7 Tips to Gain Confidence on the Slopes as a Beginner Skier

Take a Lesson

Hiring an instructor is the best way to ease any anxieties that come with being on the slopes for the first time. This will help you learn the proper technique and fundamentals of the sport. Having an instructor is also essential to learning safety tips, proper etiquette and runs on the mountain, as they will be there to guide you every step of the way. 

You will have a much better experience on the mountain learning from a trained professional rather than a friend, family member or going solo. This way, you can ensure to learn the proper techniques and avoid bad habits that might be passed on from someone who isn’t trained to be a coach. As well, an instructor is trained to tailor each session to your individual strengths, weaknesses and goals and help ease any fears you might have in a calm and professional manner.

Tip: Ask your instructor for a film review as this can give you real-time insight into how you look and what needs improvement. This can easily be done on your phone or sport camera. It also helps you to see the progress you make as you continue with lessons and motivates you to keep showing up and improving.

There are many options for each budget and skill level from group lessons to private instruction. Call your local ski resort to inquire about their programs, and have fun learning!

A family learns the fundamentals of skiing from an instructor. Photo courtesy of Diamond Peak Ski Resort.

Focus on Proper Form and Technique

Now that you’ve had some lessons, it’s time to put those skills to work! I like to start every day on the slopes on the greens warming up with an emphasis on proper form and technique. Focusing on the fundamentals will ensure that you maintain the proper body mechanics to get you to advance in your skiing journey. Not only will this make for a more enjoyable experience, but also it will also help with injury prevention as you continue to advance into more challenging terrain.

Tip: Try to stay relaxed and balanced and focus on proper stance and weight distribution as you turn.

Be Consistent

Practice makes progress! Staying consistent in your skiing practice and training will help you gain confidence, muscle memory and the proper technique to advance to more difficult terrain. The more familiar you are with how your body moves on skis, the more you will enjoy challenging yourself in the sport. 

Showing up is also great for discipline and consistency that translates into other aspects of life, such as work, relationships and personal endeavors. This especially helps when times get tough and on days where you feel “off” and might not want to go, or even give up. Cultivating habits of consistency helps you push through and show yourself what you’re made of (in a safe manner, of course).

And, as a bonus, the more you show up to the resort, the more you will get to know the community there. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends on the lifts and during skills clinics and events.

Embrace “Failure” and the Learning Process

Don’t be afraid to fall! In fact, falling happens quite often, and it’s important to embrace it and learn how to fall correctly in order to avoid injuries. 

The biggest advice I can give to you is to embrace being a beginner. At this stage, there is so much to learn and so many incredible instructors to gain knowledge from. Being patient and enjoying the present moment will help you stay focused on skill improvement and staying safe on the mountain. 

Stay motivated to be your best, but also enjoy the process. Skiing is a lifelong journey of learning, growth and adventure. 

Learn to laugh off the mistakes! It’s more fun that way!

Learn the Mountain

One thing I like to do when I visit a resort for the first time is go over the terrain and open runs. Having some knowledge of the mountain will help you feel more comfortable when you are skiing new runs. 

There are plenty of knowledgeable staff members at each resort who are happy to help get you familiarized with the terrain and provide recommendations for your skill level. Being comfortable on the mountain will also help ensure your safety. Make sure to watch for potential hazards, such as trees and other skiers. 

As a beginner, you will want to stick to the greens to grow comfortable on your skis and in your fundamental movements. As you progress in your skills and confidence, you can start to ease into the blue runs. I highly recommend an instructor for this process, as they can help guide you into utilizing new techniques and trying varied terrain.

Knowing the runs is essential, but it's also great to know where you can find services such as ski patrol should an emergency arise. Resorts typically provide maps of the mountain and have icons on them indicating where they can be found. 

 

Skiing lessons build confidence! Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner Ski Resort.

Have Proper Gear

Having functional and fitted ski gear is a game-changer. The key is to know how to layer each article of clothing properly. Start off with technical and moisture-wicking baselayers to help keep you warm. Next up, you’ll wear your mid-layers. I typically like to use a thinner softshell jacket for this one so my layers don’t feel bulky. Your outer layers are extremely important. Having water-resistant material is crucial so you don’t get exposed to the elements such as snow, wind and cold temperatures. 

For your boots, you will want a snug fit, but not too tight that your toes hurt. Having proper ankle support is also a priority. When you try on your boots, wear the socks that you plan to ski with to ensure a proper fit. I like to wear thicker ankle socks when I ski so my feet don't get cold. However, thicker socks can affect the fit of your boot, so be mindful of that when you get fitted.

Make sure to always wear your helmet to avoid the risk of head injuries. Wear comfortable and thicker gloves and bring heated hand warmers if the temperatures are below freezing. Goggles are a must, as the sun's reflections from the snow can damage your eyes. And wear sunscreen!

Be Safe and Have Fun!

Skiing is a fun sport, and there's nothing like riding with your friends on a bluebird powder day. But in order to maximize an enjoyable experience on the slopes, you need to put safety as the top priority – for yourself and other skiers. This means always being mindful of your surroundings and giving the right-of-way to skiers ahead of you. Stay in control, and don't ski in territory that you aren't used to. Stay visible, and watch out for signs and hazards. 

 

And have fun! Skiing truly is a unique and memorable experience, and it's important to take it all in. From making memories of milestones riding your first chairlift to conquering your first challenging run, there is always something to celebrate on the slopes.

 

I hope you enjoy your journey into the amazing sport of skiing and that it becomes an experience you look forward to on your visits to the Tahoe-Truckee area!