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Watching Johnny Mosely or Picabo Street attack the slopes is enough to bring on
feelings of inadequacy even in veteran skiers. These pros seem to float across the
terrain, bouncing like finely tuned machines over moguls bigger than a Volkswagen Bug,
careening around icy corners at 50 mph in perfect control and barely breaking a sweat
in the process. Johnny and Picabo were born to ski, you might think, and you weren’t.
But think about this: If you skied 200 days each year, you’d ski like them, too.
Picking up skiing isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but luckily it’s enjoyable for
skiers of all levels, not just the experts, and the fun starts on the first day. So
don’t waste another minute. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
- The very first time.
You’ve decided to learn to ski, but now what? Unlike most other sports, downhill
skiing revolves around the hospitality industry, and that means it’s easy to get
started. Just find the time to get up on the mountain, sign up for a beginner’s
package, and the resort will take care of the rest; outfit you with equipment, teach
you how to put it on and use it, guide you through the first lessons, and even feed
you lunch. It really couldn’t get much easier.
- What you need.
Ski gear isn’t cheap, and unless you ski often or are well on your way to becoming an
expert skier, I’d suggest renting. Ski areas replace their rental equipment annually,
so you’re guaranteed state-of-the-art stuff. If you do buy, head to your local ski
shop for expert advice on how to purchase skis, boot, poles, and bindings. Of these,
the boots are by far the most important and worth the intimidating investment (new
ski boots can cost $300 to $600). If your feet aren’t warm and comfy, you probably
won’t enjoy skiing. You’ll also need a windproof, waterproof jacket and ski pants,
warm layers, sunglasses or goggles, a hat, and gloves.
- Get some good instruction.
Wanting to teach yourself to ski is admirable, but frankly, it’s a big waste of time.
And if you’re friends tell you to save a couple of bucks and just watch them to learn,
think twice. There’s no substitute for a lesson from a professional, patient,
instructor. This person will have formal training in recognizing your ability level
and giving you the technique pointers you need to progress to that next level, fast.
They’ll coach you, watch you, show you, and wait for you. Something not even your
best friend will do well.
- The right attitude.
Learning to ski can be the most frustrating experience in the world, or it can be the
best fun you’ve ever had. This doesn’t hinge on your natural ability, but rather on
your approach to the learning process. Remember that it’s this process that’s fun,
not just the end result, and when frustration reigns and you’re swearing you’ll never
set edge on a ski slope again, just take a deep breath, enjoy the beautiful setting
around you, and remember to smile. Keep your expectations realistic, you won’t be
jumping cliffs your first week out, and you shouldn’t expect to glide gracefully
across the snow. You’re going to fall, a lot. Laugh about it and note your improvement
in the details.
- Be aggressive, composed, relaxed.
The single best tip I’ve ever gotten on my skiing was to lean downhill. This means
tossing your fears aside and aggressively chasing after the slope in front of you.
Despite what you might think, doing this will allow you to maintain balance and form,
and to control your speed.
Timid skiers tend to lean back in a reflexive effort to resist speed and in turn
accelerate, and lose control. Keep a clear head and think through pointers you’ve
received, as you ski. Concentrate on enacting them rather than panicking when things
don’t seem right. And if you are about to fall, ease into it and sit down rather than
resist the fall by trying to keep your balance. A majority of ski injuries result
from bad falls after desperate measures taken to resist falling.
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