Brains
Learning how to ski and snowboard can be a wonderful but challenging experience. Ski or snowboard boots might feel uncomfortable, and being on skis or snowboard for the first time can be downright scary. You will be introduced to a new world once you get past the fear and insecurity of learning the sport. As a beginner, you can have many new experiences during this time: the cold wind in your face, the sound your skis make when they cut through the snow, and the feeling of the snow on your face when you wipe out for the first time. To make the best out of your journey as a beginner, you should avoid these five common mistakes:
#5 Going to the Biggest Mountain Nearby
Snowsports can be expensive, but you can cut costs by going to smaller, local resorts instead of the biggest ones in the region. You won’t be able to explore the whole mountain on your first day and are much better off going to a smaller mountain with the same amount of beginner terrain. Smaller resorts are also less crowded than bigger ones and are more family-oriented, so you will be less prone to getting terrified by fast skiers or boarders flying past you. You can make more of your day on the slopes when you won’t have to stand in a long lift line all day, allowing you to spend more time practicing on the mountain.
#4 Not Getting a Certified Instructor
It might seem tempting to save money on a ski/snowboard lesson and let your parents or friends teach you instead. This could, however, easily ruin your ski trip (and theirs): your parents, friends, or partner might overestimate your abilities and get impatient with your progress. This can lead to frustration on both sides, resulting in an argument and ruining the whole day or trip. There have even been cases where these arguments have resulted in breakups or even divorces. They might expect that you’ll be able to do certain movements the second you step on skis. Beginners should invest in a lesson or private instructor so their ski trip isn’t ruined. An instructor can adjust your progress according to your learning speed. You’ll also progress way faster. Another bonus is that you can continue your progress even if you ski somewhere else since all professional instructors go through a standardized course and exam.
#3 Buying Equipment
Most mountains have rental shops where you can rent all the equipment necessary for your first day. Beginners shouldn’t buy equipment since it can be quite expensive and you don’t know your precise requirements yet. You might also hate the sport, and maybe you never want to do it again after your first day, or you want to switch sports from skiing to snowboarding. Renting can give you time to see if you like the sport and save you a ton of money. It also ensures that you get the right equipment for your size and skill level, which is important for your safety.
#2 Going to the Top of the Mountain on Your First Day
Don’t hop on a chair or gondola to the top of the mountain on your first day of skiing or snowboarding. You could easily be faced with slopes you must take down that are too difficult and dangerous for your ability. Ski patrol often has to rescue beginners from the top of runs that are simply too steep for them. Even the easier slopes and cat tracks will probably include steeper sections. The slopes on the upper mountain will also be more crowded than the ones on the bottom. Familiarize yourself with the ski area before taking a lift, and stick to the beginner-friendly areas at the bottom of the mountain. If you still want to enjoy the views on the top of the mountain, find a lift where you can ride back down as well. Not all lifts are equipped for this. If in doubt, ask the lift personnel before you take the lift up. And please ignore friends or family who tell you that “you’ll be fine, it’s really easy.” Stay within your comfort zone.
#1 Letting your Ego and Pride Take Over your Learning
Never overestimate your abilities. Feeling comfortable on a green/blue groomer does not mean you can go down a black, ungroomed run. You should take your time and shouldn’t let your friends peer pressure you into skiing something you don’t feel comfortable doing. Don’t try to impress someone by doing something unsafe. An instructor can help you assess what slopes you should ski and which slopes you should avoid since they know the mountain inside out.
If you somehow end up on a slope way above your skill level, you should never take off your skis and walk down the slopes if you can avoid it. The slope might be icy or steep, you will have less control, and you can endanger other skiers and snowboarders. Instead, you can put your skis perpendicular to the slope and slowly slide down. If you want to brake, you can apply pressure on the edges of the skis. You can do this by moving your ankles and your knees towards the mountain. However, you should also remember to keep your weight on the outside edge.
These mistakes might seem easy to avoid, but they are still common on the slopes. During your first days and weeks of skiing, you will encounter people with poor equipment, people who carry their skis down the slopes, or families fighting out of frustration. If you avoid these mistakes, a successful ski trip is almost guaranteed.
