Learn To Ski

Ever thought about taking some time to learn to ski? Learning to ski is a great way to spend a family holiday and can be a very rewarding and stimulating way to spend a vacation. Think about it, you get mountain air, great views and the exhilaration of speeding down a mountain…then there’s the après ski.

Most resorts will have several ski schools and whatever your level there is sure to be a class for you. Ski schools normally run two, 2-3 hour sessions each day, one morning session and one afternoon session. Class sizes are usually around 8-15 people depending on time of year and the price of the lessons. Try and get into the smallest class size you can. One thing that has put friends of mine off in the past is large classes where you don’t get enough feedback and attention. If you really want to learn to ski well I recommend having at least three sessions on three consecutive days to really kick start the learning process. Doing this will make the whole learn to ski process far more enjoyable and rewarding. A lot of beginners I know make the mistake of having one lesson then going off and doing their own thing. This really is a bad idea as you will be picking up bad habits from day one. You may even become so disheartened by the whole thing that you give up! That would be a real shame and I don’t want that to happen. The best piece of advice I can give is if you want to learn to ski, then be willing to go to ski school! I know a lot of you will be thinking, “I don’t want to be at any sort of “school” during my vacation”…but trust me it will be worth it when you are speeding down the slopes at the end of your holiday!

If you are really keen and time is at a premium for you then two full days of lessons should have you skiing at an intermediate level with semi-parallel skis! And for an even faster learn to ski experience then there is always the option of having some private lessons. This could be one on one or if you and a friend/partner are learning together then it may be a good idea. Obviously, this is significantly more expensive than the ski school option but you will progress far more quickly and get a lot more out of the experience.

Don’t worry if you have never tried it before or are one of those people who always says, “My balance is terrible” or “I’m really uncoordinated”. Skiing is really a very simple sport and even the most ‘unsporty’ people can become competent skiers. It’s all about having fun and being outside in the mountains with friends and family.

If you have kids then get them on skis as soon as you can! I was on skis as soon as I could walk, skiing down the nursery slopes in between my parent’s legs! Now skiing is like walking or running for me and I would recommend getting your kids on to skis as soon as you can as younger children have less fear and inhibition so learning comes far more naturally to them.

I hope my ‘learn to ski’ introduction has convinced you to hit the slopes! Skiing really is one of the greatest feelings there is so get out there and have some fun.