My first time locking into a pair of skis was in January of 2018 at Snowshoe (WV), just days after I turned 32. Skiing was one of my husbands favorite hobbies since he was younger and hoped it could be something we would enjoy doing together. As our first trip drew nearer I had discussions with friends who have gone and asked for advice as it was important to me to learn quickly. I looked up tips, watched videos and read about other peoples “first time” experiences. During my searches I focused on what gear to wear and basic, beginner techniques. Since Snowshoe, we’ve been able to ski in resorts from Colorado, California, British Columbia and more. Here I’ll share just a few things from my experience that weekend at Snowshoe and some tips I’ve collected over time.

Attire

To start, I am a wimp in anything below 65°F. The idea of being in the cold and snow was probably just as scary to me as going down a slope for the first time. If this is also your first time and just want to get a feel for it, I wouldn’t invest in a lot of your own ski gear just yet. This sport in itself can get pretty expensive so I would opt to borrow/rent what you can until you know this is something you want to continue doing. Below is my pack list:

Base and Mid Layers- I purchased a top and bottom thermal set (I knew I could wear them again even if not skiing) and would often bring a fleece as my mid layer. Going down a slope is an exercise that can definitely warm you up under your gear but sitting on a lift can make for a shivering wait. Having layers on that you can unzip or remove is ideal for your fluctuating temps.

Socks and Gloves- My hands and feet get cold the fastest so it was important to me to get some that would not only keep them warm but also wouldn’t retain moisture. Do not wear regular socks and gloves on the slope.

Headwear/Face Cover- Your head will have the most exposure on the mountain. I recommend applying sunblock (you don’t want that kind of face tan) and wearing a thin head cover or face mask for when the wind is blowing straight at you. Ski goggles are also necessary for eye protection and better visibility.

Top Layer- Insulated and waterproof suits will be what protects you from the wind and snow. You can mix and match the bottom or get a onesie suit (to let everyone know you like to party). I also recommend getting distinctive colors so you are easily spotted by others and emergency patrols.

Equipment- Have a professional assist you in selecting your boots, poles and helmet for proper fit and instructions.

Extras- During my first runs, I took a lot of breaks. Thinking back, I wish I’d brought a small backpack to have some items on hand. Water, a small snack, handwarmers- quick and easy items that adds comfort to the experience.

First time on the slope

My husband got me up first thing so that we could get to the slopes right when they opened. He wanted me to be one of the first to arrive so that the snow was at its best condition. We stretched before beginning to put our gear on. By this time, I was already nervous but I tried to build my confidence up so that I went in with a good mindset. Well, a good mindset and being in “decent shape” did not make up for what was most important… skill. Before the trip, so many people encouraged me to take a lesson but I just brushed it off with “Nah, I’ll be alright. I’m sure I’ll pick it up in no time.” There is nothing more humbling than pizza-ing at the slowest possible speed on the flattest surface of the bunny slope. (Good time to tell you to watch a video on Pizza and French Fry techniques for ski beginners.) I thought I was going faster than I actually was and I was terrified of being too close to the edge. After the first day, my legs were incredibly sore. I knew then that my lack of skill and confidence actually made my body work harder as I was basically resisting the entire way down the slope (and perhaps I wasn’t in “decent shape”…) My husband is a very good skier and tried to teach me as much as he could but I was not getting it. After a weekend of falling down, a bruised ego and almost peeing myself at ever bump, “we” decided I needed to take a lesson.

The following New Years Eve, almost a full year later, we took a trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado. This resort is still one of my favorites to go to and our conditions that weekend were amazing. I signed up for a lesson and was comforted to see that I was one of several adults that wanted to take up skiing. We started with the basics: how to carry your skis, putting them on, going slowly, stopping, getting on and off a lift. Having a small area where we were able to practice made me so much more comfortable. I made the mistake of telling my instructor that I liked skiing while holding my poles so he made me ski without them. That’s when I learned how to maneuver focusing mainly on my legs and feet. By the end of the lesson, the whole class followed each other slowly down a green and what an amazing feeling that was to reach the end without falling. That lesson was invaluable because it taught me proper positioning, understanding the movements and gave me the confidence to keep practicing. You owe it to yourself and fellow skiers/snowboarders to take a lesson because while it’s a fun sport, it can also be dangerous. Knowing how to turn or stop when needed and being courteous to others on the slope makes it a good experience for everyone. By the time I went skiing with our friends the following month, they saw a significant change in my abilities and my body wasn’t nearly as strained as before. This only pumped me up to keep getting better.

Before I knew it, I was cruising down blues and wasn’t too far behind my friends when we reached the end. I thought about how rewarding it was to be able to ski down with friends and see amazing mountain top views. I then got my own gear (no more rentals) and learned more about different ski resorts and lift passes. I also considered the importance of exercising (I really need to do this more often) for added strength when skiing or simply walking around the resorts with all that gear on.

You’re going to fall.

Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth time… it’s gonna happen. Everyone had to start somewhere and luckily, the mountain is separated by levels; Green-Easy, Blue-Intermediate, Black-Hard. Try to research your mountain and runs before jumping on so you can anticipate the terrain. People on Green are the ones just learning, practicing or simply want to go slower so try not to be self-conscious or embarrassed. Remember that the most important thing is safety and skill. I have taken several tumbles (some funny and some not so funny) but every single one taught me something. It reminds me not to cross my skis, to correct how I’m positioned with the mountain or that my body needs rest. I have gotten injured because I pushed my body too hard so when you notice you’re not performing well due to fatigue or exhaustion, turn in for the day. Don’t go “just one last time.”

It’s supposed to be fun.

The more you go and develop your skill the more you can enjoy what you’re learning it for. Whether it’s challenging yourself to get to expert level or to enjoy the scenery as you make your way down the mountain. These days, we ski more with friends than we do just us two. My husband goes with a few people on the blues and blacks while I go with the others on greens and blues. We look out for each other (it’s always best to have a buddy), take pictures and simply enjoy the mountain. Learning will take time and only gets better with practice but the first time you get down without falling will most certainly make you beam with accomplishment.