Advice for your first time skiing

Your first day on skis can feel overwhelming. A bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s what we recommend so you stay safe and actually enjoy it.

Take a lesson — and rent gear

Book at least one lesson with the ski school and rent skis, boots, and poles from the resort or a nearby shop.

Why not teach yourself (or learn from a friend)?

Don’t try to teach yourself or have a friend or partner teach you on day one. Instructors know how to:

• Progress you safely and fix small mistakes before they become habits
• Cover the basics: putting your skis on, getting on and off the lift, and how to get up when you fall
• Keep you on terrain that matches your ability

That’s exactly what you need when you’re starting out.

Why rent instead of buy?

Rental gear is the right choice at first. The staff will set you up on appropriate skis and boot size. Save buying your own equipment until you’ve skied a few times and know you like it.

Start on the bunny hill — and stay there until you’re ready

What is the bunny hill?

The bunny hill (or magic carpet / beginner area) is the flat or very gentle slope where first-timers learn. You’ll practise:

• The wedge (see our pizza and french fry post)
• Getting on and off the lift
• Controlling your speed

Do not go higher on the mountain until your instructor or a staff member says you’re ready. Going to a steeper run too early is dangerous for you and for others.

There’s no shame in spending your first day — or even your first couple of days — on the bunny hill. Everyone started there.

Plan for several days, not just one

If you can, ski two to four times close together (e.g. a few days in a row or over two weekends).

• One single day is barely enough to remember how the boots feel
• Spacing trips a year apart means you’ll feel like a beginner again each time
• More repetition in a short period helps your body learn faster and stay safer

Do you need poles as a beginner?

Many ski schools have beginners ski without poles at first. That’s on purpose: poles can get in the way while you’re learning balance and the wedge.

• Once you’re comfortable with speed control and turning, you’ll add poles
• If the rental shop or instructor gives you poles, use them as they show you
• If they suggest no poles for day one, follow that

Either way, listen to your instructor.

You will look like a beginner — and that’s fine

Everyone does at the start. The goal isn’t to look expert; it’s to stay in control and avoid hurting yourself or others.

• Stick to the beginner area
• Follow the Skier’s Responsibility Code (or your region’s equivalent)
• Don’t go onto runs above your level

The people who look “good” have simply had more days on snow. Focus on one thing at a time: stopping, then turning, then linking turns. Progress comes with practice and good instruction.

One last thing: clip your toenails

It sounds small, but trim your toenails before you ski. Boots fit snugly. Long nails can dig into neighbouring toes, cause bruising, and make the boots feel worse than they need to. It’s an easy way to avoid a miserable first day.

Summary

Book a lesson. Rent gear. Stay on the bunny hill until you’re ready. Plan for a few days on snow if you can. Use or skip poles as your instructor suggests. Don’t worry about looking like a beginner — focus on staying in control and having fun.