I've never been skiing?

Question

And my friends and I are going snow skiing. Any pointers or anything to it? I've never been skiing

Answer 1

Wear something waterproof!

First thing you should do is walk out to the snow, put on your skis and fall down. Then you'll learn to get back up. That's the first important lesson in skiing, getting back up!

Other than that, don't take on a hill you're not ready for and try not to cross your skis.

Taking a beginners lesson is ideal, but without it you'll be OK too. Making your skis into a "pizza" or "pie slice" shape with you as the crust and the ski tips as the point of the slice will slow you down, just be careful not to cross the skis or you'll fall.

Falling is a lot of the fun, just keep laughing!

I'm jealous, there's no snow here yet so we can't ski!

Answer 2

I think it's getting more common. The instructors where I ski wear them quite a bit. I heard a story about one guy getting konked on the head by a ski that fell off someone's foot while on the chair lift. The ski hit so hard it actually cracked the helmet. Can you imagine if the dude hadn't been wearing one?? Just keep in mind that helmets can help protect you from brain injury, but cannot totally prevent them. If you hit hard enough, your brain will still get slammed against the side or front of your head, which is what causes the injuries that lead to death. People just need to be more careful when skiing, and maybe all beginners should wear them?

Answer 3

first off, i've never been skiing is not a question.

secondly, go slow and ski the width rather than the length of the mountain. going from side to side will help build your control over horizontal vs vertical motion on a slope.

thirdly, trust your instincts, if something looks too hard or you are afraid and think that you aren't good enough to do a particular slope yet, then don't be ashamed to have to walk a certain part of it.

fourthly, make sure you enjoy the experience, it will be cold, your toes and fingers will freeze, but enjoy the winter for what is has to offer on the slope, don't let the "uncomfortable" weather pull you down as i have seen happen oh so often with many people.

have fun!

Answer 4

Contact the resort where you will be going, register for a beginning lesson package. Unless your friends are professional ski instructors, do not take lessons from them if you value the relationship. Who taught you to drive? Remember the problems.
Many areas offer a "EZ 1,2,3." package for a very reasonable rate. Every expert skier was a first time on skiis some time in their career.
Same goes for snowboarding. My qualifications are 50 years of skiing, 45 years of teaching.
Skiing is as much a social sport as it is a snow sport. Enjoy the experience and keep learning.
I take lessons every year, and I'm still learning. Jim, the "Cornskier".

Answer 5

Learn the "wedge" also commonly referred to as the "pizza". This will allow you to keep control while you are going down the hill and also allow you to stop. To perform the "wedge" point your ski tips towards each other and keep pressure on the inside edges of your skis. You should form a shape that like similar to a piece of pizza.

Answer 6

- Layer - your clothing
- Fall - don't fight it, or worry about it, it's inevitable
- Trees - Avoid them. Stay away.
- Gradual - Don't expect to ski like Bodie Miller on the 1st day, just take your time.
- Lunch - bring one.... food at most areas is ridiculously high
- Forward - don't lean back, it won't slow you down
- Lesson - take one, no shame... besides you get to cut lift lines
- Rent - until you've skied several times, I recommend renting instead of owning.
- Remember - this is supposed to be fun, so take it easy on yourself.
- Walk - like a penguin..... it really works.
- Yellow Snow - don't eat it. (see "Frank Zappa")

Answer 7

Wear warmer cloths than you think. Wear wool sock, and 3 layers including coats and snowpants. I also advise neck warmers as you never know how windy it will be. As far as skiing goes make sure you use simple techniques like the wedge.

If you want to protect yourself from injuries wear a helmet

Answer 8

Take it slow dont try to be a hero, skiing can be dangerous if you have never done it before take it slow and then eventually you will be able to fly down those hills. also i may suggest taking some lessons

Answer 9

Some info here
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:New_to_the_Snow and here
http://wikiski.com/wiki/index.php/Category:Equipment