Do You Want to Learn How to Ski?

If you've always wanted to learn how to ski, the family vacation is the perfect place to do it. Don't worry if you don't know a thing about skiing. It's there waiting for you to learn. Within half an hour of your first instruction, you will literally be skiing down a mountain.

It can be quite easy to learn how to ski. Most resorts offer skiing lessons on the premises. Lessons are usually reasonably priced as well. Both group and private lessons are almost always offered. However, it's best to schedule an appointment for a lesson before you arrive at the resort. This way, you can learn to ski as soon as you arrive if you wish.

Most ski instructors will start by showing you how to wear and handle your equipment. For instance, ski boots will incline you slightly forward. This is because when you're skiing down a mountain, this is the position you'll be in. Therefore, walking in ski boots for the first time might be a bit difficult, but it will work just fine if you walk with your knees slightly bent.

The first maneuver you'll probably learn is called the "plow," or "snowplow." This technique allows you to literally use your skis as a snowplow. You make the back of your skis slowly move outwards, away from your body, by applying pressure. This stops you. You learn to guide yourself on your skis by bending your knees and leaning in one direction or the other, depending on which way you want to go. You can learn all of these techniques in an hour, even if you've never been on skis before.

What's wonderful about skiing is that after you have learned how to snowplow and control the direction you want to go in on the skis, you're ready to ski. You simply get on the lift, head up the mountain, and give it your first try. Remember to control your speed by snow plowing. Go slowly at first. If you want to pick up some speed, draw your skis back ever so slightly, pick up just a little bit of speed, and then push your skis back out into the "snowplow" position to control your speed.

As a beginner, stick to trails that are designed for beginners. Most resorts have these trails marked with a green emblem. Trails marked with a blue emblem are for intermediate skiers. You may be ready after just one day for those trails. The trails marked with a black emblem are for expert skiers. These trails can be dangerous for people who don't have advanced skill levels as skiers. Therefore, you should avoid the trails marked in black until you have had a lot of instruction and experience. You and your instructor will know when you're ready.