Downhill skiing requires balance, coordination and agility. The sport's learning curve depends on the student's overall athleticism, altitude tolerance and ability to withstand cold temperatures. Ice skaters and rollerbladers discover that their skills can easily transfer to on-slope movements. Novice skiers who are unfamiliar with sliding and gliding activities may find that skiing is at first, counter-intuitive. Skiing movements are characterized by their subtlety. Beginners are advised to seek the services of a certified ski instructor. Different teaching modules will appeal to the various learning styles. Some students will prefer a single lesson, whereas others learn best in a multi-day clinic.
Planning Your First Ski Trip
Step 1
Pick a ski area by perusing the Ski Maps website, listed in the resource section. The green lines indicate beginner terrain. Find a resort in your desired destination area that has a significant number of green trails. If possible, find a resort with a learning areas that is separated from the rest of the mountain.
Step 2
Call the ski school at your chosen resort and ask about their beginner programs. The ideal program includes lift ticket, lessons and equipment rental.
Step 3
Watch ski movies and ski racing on television. Observe the skier's alignment and try to mimic her posture.
Step 4
Stand on a balance board. Shift your weight forward and back, and side to side. Do not allow the board to "bottom out." These weight shifts simulate the balance shifts you will experience on the slopes.
Step 5
Stand on a BOSU or on two rubber balance discs. Relax your knees and shift your weight so that you balance on the little toe of one foot and the big toe of the other. Flatten your feet and shift your weight to the other side. This exercise simulates the carving movements used in skiing.
At the Resort
Step 1
Arrive as early as possible to purchase your lesson package, rent your equipment and sign up for your lesson.
Step 2
Go to the meeting point to meet your instructor. Inform him of any relevant injuries, medications or conditions.
Step 3
Listen to the corrections your instructor gives to other students. There's a good possibility that you are making similar errors.
Step 4
Watch other skiers and see if you can spot their errors.
Step 5
Breathe with your movements. Inhale when your legs extend, and exhale when they flex. Breathing eases on-slope anxiety, and helps you develop a rhythm to your turns,
Tips and Warnings
- Wear warm ski clothes. Beginner ski lessons often involve standing around and watching the instructor. You can't concentrate if you are cold. Wear thermal underwear, a fleece top and waterproof and windproof ski jacket and pants. Most ski lessons come with a guarantee. If you did not like your lesson, report it to the ski school office. You will get a voucher for another lesson. Use positive self talk in scary terrain. If you say "don't fall," your brain does not have an image for "don't," but it has a clear image of "fall." Instead, tell yourself to "stand up."
- Prevent head injuries by wearing a ski helmet. Prevent sun damage by wearing goggles. Do not let your friends, family members or significant other teach you to ski.
Things You'll Need
- Ski videos and movies
- Balance board
- BOSU or rubber balance disc
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