What to Expect When You Ski for the First Time

Spoiler alert: you may have less of a fun than you were hoping for. Skiing and snowboarding can sometimes take years to master. It can get frustrating (and soggy!) the first time you try. But if you stick with it, you might just find yourself having the best time of your life and learning a skill that’ll keep you fit and ready for adventure for decades to come. Here are some things to expect when you ski for the first time.

You will get cold

This is unavoidable. You will fall. You will get up. And you will have snow melting on parts of your body you thought were all zipped up. It’ll happen. But if you brush yourself off and keep moving, you’ll feel warmer in no time.

The lifts will freak you out a little

It’s kind of cruel that before you can really begin, you’re forced to navigate an icy park bench that floats in the air and will not stop moving. Once you work up the courage to finally get on the thing. You’ll appreciate the stunning beauty of the mountain for a bit before really come to terms with the the fact you have to try gracefully slide down snow out of everyone’s way. Don’t worry. It’ll get easier. Chances are, by the end of day you will have mastered it.

Someone in your ski class will annoy you

There’s always one. You’re all starting on about the same level of skill. You’re taking it slow, enjoying each other’s company and having a good time. Then some jerk insists on racing ahead and hurting themselves or butting into the lesson with annoying comments. Stay strong. Soon you’ll be equipped with the skills to tackle the mountain on your own. You will be gliding into the cold, crisp glory of your future. Totally free.

Someone will try convincing that snowboarding is better

They think that strapping one solid bit of carbon fibre to their feet is somehow more suave. It makes no sense. It’s total madness. Skiing rules. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

You’ll lose a pole for a while

It happens. Go find it. You’ll need it.

You’ll get the hang of it

After a few runs, once you’ve figured out how to stop, you’ll get the hang of it. Your body will find its natural sense of balance. You will stop crossing your skis and toppling. You will be one with the mountain. Master of your own alpine destiny. And you would’ve earned yourself a good drink and a sit down.