| If you've never been skiing before or you're | | | | 4. Weigh the costs. Private lessons are more |
| a beginner skier, you may not know where to | | | | expensive than group lessons. A package of |
| go to skiing, what to wear, or even where to | | | | several lessons, will be cheaper than paying |
| start. Here are tips for a first time skier. | | | | for one lesson at a time. |
| | | | |
| Find a Ski Resort with Beginner Terrain | | | | 5. Find out what is included in the lesson. |
| | | | Do the lessons include rental equipment |
| While most ski resorts offer trails for | | | | (skis, boots, poles, and helmet)? Or will you |
| beginners, there's no need to head out to an | | | | have to pay extra to rent equipment? |
| expert ski resort for your first time skiing | | | | |
| - if you have a local ski resort, it's | | | | 6. How long are the lessons? Consider your |
| probably fine. As long as the resort has | | | | day's schedule and allow time to practice and |
| plenty of terrain that's suitable for | | | | simply enjoy your day of skiing. |
| beginners, your first time skiing should be | | | | |
| enjoyable. | | | | 7. Schedule lessons according to your skills |
| | | | and ability. |
| Raid Your Closet Before You Buy New Clothes | | | | |
| | | | 8. Choose a ski school where the instructors |
| There's no need for expensive, fancy ski | | | | are certified by an organization such as the |
| clothes your first time skiing. As long as | | | | Professional Ski Instructors of America. |
| you have a turtleneck, a sweater or a fleece | | | | |
| jacket, and some kind of insulating pants (no | | | | 9. As with any type of teacher, there are |
| denim, though) to wear under a winter jacket | | | | different teaching styles. You may connect |
| and waterproof snow pants, you should be warm | | | | better with one type of instructor than |
| enough. | | | | another, so, select a ski instructor with |
| | | | whom you feel comfortable. |
| A pair of winter gloves is a good idea, too. | | | | |
| When you know you like skiing, you can | | | | 10. Also choose a program where you are able |
| upgrade your wardrobe. | | | | to voice any concerns about your confidence |
| | | | to the instructor. You don't want to be |
| Rent Skis and Boots | | | | afraid to speak up. |
| | | | |
| Your skiing experience will be better if you | | | | 11. Ski lessons are offered for all ages and |
| rent skis and boots instead of borrowing a | | | | abilities - from beginners to advanced |
| friend's old pair of dated skis or boots. | | | | skiers. Never consider yourself too old, or |
| Even if you have a pair of old skis or boots, | | | | too good a skier, for a lesson. All skiers |
| learning to ski on a modern pair of skis is | | | | should learn from a certified instructor, |
| not only safer than skiing on old skis, but, | | | | while advanced skiers can pick up new tips |
| it will help you progress faster. | | | | and techniques from a good instructor. |
| | | | |
| Take a Lesson | | | | Tips: |
| | | | |
| Even if your friends ski and want to teach | | | | 1. Mid-week skiers, and those who go early or |
| you, investing in a ski lesson is necessary. | | | | late in the day, may be lucky enough to find |
| You'll get started off with a good basis of | | | | an under-enrolled class. If that's the case, |
| ski knowledge, and with continued lessons, | | | | you may be able to get a private or |
| you'll be a great skier before you know it. | | | | semi-private lesson for the price of a group |
| Make sure to specify that you are a beginner | | | | lesson. |
| skier with no (or little) experience on the | | | | |
| slopes. | | | | 2. Ski lessons can fill up fast. During prime |
| | | | ski season, sign up for lessons online. That |
| What type of ski lesson program should you | | | | way you will be sure to get into the class |
| look for? There was a time in the ski | | | | that works best for you. |
| industry when there were rival schools of | | | | |
| thought on how to teach the art and skill of | | | | 3. Fun is important! You will want to enjoy |
| skiing. Today, with the introduction of the | | | | your lessons and work with an instructor who |
| shaped ski, there is an inherent turning | | | | makes learning fun, as well as work. This is |
| capability engineered into the ski. The | | | | especially important for children learning to |
| biomechanics needed to turn and steer the | | | | ski. |
| skis down the mountain are uniformly taught | | | | |
| throughout the ski industry, and can be | | | | 4. Check with your child's school to see if |
| quickly learned and implemented. | | | | they offer an after school learn-to-ski |
| | | | program. Many schools do, and they will |
| Difficulty: Average | | | | provide transportation, ski equipment, a |
| | | | lesson, and ski time for a reasonable fee. |
| Time Required: Varies | | | | |
| | | | 5. Don't overestimate your ability and sign |
| Here's How: | | | | up for advanced skier lessons if you aren't |
| | | | ready for them. |
| 1. Choose a learn-to-ski package that will | | | | |
| incorporate teaching techniques designed to | | | | Stay Hydrated and Get a Snack |
| have you stopping, turning, and skiing in | | | | |
| control of your speed. | | | | Because you're working new muscles, it's easy |
| | | | to get tired easily. Stopping to get a drink |
| 2. When evaluating lesson programs for young | | | | or a snack is very important for your safety. |
| children, make sure they are geared to the | | | | |
| appropriate age group, as well as ability of | | | | Stay Safe |
| the child. The ski area should have a bunny | | | | |
| slope for beginning skiers. | | | | Ski with caution and work hard to stay in |
| | | | control. During your lesson, make it a point |
| 3. If you are comfortable learning with | | | | to listen to your instructor, because later, |
| others, choose a group lesson. Otherwise, | | | | you can practice what you've learned on your |
| consider private lessons, at least to get | | | | own time. However, don't push yourself too |
| started. | | | | hard - on your first day, it's best to stick |
| | | | to terrain that you know you can handle. |