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