How to Ski for The Very First Time, and Enjoy It

I decided to write this article for people who are about to go skiing for the very first time. I was a ski instructor for many years and in all my time I've seen some of the most ridiculous stuff I've come across are the things people do on there very first trip to the ol' ski hill. But don't let that get you down, I'm here to help. I'll help you prepare for your first trip to the hill so your first foray into skiing won't be your last. And for anyone who has been there will definitely be a few helpful tips that can help you out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pair of cheap dress socks
• 1 water resistant winter coat
• 1 pair of water resistant pants or overalls(NOT JEANS)!!
• 1 set of long johns or sweat suit
• 2 pair of gloves
• 1 warm hat

1. Ok, the first thing you need to do is understand that your are going to make a fool of yourself. I hate to say it but there is absolutely no way around it. I have never seen or heard of anyone EVER showing up and just being the baddest dude on the hill. Everyone is uncomfortable at first. Don't worry about looking cool, just have fun!

2. Now for the socks. It may sound strange but dress socks are actually ideal for skiing. Many people make the mistake of putting on two or three layers of heavy socks. That is actually the worst thing you could do. The boots you'll be wearing already have about an inch of insulation which is plenty. By putting on all those layers your actually cutting off circulation which will really make your feet freeze off.

3. As for the gloves, bring at least two pair. When you start skiing take which ever pair you think will be the warmest and put them aside. Start with the other gloves because they will probably be getting wet because like i said before, nobody is good at skiing the first time. You'll probably be picking yourself up a few times before you get the hang of it and you don't want your good gloves to be sopping wet.

4. As for overall dress, try to make it in more thinner layers as apposed to one thick layer. Then as you warm up or cool off you can adjust your attire accordingly. This is especially good on sunny days wear you may get alot warmer than you thought you were going to.

5. Now for you ski gear. Many people borrow from their friends but for your first few times I would recommend renting from the resort. Your friends gear is probably going to be for more advanced skiing than what your trying to do and its doubtful its going to fit as well.

6. When you go to rent your gear make sure you get the right equipment. Often the people fitting you will try to hurry you through but make sure your not getting rushed.(be nice though, :) that used to be me) To make sure you boots fit make sure they are snug but with enough room to wiggle your toes slightly. They not made to be as comfortable as your sneakers so don't expect them to be. They made to push wood! and to keep you in control.

7. THIS STEP IS MOST IMPORTANT! Oh, the stories I've heard from not heading this most critical of steps! TAKE A LESSON!!! DON'T let your friends convince you they can teach you (unless they are professional ski instructors). Skiing really isn't all that hard, it's just very different from anything you've done and you need to trained professional to teach you fairly abstract concepts in a way you'll understand. If you get nothing else out of this article PLEASE!!! Just take a lesson. I'll sleep well knowing you've done so.

8. Stick with it! Skiing has been the great joy of my life and almost everyone I've talked to that began the way I've described to you has really enjoyed it. It will take a while but once you start getting good at skiing you'll begin to feel super human! I know of few sports where you can go 70 miles per hour with no engine and with pin point control or to fly across 100ft jumps while doing some death defying trick. If you stick with it and try not to get frustrated I promise you will end up falling in love with skiing!