Skiing For Beginners

Skiing can be a fun and exciting sport. But, for the beginner in can be downright frightening. Knowing what to expect before hitting the slopes is the best way to calm your fears and ensure that you have a safe and fulfilling experience.

The three things to keep in mind when starting out are the ski slopes themselves (where will you go skiing), the equipment you will need, and the instruction that you will receive. There are ski resorts throughout the country which have slopes ranging from beginner to extremely difficult. Whether you are looking to stick close to home, or to take a skiing vacation, the internet can be your best resource. First, you will need to narrow down how far you would like to travel from your home and how much money you have to spend. When planning your trip, keep in mind that skiing will engage muscles that you never knew you had. You may not want to plan a weeklong vacation for your first time (unless there are other activities that you will do on your vacation). Once you have narrowed down the general area, check online (or with a travel agent) to see where the best slopes are and find out how much it will cost to ski there. You can usually get deals for multiple days and discounts if you are traveling with a large group. You can also find packages that include your equipment and instruction as well as lift passes. This is all depends on your requirements.

Your equipment is the next important issue to discuss. You are going to need certain things which you could buy, but renting is more practical for the skier just starting out. You may turn out to hate the sport (though I doubt it) so buying equipment before trying it out may not be wise. Boots, skis, poles and goggles can be rented from the ski resort or you may be able to find them cheaper at a local sporting goods store. Many of these stores do offer rentals, but you will then have to carry your gear with you. Clothing is very important as you will be in extremely cold weather while skiing. You may want to invest in a pair of snow pants or other waterproof bottoms (a great deal of your learning will be spent falling on your butt), dress in layers and make sure that you have gloves and something to protect your face from the freezing winds. You may want to wear a few layers of socks as well to keep your feet as warm as possible.

The last thing you will need to decide on is your instruction. You could teach yourself how to ski, but since you don't actually know how, that is not advisable. If you have a good (and patient) friend who is willing to teach you, this is a much cheaper option. However, keep in mind that they may not know everything there is to know, and just because they are a good skier doesn't mean they will be a good teacher. Your best option, would be to take private or class instruction at the ski resort (this will depend on your budget, though private would be ideal). A certified ski instructor will be able to teach you the skills necessary to stay safe out there and can ensure that you have the best time possible (after all, it's not much fun if you break a leg in the first fifteen minutes).

Where ever you decide to ski, have a great time, this is an experience you won't soon forget!