Learning How To Ski

Before getting ready to ski you must start off with the correct equipment. Make sure you have the following before even stepping out the door to ski: ski goggles, a duffel bag for your gear, a helmet if you feel it's needed, gloves or mittens, a sweater or fleece, ski socks and an extra pair for if your feet get wet, insulted and waterproof ski jacket and ski pants, a scarf or other neck covering, and a hat or headband to keep your ears and head warm. It is very important to keep the feet and head dry during skiing as to not get overly cold. Also, do not wear so many layers so that you sweat because the perspiration can eventually make you cold as well. Carry hand warmers, Chap Stick, or sunscreen too for extra protection on the mountain.

The next step is heading to the ski slopes where you will begin your adventure. Rent your ski boots, skis, and poles from the place where you will be skiing. Most skiing areas provide a package with ski rentals and a lift ticket. Place the lift ticket on the zipper of your jacket then give your shoe size to the rental attendant to receive your gear. Ask the person aiding you in the rental for help if you need it when putting on your ski boots. After you strap on your boots carry your skis and poles outside.

It is highly recommended to get a beginners lesson when learning how to ski. These lessons will tell you how to put on your skis, judge your ability, and give you general instructions on skiing. Everyone needs skiing lessons, but if you plan to not take any, do so at your own risk. Stick to the "bunny hills" or "beginner area" where you see a lot of children and other adults learning how to ski. If you do begin to get the hang of skiing without a lesson or two, move on to the next level of slopes. You need to be able to stop successfully before moving on to a harder slope, so make sure you have this aspect of skiing under control.

Ski slopes have a certain color/shape coded system when identifying the difficulty of hills. Ski slopes go in the order of this difficulty from easiest to hardest: a single green circle, a single blue square, followed by a single black diamond, and a double black diamond. Green circles are for those just beginners. Stick to these hills on your first day of skiing. You next few trips focus on the green circles again and possibly to the blue square hills.

Blue square hills are for intermediate skiers, so be sure you have the ability to dodge fallen people, small moguls, and even trees before venturing onto these ski slopes. Do not get discouraged if you do not pick up skiing right away. The younger you are the easier it will be to learn, but if you're an adult you'll eventually get it if you do not rush to process.