Tips on Learning to Ski Before Your Ski Vacation

Learning how to ski requires practice on the actual slopes - but before you get that far, knowing what kind of equipment and clothing you'll need and a little bit about the sport will save you time and money. If possible, go to a professional ski shop for outfitting. They'll explain the various pieces of clothing and types of skis - and you can try them on to see how they fit and feel.

Some big city ski outfitters actually have small "snowy" slopes and you can take your first ski lesson there. This is especially helpful for children who are learning to ski. They won't be so intimidated when they take their first ski lesson at the slopes -- and knowing how to layer ski outfits will save time.

A first time skier should choose his or her first ski mountain carefully. You'll want to choose a ski area that offers beginner's lessons and bunny slopes. Since getting into and off of a chairlift is one of the first things you'll have to do, brush up on what you need to know online or ask a veteran skier.

One important lesson you need to remember about getting on a chairlift is to be sure you have all the necessary equipment (plus a lift ticket) with you. Then, all you do is lower yourself onto the chair, balancing yourself with a spare hand. As you move along and up the mountain, be sure that your skis are pointing upward.

There are three classes of skiers you'll need to know about as you improve and want to try more difficult slopes - Beginner, Intermediate and Expert. How fast you progress depends on how much practice you get and how often you can make it to the slopes. Beginner classification means that you're either skiing for the first time or are able to ski on flat terrain.

As you progress as a beginner, you'll begin learning and practicing all types of fun moves such as making a turn while keeping your skis parallel. You'll also traverse small moguls (bumps) with ease and as you become more comfortable in your skis, you'll attempt more advanced runs. This is usually considered the Intermediate ski level.

Expert, or advanced skiers are able to ski on steep slopes and more challenging moguls. When you progress to Expert level, you're ready to learn advanced skiing tricks such as a mid-air split in which you turn at the same time.

Whether you remain at Beginner level or advance to Intermediate level, skiing has an "addictive" quality that makes you want to return again and again and try more difficult slopes. When you learn how to ski, you'll have developed a life-long skill that can open the fun of the great outdoors and also become more in touch with your body and what heights you're capable of reaching.