Skiing for Rookies

This article is intended for those who want to go skiing but have never been before. It serves as a short guide and assistance in achieving complete enjoyment.

It does not go into comparing skiing with other activities, nor it tries to prove that skiing is a trend, nor it attempts to disprove the theory that most people go skiing just to take pictures.

So, if the decision has been made and you're going skiing, here are some things that can help you:

Physical Preparation

The first reason to prepare physically is that skiing has no similarities with any physical activity you do in your daily life. Whether it's paddle, soccer, basketball, yoga, pilates, gym workouts, none of it will help much when you step onto skis.

The second reason applies to any sports that you are just starting. Until you master the technique, you will spend significantly more physical effort than someone who has already mastered the basics. Your head will definitely hurt from new information, movements, and rules; your body doesn't need to hurt along with it.

Muscle soreness from skiing is not normal! Unfortunately, it's common. Most people have it, and that's why it has become "normal." You don't have to be like most people.

Research Your Destination

Is the ski resort suitable for beginners? The first question you ask. The answer depends on what that part of the mountain it is. It has nothing to do with the price. There are extremely luxurious ski resorts with very few beginner slopes.

Everyone will try to choose accommodation that is most comfortable, has the best spa, the most beautiful view, the highest quality restaurants nearby... the list of criteria is endless, depending on how much your finances allow you. However, if you care about skiing itself, put the distance from the accommodation to the lift at the top of the priority list. The view and spa are great, but you don't want to walk every morning to the lift, in full ski gear, if you don't have to.

In addition to the obligatory "when can I take time off," you should also consider the calendar. If skiing is in December, you might end up skiing on mud. The same goes for March. If you don't want to deal with the calendar, consider the altitude. The higher the mountain, the greater the chances of snow falling earlier and staying longer.

Packing

I won't go into the number of underwear and T-shirts, but there are things that can be overlooked when you go skiing for the first time:

1. Sunscreen and lip balm - it can be extremely sunny (we hope so) and dry on the mountain, so you need to protect your skin and lips.

2. Ski goggles - they protect your face from the sun, snow, and wind. They are much better than regular glasses because they are difficult to break, don't easily fall off, and provide a wider field of vision.

3. Ski gloves - essential for skiing. It's not bad to have an extra pair for walks.

4. Waterproof backpack or bag - it's useful to have somewhere to put your personal belongings, even though as a beginner you definitely won't ski with a backpack.

5. Neck gaiter or scarf - extremely important if it's very cold. It will warm your head and neck, and if you're renting equipment, the gaiter will be a layer between your head and the helmet that countless people have already worn.

6. Clothing - less bulky. The things you wear under your jacket while skiing should be made of wool or synthetic material. Avoid cotton. It retains moisture and can make you cold.

7. Whistle - strange, funny, silly, yes. But there's that one in a million chance you'll get lost and there's no signal. The whistle is your only hope then. After all, it fits in your pocket.

Equipment

The most essential things to call ourselves skiers:

1. Skis

2. Ski boots

3. Poles

4. Helmet

Buying vs renting

I'll give a personal opinion. I believe every beginner should rent equipment. It's cheaper. You don't have to worry about transportation and maintenance. You can choose one pair of skis and boots and exchange them for another the next day, while also consulting someone whose job is to rent ski equipment. If you rent, you can always opt for the newest/most modern equipment (truth be told, if you're a beginner, this is far from the most important thing).

Renting also has its drawbacks. There's always a chance that even after trying on (especially boots), you won't find ones that fit you perfectly. Especially if you're interested in aesthetics. The quality and selection of equipment depend on the quality of the shop you're in (although that's also the case when buying). Some people consider it unhygienic to wear boots that many others have already worn. The same goes for helmets.

The positive aspects of buying equipment are that you can find the perfect ski for you. Boots can even be made anatomically, according to the person's foot. Definitely the highest quality solution. Buying is also a great long-term investment if you continue skiing. When your equipment is in the closet, your subconscious mind works. It will push you to ski more often. If you buy, you can choose the color, pattern, whatever you want. It may seem trivial, but let's be realistic.

The downsides are obvious. It's expensive. You have to store and maintain it. You have to transport it. It will soon become outdated.

Acclimatization

No matter how you travel, in most cases, you'll have to drive at least 50 kilometers uphill with a vehicle with wheels. Try not to do this part at night. The road can be slippery, snowy, and you never know who's coming in the opposite direction. Those who get motion sickness should take medicine in advance.

Skiing lasts until sunset (night skiing exists, but it's rare). This means you have plenty of time from the last run to bedtime. If your accommodation is near cafes, restaurants, a spa center, or other attractions, great. If not, arm yourself with books or series. Board games are an option if you're in good company... but if the company is good, even chatting over tea or wine won't be boring.

Preparations for the slopes

Take time to rent equipment (if you're not buying), find a ski school, and choose an instructor. You can work with them individually or in pairs or groups. The price varies. They charge per hour. If you decide to try without an instructor (which I don't advise), find out which are the easiest slopes for beginners. If there are green ones, you don't need to ask further. If the easiest slopes are blue, be careful, not all blue slopes are the same. Ask someone who knows.

Navigating and moving on skis is a bit different, so learn to orient yourself using ski maps or apps (there are more and more of them).

A ski pass is a lift ticket. There are various options for ski passes, so you don't have to rush into buying a week-long pass. There are three-day, one-day, half-day passes, passes for a single lift, for a specific part of the mountain, etc... Find out what's best for you before spending money.

Skiing is a sport of freedom, but that's why there are some gentlemanly rules

1. People in front of you have the right of way (they can't see you). Your responsibility is not to hit them.

2. If you stop on the slope, try to do it on the sides, not in the middle.

3. When you want to start after stopping, always first look uphill along the slope to check if anyone is coming.

4. Respect signs like "slow down" or any others you see.

5. Help someone in trouble. If you can't, call someone who can.
   

Before you start your first descent, realize that skiing at the beginning can be an emotional roller coaster. You might be scared of the speed, height, crowds, or frustrated by your own ignorance, slow progress... That's okay. Take it slow. After the roller coaster comes complete peace.

Starting skiing

The difficulty of slopes is ranked by colors, and for beginners, it looks like this:

1. Green - yes.

2. Blue - maybe.

3. Red - no.

4. Black- you'll die.

I strongly believe that a beginner needs a ski instructor because a friend, relative, or partner probably can't explain to you how to ski, even though they know. What could happen is that you'll end up arguing, and what's the point of that?

It's important that the ski instructor is certified and that you "click" with them. It's desirable that there is at least one language you both speak fairly well. Ask them anything you want to know. The instructor is there for you, not the other way around, so don't be ashamed to ask even the silliest questions.

For starters, take one, maybe two lessons. It's not about saving money; it's that after that lesson, you'll be able to stay and practice what you've learned on your own. Most ski resorts have "baby" slopes that are not marked with color and are exclusively for total beginners. If you like your ski instructor after the first lesson, try to book the next ones as soon as possible because as many instructors as there are, there are more skiers.

If you're left on the slope alone, keep in mind two things:

1. You ski so slowly that nobody will hit you. All skiers coming from above will easily pass you. There's no need to be afraid of that. If someone does hit you, it's an unfortunate accident that can happen to even the best skier.

2. Falling is okay! When you get rid of the fear of falling, you actually start learning the fastest. Falling is okay even when it's not accidental. If you see that you're picking up speed that you can't control, simply sit down or safely fall to the side.

Health and safety

Try to stay hydrated and eat quality food. This will give you strength, energy, better focus, and a better recovery from the slopes.

Weather conditions vary while skiing. At one moment, it can be so cold that you need a jacket, a hoodie, and thermal underwear, and the next, the sun will warm up, and you can ski in just a hoodie. You can't influence this; all you can do is adapt. Best advise is - wear layers.

All in all…

It's true that skiing can be frustrating when you are a complete beginner. It's also true that when you're not a beginner anymore, skiing becomes pure hedonism. Prepare well so that your journey from effort to hedonism is as short as possible.