In middle school I learned to snowboard. I was okay at it- I got down the mountain fine and without being afraid of my surroundings. My dad got me a snowboard at our local Burton store and that was the snowboard I rode on all the way past college. Not once did I get that thing tuned… it literally has rust on the edges.

I did not grow up in a family of skiers, or snowboarders, so when I went to the mountain it was with friends who skied and I had one friend that snowboarded. But fast forward to the winter of 2021 and I finally mustered up the courage to learn to ski as an adult. My fiancé is an avid skier- so it was something I wanted to try. Turns out, I wasn’t terrible :) A friend’s sister described my skiing as “someone who has skied for a long time but doesn’t go that often”. Having skied about 10 times total by then when she said that this winter- that’s a compliment in my book!

Here are SOME tips for learning to ski as an adult:

1. Don’t worry about what other people are thinking of you
   
   This was a huge thing I had to get over for me to even put on skis for the first time. I assumed everyone on the mountain who was my age would be super experienced and I didn’t want to be that adult learning to ski and falling every which way. But there are soo many other adults learning to ski, you will not be the only one!
   
   

2. Take a lesson
   
   Ok- so I actually haven’t taken any lessons yet and I miraculously am zooming down the mountain in one piece. That isn’t to say a lesson wouldn’t benefit me though! I’m telling you to take a lesson because I should. When you’re starting out learning anything, you don’t want to form bad habits. Having proper skiing instruction will help form good habits and proper technique so that you can have a fun and safe time on the mountain!
   
   

3. Look at how others are skiing
   
   Something that has helped me immensely is following more experienced skiers lines (path down the mountain), as well as noticing their form. I have noticed an improvement in my own skiing from taking the time to watch and try and emulate more experienced skiers.
   
   

4. Test your limits (within reason)
   
   Once you leave your wobbly baby deer stages and can start to get down the mountain in one piece- go down trails that will challenge you but are still doable for your skill level. In my case, I knew I could make it down moguls but it would be slow going and I might fall. But, I’ll never improve if I don’t challenge myself so I started going down mogul trails more often. I still have a ways to go, but even after going down them a few times I was able to tackle them with more ease.
   
   

5. Get gear that fits you
   
   Skiing is expensive, there is no argument about that. Skis, bindings, boots, clothing, goggles, helmet…you’re easily over $2,000 with all of that being new! And that doesn’t even include the cost of your season ticket or day pass.
   
   To have a good experience though, you’re going to want gear that fits you and thus is comfortable. You’ll quickly find out that ski boots that don’t fit you properly make for an absolutely miserable time on the mountain. Depending on where you live, there can sometimes be a lot of gently used, top brand gear on Facebook Marketplace (mountain towns, I’m looking at you)! Or, hit up your local ski swap to possibly find some good deals.
   
   In my case, I had the clothing, helmet, and goggles from snowboarding- interchangeable gear! I got used skis (mounted with used bindings) from a local ski shop, but I opted for brand new ski boots. My skis are on the shorter side, but that is good for being a beginner. Don’t get gear that is too advanced for you!
   
   

6. Wear a helmet!
   
   Trust me, protect that noggin! Especially as you’re starting out and more likely to fall, a helmet is a key piece of equipment you shouldn’t avoid. Wearing one can be the difference between a concussion and a TBI. There’s multiple styles and colors to choose from, and they’ll keep your head and ears toasty. If you’ve got something up there to protect- protect it!

My Gear

Skis: 2022 Blizzard Black Pearl

Bindings: can’t tell ya a thing about them, sorry

Boots: Salomon S/PRO 90 W GW Ski Boots - Women's - 2021/2022

Helmet: K2

Goggles: Oakley Prizm Snow , Black Iridium lens, *I need to get a different lens for low light!

Poles: Völkl poles from Facebook Marketplace

Jacket: 2022 Helly Hansen Aurora Infinity Shell Jacket - Women's

Pants: 2022 Helly Hansen Legendary Pant - Girl’s

If you’ve been on the fence about learning to ski, I hope that this post can give you the slightest bit of encouragement hit the slopes and learn! Once you get the hang of it, it truly is so fun!