Learning to ski or snowboard is probably one of the most exciting and exhilarating things you can do.
It’s fair to say that the first few days, if you are completely new to skiing or snowboarding, can be hard work. It can be tiring getting dressed in unfamiliar kit and getting to the slopes, let alone the actual lessons. During this time remember to enjoy it, have patience with yourself and understand this is a brand new activity. After all, you couldn’t just pick up a tennis racket and go to Wimbledon!
So if you have never skied before, or you’ve only had a few lessons in the UK, it’s well worth booking yourself some tuition, either when you first arrive in the resort or even before you get there. Here is a short guide on the UK ski slopes.
Group Ski Lessons
Group lessons are useful because you have a number of people to learn alongside. There is great camaraderie in group lessons and you get to make new ski buddies.
Private Ski Lessons
Private lessons can often speed up the learning process because of the 1-2-1 focus. They can be tiring because of the sheer focus on you, but in turn you will see rapid progress.
Whichever type of lesson you choose, it’s often recommended to have lessons in the morning, as it’s when you are freshest and strongest.
Longer lessons are not always the best option. The duration of lessons offered will vary by resort, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking that longer lessons are always better. You may find it easier to focus for shorter chunks of time, before going away to practise what you’ve been taught.
Friends Teaching You to Ski or Snowboard
It’s not a good idea to learn from friends or family, so book lessons with a ski school instead. This will also mean you can learn to ski at your own pace without your friends or family rushing you. Your friends who can already ski might have learned a long time ago, and they likely don’t have the skill or technique to teach you the essentials of skiing progression. And of course they too want to have a great holiday, and could easily get bored of teaching, meaning you might end up on terrain unsuitable for your level of skiing.
It’s often most effective to have lessons in the morning, then ski with your friends after lunch as long as they are willing to stay on the easier nursery slopes, or ski the area that you have been on with your instructor. That way you’re more likely to make progress.
Now you are ready to go, read these safety tips for your first ski trip, and more useful information.
