Learn to Ski with New Generation

Skiing is for All Ages from Beginners to Experts

Are you thinking about learning how to ski? You might have some questions if you’re debating giving it a go. Skiing is an enjoyable activity you can share with family and friends of all ages. It is worth trying at least once. If you never go, you’ll never know!

Here’s all the information you need for your first time skiing, from what to prepare beforehand to what to expect on the slopes. We’re also here to assure you that learning to ski as an adult in a ski lesson’s safe and encouraging environment is possible.

Or get stuck into a video instead. Here are nine skills for your first time skiing. Each instructor has different teaching styles, but you can expect to learn these essential skills in your first week of lessons.

Why should you learn how to ski?

Plain and simple, it’s FUN. Skiing is an enjoyable activity you can share with friends and family of all ages while getting some fresh air and doing an activity.

Skiing is an experience you can share with others. It’s something that you’re all in together. You’ll be sharing adventures, tackling challenges together and achieving goals. And these kind of experiences bring you closer together. They’re the type of experiences that you don’t regularly have in your day-to-day life.

You also get to experience a fantastic part of nature. There are only a few activities that you can do in the winter to get you outside, often in the sunshine. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take in some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

And what makes a ski holiday for a beginner? Great ski lessons. When an energetic and smiley instructor greets you on the first morning, you’ll feel instantly excited and at ease. They’ll inspire you, cheer you on throughout the week and encourage your development. They’ll also share their love for the sport and the mountains so that you learn to love it. The instructor supports you and makes you feel calm and confident, which will help you enjoy your time on the slopes.

Is learning to ski difficult?

With proper instruction, learning to ski is effortless. You can start enjoying the mountain atmosphere and the skiing experience just after your first day on the slopes.

Do I need to be fit to ski?

Learning to ski is well within the grasp of most reasonably active adults. You do not need to be extra fit to give it a go. A moderate level of fitness will help you. Skiing utilises many muscles of your body, so an excellent all-around fitness level is best. Skiing taps into your strength, flexibility and endurance.

If you want to build strength and fitness before your ski trip, we have a few tips from a professional fitness trainer at Peak Condition, based in London. All these exercises can be from your home. Check out his advice on our ski fitness blog.

What age should I start skiing?

You can learn to ski at any age. For children, we recommend starting from age three. However, any age adult can learn to ski as long as you come with a willingness to learn.

Can you learn to ski without ski lessons?

The short answer is yes, but not very well. Learning to ski with a qualified, professional instructor is highly recommended.

Although some people succeed and get themselves going without instruction, that short-term savings in cash will often leave you with loads of bad habits, you’ll have to pay an instructor to help you get rid of. It is a short-term benefit.

Some benefits of learning to ski with ski lessons are that you’ll build good technique from the start with no bad habits. You’ll also be in a safe, comfortable environment that the instructor will create for you. Your progression will not be limited further down the road due to a poor start.

You’ll be taken down pistes that are appropriate for your ability. And you’ll have a personal cheerleader who encourages you throughout the process.

How many lessons does a beginner need?

A beginner should take a week of ski lessons to get the basics dialled.

How do I get over the fear of falling over?

It’s relatively uncommon to fall in your first lesson or even your first week of lessons.

Ski lessons for beginners

What type of ski lessons are best for beginners?

For your first time skiing, we recommend you take a beginner adult group lesson. Group lessons are perfect for learning how to ski because they offer a little bit of tuition each day over the week.

Our group lessons run from Monday – Friday or Sunday – to Friday, depending on when you arrive in the resort. They run for 2hrs per day (in Austria, they run for 3hrs per day), usually in the morning. This gives you plenty of time to ski with family and friends and grab lunch for the rest of your day. But you’ll be able to get feedback each day as you progress throughout the week, really maximising that first week on skis and getting the most out of it.

Our groups are also small, with eight pupils maximum, but we’ll run them with just 2. This gives the instructor plenty of time to spend with each pupil so that you’re getting individual attention and feedback, even in the group setting.

What can you expect from your first ski lessons?

Learn how to use your ski equipment and get comfortable with it.
Learn proper technique from day one so you don’t build bad habits and stay safe on the mountain.
Instruction from a highly qualified instructor who is a fluent English speaker.
An environment where you’ll feel safe and build your confidence on skis.
Insider knowledge from the instructor who knows the local mountain well. They can share things such as the best pistes for your ability.
A friendly, social atmosphere for other first-timers in your group.
And a few laughs (we hope).

Ready to give skiing a go? Get 10% off your Level 1 Group Lessons with New Generation. Sign up here to receive your discount.

What are some ski terms?

For the first-timer, ski lingo can sound like a foreign language. Here are a few key terms to familiarise yourself with skiing.

What are pistes?

Pistes, also known as runs or slopes, are marked ski runs or paths with compacted snow. The word piste is French for ‘trail’. However, it’s used across many European countries. These will be the runs you’ll ski on, each having a different name and difficulty grading, which you can see on a piste map of the resort.

What are the colours of ski runs?

Ski slopes are graded by colour, associated with a different difficulty level. The easiest ski run colour is green, with black being the most difficult (in Europe). These are determined by the gradient or degree of the slope.

Green runs – easy.
Blue runs – intermediate.
Red runs – advanced.
Black runs – expert.

What are lift tickets?

Also known as lift passes or ski passes, lift tickets are your ticket to ride the lifts in a ski resort. In Europe, these small cards (the same size as a credit card) allow you to pass through the gates at each lift station.

The scanners for lift passes are on the left-hand side, so ensure that your lift pass is in a lefthand pocket. Either your jacket pocket, trouser pocket, or if you’ve got a special pocket on your left sleeve that is explicitly made for lift passes and is the best spot. Keep your lift pass away from other credit cards or mobile phones, as these might deactivate it.

What are the different types of ski lifts?

There are a few different types of ski lifts that you’ll encounter in the resort. They each have different purposes and require a slightly different use, with the primary goal being the same: get up the mountain!

Magic Carpet – We’re not talking about the one Aladdin rides on! Magic carpets are conveyor belts installed at the level of the snow. These are usually only found in beginner areas, making it easy to get up the slope. Essentially, you slide onto it, stand up whilst it moves you up the hill, and then slide off at the end. Sometimes, you’ll see them in covered tunnels.

Button lift / drag lift / Poma lift / T-bar – These types of lifts have a few different names, but most commonly, you’ll hear it referred to as a drag lift or button lift. This is a lift where you stay standing the entire time as it drags you up the slope. You hold the drag, slide it between your legs, and remain standing as it pulls you up the hill.

Chair lift – These are the most common types of lifts that you’ll use once you get to grips with the basics. Chair lifts are a series of chairs hanging from a moving cable that moves you up the mountain. These have a handful of seats in a row (typically 4-6).

Gondola / Telecabine / Bubble / Cable Car – These terms are interchangeable. However, the main difference from a chairlift is that you take your skis off and walk into these. Some are seated, and others are standing, but essentially, these are enclosed cabins that you either stand or ski in. Some have racks outside to slot your skis in. in others, you bring your skis inside. Technically, a gondola and cable car are different because the mechanics of their function are different, but you can expect people to use them interchangeably in conversation.

How many people can fit on a ski lift?

It varies with each lift. Chairlifts can range from 2 – 8 people, although it’s most common that you’ll see 4 – 6 seats. In contrast, gondolas are typically larger and usually hold from 10 people upwards. Some can fit many more than that, depending on their size.

Those key terms should get you started and more familiar with the vocabulary of the ski industry. If you want to sound even more like you know exactly what you’re talking about, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Ski Lingo.

Planning your first ski trip

How do I prepare for a ski holiday? As with any holiday, you need to do a little planning. However, we’ve compiled the key things to consider when planning your first ski trip. If you want even more detail, check out our in-depth guide on ski holiday planning.

What time of year to go skiing

Choosing the time of year to go skiing significantly impacts what type of holiday you’ll have. The ski season in Europe generally runs from early Dec through to late April. Here are the pros and cons of skiing in each month.

Early December is a cost-effective option. Resorts offer discounted lift passes, and the slopes are generally quiet. However, you do run the risk of having little snowfall this time of year. It’s the time of year to head to a higher, more snow-sure resort.
Christmas and New Year getaways are sometimes exactly what you need. And if you book into a catered chalet, you can have someone else basting the turkey and making you mince pies (more on that below). Christmas is usually quieter than New Year’s week, but both weeks are filled with many families taking advantage of school holidays. It can be a magical time in the mountains, though, with the snow and Christmas decorations, you genuinely feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
January is the time of year to ski if you’re looking for both a bargain and loads of snow. You’re likelier to have chilly days and less sunshine, but the snow is nearly guaranteed to be good this time of year. It’s a great time to learn to ski, as the snowpack is likely to be good, and the slopes are bound to be quiet. Plus you can often find New Year’s discounts on accommodation.
February is peak season and probably the busiest month. With half-term holidaymakers hitting the slopes, prices shoot up as well. If you don’t have children, avoid these peak weeks with their high prices and busy pistes. However, if you sneak a week in early Feb or late Feb, you can miss the school holidays and still take advantage of great snow whilst the days are starting to get longer.
March brings warmer weather and longer days. This is an excellent time of year for leisurely lunches and afternoon drinks on sun terraces. However, the snow is usually quite good, especially in the morning. The higher temperatures mean the afternoon snow can become slushy on lower pistes.
Once April hits, it’s well and truly spring skiing. Expect long sunny days, slushy slopes and BBQs aplenty. The resort usually has a fun vibe, with many end-of-season parties and events. If the quality of the snow you ski isn’t a bother to you, but sunshine is, April is the time for you. The last few weeks of the season also often have discounts to make the most of.

We recommend learning to ski in January or March for beginners with school-age children. This way, you can take advantage of better deals and quieter pistes and be reasonably sure the snow will be good.

If your children are in school, be aware of the busyness of those peak weeks. Skiing with your children is a fantastic family experience and an activity you can enjoy together. Some of these blogs might be useful if you want to bring your little ones out.

What resort to go to?

Choosing the right resort for you can feel like a big task. Here are four aspects of resorts to research to find the best one for you.

Price – Ski resorts vary in cost. Some are budget-friendly, and others are more exclusive. Depending on your budget, do a Google search on how expensive that resort is. The cost of lift passes, food and accommodation will all be impacted.

Atmosphere – Are you looking to have a bit of a party and spend your afternoons après-skiing in the sunshine? Or are you looking for a quaint, traditional French village? Or perhaps you want somewhere with great kids’ activities and family-friendly restaurants.

Skiing – What is skiing like? Some cater to more advanced skiers, whereas others have more gentle terrain. You don’t want to show up for your first time skiing in a resort with few beginner-friendly slopes. Here’s a guide to some of the best ski resorts for beginners to help you.

Choose the correct type of accommodation.

Most ski resorts have a few different types of accommodation, depending on what you’re looking for. One of the critical things to look for – no matter what kind of accommodation you’ve – is where it is located within the village. For example, can you ski out from the front door? Or will you need to get a bus to the pistes? Some chalet companies will offer lifts around the resort if your chalet isn’t within walking distance to the slopes, but this is something to enquire about when booking.

Catered chalet – These are all-inclusive packages where you usually have a chef and host working in the chalet most days of the week. They cook breakfast and dinner and provide afternoon tea each day. This is an excellent option for those who want everything taken care of for them.

Shared chalets – Unless you book the whole chalet for your party, you’ll probably share with others. Most chalet guests are like-minded folk, making for a fun and sociable setting. Just be prepared to mix and dine with other parties.

Self-catered apartment or chalet – Alternatively, if you prefer the flexibility of choosing your meal times and opting for more meals out, self-catered options are becoming increasingly popular in resorts. Cook for yourself, eat when you want and have more space in your accommodation than a catered chalet.

Hotel – Hotels in ski resorts frequently are bed-and-breakfast with the option to eat in the hotel restaurant in the evening.

Airbnb – It’s becoming easier to find Airbnb in ski resorts. However, fewer than you’ll see in a city.

Ski Lessons, Ski Hire and Lift Passes

You’ll need to sort out three critical aspects of your ski holiday.

Ski Lessons – A quality ski lesson is crucial to a great first experience on skis. We recommend you book adult group ski lessons for your first time on skis.

Ski Hire – You will want to hire your ski equipment for your first time skiing. This includes ski boots, skis, and poles. You can also hire a helmet if you do not have your own. We recommend you book this in advance as you usually get a better rate if you do so.

We’ve partnered with three different ski hire companies across France, Switzerland and Austria. You can book your ski hire through us for an exclusive discount.

Lift Passes – You can organise your lift pass purchase before you come out on holiday or get it once you’re in the resort. Most chalet companies or hotels offer a small discount if you purchase your lift pass ahead of time through them.

What to wear skiing and what to pack

What to wear when you’re skiing?

You should wear warm, moisture-wicking layers and waterproof outer layers when skiing. You can think of your clothing in base, mid, and outer layers.

Base Layers should include warm ski socks, a form-fitting thermal top and leggings. These should work close to the skin and wick away moisture. We recommend any made out of merino wool. As for socks, get a pair of quality ski socks. Don’t layer your regular socks, as these can cause lumps that eventually lead to blisters.

Long-sleeve Mid Layer – This layer should keep your heat trapped close to your body. The most common material for mid-layers is fleece. Other options could be a thin down jacket or a thin Merino wool sweater. We like one that zips, so when we’re having a coffee inside, we can unzip and efficiently cool down.

Outer Layers – Your outer layers are the most important and should be fully waterproof. Gore-tex is now widely used and is part of most ski gear if not other waterproof technology. This should include a ski jacket, ski trousers, gloves or mittens, a hat under your helmet, a neck warmer and goggles (or sunglasses if it’s sunny and warm).

What equipment do you need?

The equipment you’ll need for skiing includes ski poles, ski boots and a helmet. You can rent all of the equipment from a ski hire shop. However, many people opt to bring their own helmet. Note that a helmet isn’t included when you hire skis unless you specify.

Check out our ultimate ski trip packing list for everything you’ll need to bring.

What to expect on the slopes

What to bring with you on the slopes for the day

Aside from your clothing and equipment, there are a few extra items you might like to have with you on the slopes. One option is to stuff your pockets full with everything else you want. However, usually, it’s easier to bring a rucksack. Here are a few bits that might come in handy:

A piste map (learn the different grades of slopes)
Lip balm with SPF
Sunscreen
Chocolates or small snacks
Tissues
An extra layer
Water bottle
Hat – for when you sit down for a drink and would prefer to take your helmet off
Sunglasses

How to keep warm whilst skiing

The weather can vary in the mountains. A massive snowstorm can follow a sunny, warm day. And it can change quickly. The best advice we can offer is to wear multiple layers and bring a rucksack with you to add or remove layers as needed.

We have an ultimate guide on how to layer for skiing, which details each layer you’ll need. The best way to layer for skiing is to do it in three key sections:

Base Layers – should wick away moisture
Mid Layers – should trap body heat
Outer Layers – should keep away the wind, rain and snow

This is the recipe for optimal warmth, paired with the flexibility to shed or add layers easily if the weather changes (which it often does in the mountains).

There are now technological updates that can help you keep warm on the slopes as well. You can purchase heated gloves and heated ski socks. Or you can get old-school hand and foot warmers in your gloves or boots.

You’ll start in beginner areas.

Each ski resort has a specified beginner area, sometimes called a ‘Zen Zone’, which is sectioned off from the other pistes. These are significant areas to learn to ski. They’re true ‘zen’ and offer a calm learning environment with other beginners on a gentle slope where you can access a magic carpet.

Expect to start in one of these beginner areas, and then once you’ve grasped the basics, you’ll move on to green runs.

Learning to ski from a client’s perspective

Don’t take our word for it – hear it from one of our guests. We followed Jaye during her first-week skiing. She vlogged throughout the week and shared her experience of learning to ski as an adult.

Top tips for your first day skiing

We’ve been teaching for over 25 years, so we know a thing or two about making those first days on the slopes as smooth as possible. Here are a few tips from our team.

Take your time on the first day.

Don’t be impatient to get going. Most of all, complete all of the steps. A good instructor will ensure you’ve learned what’s necessary before moving on.

Skiing can be a big confidence game. If you learn meticulously and thoroughly at the start, you’ll advance confidently and efficiently. If you rush onwards and skip bits you don’t like, you may struggle on day three and have to go back to the drawing board when the difficulty ramps up. You can’t build a substantial house with rotten foundations.

Practice, practice, practice

If you’re in group lessons, scout out your competition. After your first lesson finishes, you’re perfectly justified in patting yourself on the back and going for a drink. However, don’t hang your skis up for the day and wait for tomorrow. You can be sure that some of your crafty co-learners will be so enamoured with the new sport that they will push on until lifts are shut without even a crumb of food or a drop of gluhwein touching their lips! Then, the next day, they will show you up and make you feel like you’re holding everyone up! This is exaggerated, but consolidating what you’ve learned is essential.

If you can return to the nursery slope for an hour in the afternoon after your first two lessons and practice what you’ve learned, you’ll be cruising down those slopes in no time. Push hard at the start of the week. Don’t go more difficult, but do what you’ve learned repeatedly. Then, once you’ve got to grips with it all, rest in the middle of the week if needed.