legs to the skis. You don’t want to waste any of that energy from ill-fitting boots!

MYTH #3: "Looking down at your skis helps you control them better."

You’ll fall over. A lot. This is like trying to drive while staring at your hood! Your skis will go where you look, so keep your head up and eyes forward, looking about 20-30 feet ahead of you. This not only helps me ski in control, but I can also better visualize my next turns, giving me confidence and reducing anxiety. Especially on steeper slopes.

MYTH #4: "You need to twist your upper body to turn."

Proper turning comes from your lower body, with your upper body staying relatively quiet and facing downhill (i.e., down the fall line). The turn should initiate from your feet and legs, not from yanking your shoulders around. I use what the "coffee cup drill" - imagine holding a cup of hot coffee while skiing. If you're turning correctly, you shouldn't spill a drop!

MYTH #5: "Going slow means staying in control."

Here's the thing - while you definitely shouldn't bomb down the hill as a beginner, going too slow can actually make it harder to control your skis. You need a certain amount of momentum for your skis to work properly. It’s like riding a bike - easier to balance when you're moving at a reasonable speed than when you're crawling along. The key is finding that sweet spot where you're moving fast enough to maintain control but slow enough to feel comfortable.

MYTH #6: "If I'm not falling, I'm not learning."

Ok, this one might be a semi-myth. While it's true that everyone falls sometimes, the goal isn't to fall as much as possible! Good progression in skiing comes from gradually pushing your comfort zone while maintaining proper form. I used to think that I needed to try harder runs before I was ready because "that's how you learn." Instead, focusing on mastering techniques on easier slopes first made my progress much faster. It's about building confidence through competence, not through crashes!

Remember folks, these myths often come from a place of logical thinking - they might seem to make sense at first glance. But skiing has its own physics and logic that sometimes goes against our instincts. I've found that understanding why these myths are wrong, not just that they're wrong, helps tremendously with progress. Once you  grasp the reality behind these misconceptions, your skiing can improve dramatically.

Safety on the Slopes

It’s taken me a few years, but I've learned that safety on the slopes isn't just about following rules - it's about developing smart habits that become second nature. Let me share what I've discovered about keeping yourself and others safe while skiing, including some lessons I learned the hard way.

The skier responsibility code isn't just a bunch of rules posted at the lodge - it's your blueprint for staying safe on the mountain. Think of it as the "rules of the road" for skiing. The most crucial part I always emphasize is that YOU are responsible for avoiding skiers that are in front of you. One afternoon skiing out in Colorado, I was cruising down my last run of the day, a simple blue groomer, when someone zoomed past me from behind, missing me by inches. I was livid. That close call really drove home why we always need to be looking downhill and planning our path carefully.

Trail markers might seem straightforward, but they can trip up even experienced skiers. Green circles are your beginner-friendly runs, blue squares are intermediate, and black diamonds? Well, those are for advanced skiers who know their stuff. Double black diamonds? Those aren't kidding around - they mean business. Especially for newcomers, it is important to be on appropriately-rated terrain. You’ll have more fun!

Weather awareness is something that took me years to fully appreciate. And honestly, I still struggle with it a bit when I have limited time to spend skiing. Mountain weather can change faster than a teenager's mood. Checking the forecast before heading out is one thing. Watching for signs of changing conditions throughout the day is also important. If the wind picks up suddenly or clouds start rolling in fast, you should know that it can cause rapid changes in terrain and lift availability. Always obey closures, and consider heading in if a storm is on its way.

Next, let's talk about what to do in emergencies because they can happen to anyone, regardless of skill level. If you spot someone who needs help, marking their location is crucial. Plant your skis in an "X" pattern about 20 feet uphill from the injured person - this helps ski patrol spot them quickly. The emergency number for ski patrol should be saved in your phone before you even hit the slopes (I learned this one after frantically searching for the number during an incident in Utah). And remember - if you're the one calling for help, stay calm and be as specific as possible about your location.

Now, about avalanche awareness - this is something that gets deadly serious real quick. Even if you're skiing at a resort, understanding basic avalanche safety can save your life. There are many courses and videos online that can give you a quick primer. The key thing to remember is that most avalanches occur on slopes between 30-45 degrees (that's black diamond and steeper territory). If you're planning to ski anywhere in the backcountry or side-country, you absolutely need proper training and equipment - there's no shortcut around this one. Shovel, probe, transceiver, and partner are mandatory.

One final piece of advice that's served me well over the years: if something doesn't feel right - whether it's the weather, the run difficulty, or your equipment - trust your gut. The mountain will still be there tomorrow, but you need to make sure you're in one piece to enjoy it. Don’t let your guard down while you’re out skiing, even on easy runs. My most recent fall and leg sprain was just cruising down a blue groomer when I hit an ice patch and spun out.

Progressing Your Ski Skills

Progression isn't just about getting better - it's about getting better in the right way, at the right pace. Let me share what I've discovered about leveling up my skills without developing bad habits that'll come back to haunt you later.

Making parallel turns is probably the biggest milestone in a skier's journey. Think of it like learning to ride a bike - you start with training wheels (the snowplow), but eventually, you need to take them off to really experience the joy of riding. The key is making this transition gradually. Start by narrowing your snowplow position little by little on gentle slopes. As you get more comfortable, bring your skis parallel at the end of each turn. It’ll take some practice, but just thinking about getting your skis parallel more and more often will help build your technique.

When it comes to tackling more challenging slopes, timing is everything. You know you're ready for steeper terrain when you can confidently make controlled turns on easier runs without reverting to a snowplow. But here's something crucial I learned when I thought I was ready for harder runs too soon: my technique regressed on terrain that's too challenging. I had to master making at least ten consistent parallel turns on a run before moving up to the next difficulty level.

Now, about lessons - this is where I've seen the biggest difference in how quickly people progress. Group lessons are fantastic for beginners who are just getting comfortable on skis and are rightfully concerned about the cost of private lessons. Plus you get to see others work through the same challenges you're facing. However, once you're working on specific skills like transitioning to parallel turns, private lessons can be worth their weight in gold. I’ve written a whole guide about your first lesson, which can be a great resource.

Outside of working with an instructor, you can run drills on your own. Below are two of my favorite practice drills that have helped me break through plateaus:

1. "Follow the leader" - practice making short turns following exactly in someone else's tracks (with plenty of space between you, of course!)
2. "Thousand steps" - while traversing across a gentle slope, repeatedly lift your uphill ski and place it back down, like you're walking sideways. This builds incredible edge awareness and confidence in weight transfer

Setting realistic milestones is crucial for progression, but they need to be more specific than just "get better at skiing." Here's what I recommend as achievement markers more broadly:

1. Linking snowplow turns confidently while maintaining speed control.
2. Successfully mixing snowplow and parallel turns on green runs.
3. Making consistent parallel turns on blue runs.
4. Introducing pole plants and shorter turns.
5. Confidently skiing variable conditions on marked runs within your skill level.

Accomplishing all of these will likely result in you being an advanced skier. Within smaller skill progressions, you can set similar goals between these two focused around speed control, turn shape, and confidence.

Just remember, progression is rarely linear. You might feel like you're getting worse some days - that's totally normal! The goal isn't to progress as quickly as possible - it's to build a solid foundation that will serve you for years to come. I've seen skiers develop bad habits because they rushed through fundamental skills. Think of it like building a house - you might be eager to put up the walls and roof, but without a solid foundation, the whole thing could come crumbling down when conditions get challenging.

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