First Time Skiing as an Adult? 10 Tips to Avoid Beginner Mistakes

Your first day on the slopes is exciting but can be overwhelming. Here's what every first-timer should know to make the experience enjoyable, safe, and set you up for success.

1. Take a Lesson (Seriously)

This is non-negotiable. A professional lesson will:

• Teach you proper technique from day one
• Help you avoid developing bad habits
• Show you how to stop safely
• Be far more efficient than having friends teach you

Pro Tip: Book a group lesson for your first day. Private lessons are great but cost 3-5x more. Save those for your second or third trip.

2. Rent Before You Buy

Don't buy any equipment before your first trip. Reasons:

• You might discover you prefer snowboarding
• Rental shops set up bindings for your skill level
• You can try different equipment styles
• Buying comes after you know what you like

Most resorts offer rental packages for $50-80/day that include skis, boots, and poles.

3. Dress in Layers

The mountain weather changes constantly. Use the 3-layer system:

4. Start on the Bunny Hill

Your ego will suggest otherwise. Ignore it.

The bunny hill (beginner area) has:

• Gentle slopes with easy-to-control speed
• Magic carpets or short lifts
• Other beginners around you
• Instructors nearby

Move to green runs only when you can consistently:

• Stop on command
• Make controlled turns
• Link turns together smoothly

5. Learn to Fall Safely

You will fall. Everyone does. Here's how to do it safely:

• Try to fall sideways - not forward or backward
• Keep your hands in fists - reduces wrist injuries
• Stay relaxed - tense muscles cause more injuries
• Slide to disperse energy - don't try to stop abruptly

And when you fall: 1. Get your skis below you (pointed across the hill) 2. Use your poles to push yourself up 3. Take a breath, then continue

6. Know the Trail Ratings

All ski resorts use a standard color system:

7. Understand Lift Etiquette

Chair lifts can be intimidating. Here's the process:

1. Wait in line - Don't cut, follow the maze 2. Move to the loading area - Watch the chair approach 3. Sit when it touches your legs - Don't jump 4. Lower the safety bar - Keep tips up 5. Watch for your stop - Raise bar when indicated 6. Stand and glide away - Ski straight off the ramp

If you fall getting off: Move away from the unloading area quickly. It happens to everyone.

8. Fuel Your Body

Skiing is exhausting—often 400-600 calories per hour. You need:

• Big breakfast: Protein and complex carbs
• Snacks: Granola bars, trail mix in your pocket
• Hydration: Altitude dehydrates you faster
• Lunch break: Sit down, refuel, rest your legs

Warning: Alcohol at lunch is a recipe for disaster. Save it for après-ski.

9. Know When to Quit

Your muscles will fail before your enthusiasm does. Signs it's time to stop:

• ️ Legs feel like jelly
• ️ You've fallen more in the last hour than the previous three
• ️ You're getting cold and can't warm up
• ️ It's past 3 PM and you're exhausted

Rule of thumb: Most first-timer injuries happen in the last run of the day. End on a high note.

10. Protect Yourself

Essential safety measures:

What to Expect on Day 1

A realistic timeline:

You've Got This

Every expert was once a beginner. Embrace the learning process, laugh at your falls, and remember: the goal is to have fun.

Ready to find a beginner-friendly resort? Check out our guide to Best Resorts for Beginners.