If strapping on skis and hurtling down a mountainside sounds like a blast, you are ready for a thrilling new adventure. Skiing offers stunning alpine scenery, fresh air, and an adrenaline rush like no other. But before hitting the slopes, every first timer needs to plan ahead and gear up properly.
Pick the Right Mountain
With thousands of ski areas across the country, research to find the best one for your skill level and budget. Smaller, local hills tend to offer more beginner terrain, group lessons and lower prices. Ask other newbies for recommendations, or consult review sites detailing basics like vertical drop, percentage of runs by difficulty, annual snowfall and more.
Many mountains classify trails using coded shapes and colors. Green circles indicate gentle beginner slopes, while black diamonds signify extremely steep terrain for experts. Select an area catering mostly to greener skiers initially.
Sign Up for Lessons
Virtually every mountain provides instruction ranging from half-day basics to multi-week intensive programs. Lesson packages might also include gear rentals and lift tickets at a money-saving bundled price too.
Prep with Off-Slope Exercises
Developing balanced leg, core and arm strength will help prepare you to take on the slopes. Yoga, Pilates, cardio, and light weight routines are excellent for snow sport training several months before your trip.
The more limber and agile you are, the quicker proper technique becomes second nature. Work on flexibility, aerobic conditioning and muscle tone now so you can focus on ski-specific skills once there.
Obtain Proper Gear
Nothing ruins rookie runs faster than cold feet or ill-fitting rentals. Investing in your own boots and having them correctly adjusted is paramount. Next, quality goggles, insulated gloves, waterproof layers, and helmets are vital for safety and warmth.
For items like skis, bindings and poles, the experts at Canyon Sports say you can save money with ski rentals rather than buying, especially as a beginner. Ask about any discount ski rental packages offered when scheduling lessons too. There is no need to overload your luggage with full ski sets before determining if this is the sport for you long-term.
Pack Essentials Too
Besides your equipment, small accessories make ski days more enjoyable. Bring high protein snacks to keep energy levels up on the slopes. Lip balm and sunscreen guard against windburn and harsh alpine rays. Stash an extra hat, socks, neck gaiter and chemical hand warmers for when temperature plummet.
Know Snow Sport Etiquette
To avoid annoying others on crowded trails, learn basic mountaintop manners before arrival. Always stay in control and avoid stopping where you obstruct the trail. Pass cautiously on the downhill skier’s left side.
Obey all posted warnings and trail closure signs too. Familiarize yourself with the Skier Responsibility Code provided by each resort. When in doubt about the right of way, just yield to others already on course.
Try a Practice Run
Many resorts have short “bunny hill” routes offering low risk trial runs minus long lift lines. Take a test lap on one of these mini trails using fresh skills from your first lesson. Master pushing off, turning, gliding and stopping completely before graduating to steeper green circle pitches.
Success on the kiddie slope will build sorely needed confidence to carry you onto more challenging terrain. Work on your form and smooth runs here before really picking up speed.
Conclusion
You will not transform into a black diamond daredevil after just one day of skiing, so stay patient with yourself as you progress. Focus on small achievements like traversing across the slope without falling or completing a run while maintaining control. Having reasonable expectations around skill advancement prevents frustration so you can have a great time.
