Here are a couple of great tips for those of us who didn’t start skiing when we were 6, or for those of us who don’t put in 100 days per season on our boards. 

We wanted to put together a list of great beginner tips from all sorts of different types of skiers and riders, who all remember what it is like to be new to the sport.  Hopefully these will help you enjoy your first turns, because that is what it is all about.

1.    Dress appropriately!  (Peggy H. from Arapahoe Basin)
This may sounds obvious, but winter can be cold!  You want to dress in a way that allows you to be comfortable given the weather for the day you are on the hill.  Taking steps to wear good synthetic or wool clothing (cotton is chilly!), and dressing in layers means that you can be warm enough when it is cold but you can control your temperature easily.  Also, a little side tip… Don’t wear two pairs of socks, they just cramp your feet, cut off your circulation, and actually make you colder!

2.    Everyone was a beginner once.  (Ron S. Liftopia.com)
OK, so this is more of a reminder than a tip, but it is still really important to remember.  Beginners can be intimidated by expert women and men out on the hill (and I think everyone is intimidated by the amazing 10 yr olds these days).  It is good to remember, however, that they had to get where they are the same way you are starting.  Don’t be afraid of being a beginner, you don’t have to ski the toughest terrain to love skiing or snowboarding, it’s all about enjoying yourself in the mountains.

3.    Take a lesson. (Simon D. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort)
There are SO many reasons to take lessons, it is arguably the most important thing you can do when you start.  It may seem pricey, however many mountains offer specials for beginners, and it is a much better use of your time to be out on the hill with someone who is professionally trained to teach you.  Ski school is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the sport, and make sure that you don’t start off using bad habits.  Quite honestly, everyone can use a lesson, regardless how long they have been on the snow.

3b. DON’T take a lesson from a loved one… (Evan R. Liftopia.com)
While your boyfriend/aunt/dad/etc may be the best skier or snowboarder you know, it is always a better idea to get a lesson from a professional.  Not only are they specifically trained to teach people that are beginners (and wont press you harder than you want or need to be), but also they are much better at communicating to you how to ski without any previous relationship baggage.  Many-a-fight have been caused by loved ones teaching loved ones to ski!

5.    Don’t be afraid of falling! (Katie M. Skiing Magazine)
In almost every ski movie, the credits roll with terrifying shots of glorious crashes. Skiers bounce down cliffs, get caught in avalanches, or roll down pitches, all of their gear behind them. But, wipe that sweat off your brow, as a beginner you won’t be having any crashes like that. It’ll be more like crossing up your tips and ceremoniously tipping over, or getting tripped up in line and falling into the stranger next to you, or being unable to stop fast enough in front of the lift tower. Don’t fret, falling is part of skiing. Take every fall in stride, learn from it, and if you are in view of the chairlift, stand up and take a bow.

6.    Drink water and wear sunscreen. (Sha M. Arapahoe Basin)
When it is cold out, it is very easy to forget to stay hydrated.  But all of that time on the hill hanging out with your friends is going to use up a lot of it, so be sure to take regular breaks to have a glass of fluid.  Many resorts are also at higher altitude than where you live, which makes you get dehydrated more quickly.  Speaking of high altitude and things you don’t expect when it is cold out, wear sunscreen!  That sun is strong, and it isn’t cool anymore to have a goggle burn.

7.    Be aggressive!  (Morgan R. Skinet.com)
What, you don’t think a beginner can be aggressive?  Many people (women especially) often are fearful to really use their muscles to battle their way through the fear (and down the hill!).  Keep in mind that learning to ski or snowboard is a challenge, but is far from being impossible.  Kids automatically have less fear than adults, so keep in mind that the reason is that they see it for what it is and that there is nothing to be afraid of.  You’re out there for fun, remember?

8.    Rent all of your gear. (Mike D. Skiing.about.com)
Being a skier used to mean that you needed to own all of your equipment, because the rental gear was borderline scary.  Resorts often offer a rental + ticket (and often a full learn to ski/snowboard package) that gives you the best equipment for your ability.  In addition to getting on equipment that isn’t from 1988 (we know who you are, those skis you bought ages ago are not going to be fun), it means that you don’t need to pack a huge amount of gear to the resort, it will be waiting for you there.

9.    Go to the right type of resort. (Mary Jo T. Snowsports industries America)
Beginners need a resort that can meet their needs.  This means that your long time friend who has been skiing since 1973 may not be the best person to ask for suggestions (as he or she will likely point you somewhere that doesn’t match your ability).  Look for great ski schools and wide, gentle slopes separated from advanced and expert terrain (all of those zooming around just make you nervous).

10.   Protect yourself! (Jennifer L. Liftopia intern)
Know how important you are!  While it might look 'cool' to not wear a helmet or other protective gear, they are the biggest difference between a fall that shakes you up and a fall that really impacts your life.  Helmets (most important), wrist guards, and even knee and butt pads can save more than just your body from damage.



Most importantly: Have Fun! –
We are all lucky to be able to spend time in the mountains, regardless of where it is.  Remember that skiing and snowboarding is not a competition (unless that is what fun is for you…).  Take advantage of being outdoors, stay active and healthy, and connect with friends, family, (and maybe even strangers) on the chairlift.