This year is really the time: You want to learn to ski. You haven't been on the boards for many years and are absolutely unsure.
Can you so learn skiing easily? Do I need a ski instructor for this and what do I have to pay attention to when I get back on my skis after a long time?
I'm sure these questions are going through your mind. It was similar for me.
I haven't been on skis for a whole 15 years. The last time at the ski week in school. Of which I spent 3 of 5 days sick in bed. So I really had not been able to gain much experience.
You'll learn in this post,
- Why warming up is so important,
- what equipment you need,
- when is the best time to start
- the best tips for the first minutes on skis and
- why you should not go alone
But then the decision was made: I would like to Learn to ski.
And I have learned it. Without a ski instructor. And you know what? It wasn't bad at all! So that you can soon be back on your skis and wobbling down the slopes, I've recorded my findings for you. I'm sure you'll feel more confident about learning to ski :)
The best tips for learning to ski for returning skiers
If you want to learn to ski, it will be easier for you if you also do a bit of sport in your everyday life.
So going straight from the sofa to the slopes is not such a good idea. Because skiing requires muscles, coordination and endurance.
Cycling, running or swimming are particularly good for endurance.
These ski gymnastics exercises will make you fit!
But your muscles are also put to work when skiing. Especially the legs are challenged. It therefore makes sense if you always take the stairs instead of the lift or do special leg exercises.
A good sense of balance can also not hurt if you want to start skiing. It can help if you stand on one leg while brushing your teeth and try to keep your balance.
Basic condition makes it easier for you to Learn to ski really only focus on the technology.
My most important tip right from the start: Don't let yourself get insecure when you want to learn to ski. Sayings like "They'll all come down somehow" or "Break a leg" you simply have to ignore.
1. do not forget to warm up
When skiing you need almost all the muscles of your body. From the arms, the hips, the legs to the back and butt muscles. Even the torso is in use.
Hardly any skier warms up. But you can reduce the risk of injury many times over.
For warming up, wear normal shoes. The risk of injury is much too high in ski boots!
Our top 4 warm up exercises for skiing
- Hip circles in both directions - at least 1 minute per side and 3 passes
- Circling arms - start with small circles and make the circles bigger and bigger. Again: At least 1 minute per side and 3 passes.
- Squats - you activate the leg and pom muscles with squats. 2×20 squats.
- Lunges for the buttocks and legs. At least 30 seconds per side and two passes.
This is what you should know as a ski touring beginner!
2. get well acquainted with your equipment
For skiing you need skis, poles, boots, a helmet and suitable clothing.
If you want to stand on the boards after a long time, then you should not buy expensive equipment. The best thing is to rent it. This way you can see if skiing is really the right sport for you.
Once you've acquired a taste for it, it's best to wait for the sale. This usually starts after Christmas.
Get good advice at a specialist shop. Especially as a beginner, your skis should be a little shorter and easy to turn. A guideline: If you want to learn to ski, you should choose skis that are 20 centimeters shorter than your height.
In addition to the boards, you also borrow the poles and shoes. They will be adjusted to your weight on the spot.
You can often borrow a helmet and goggles. Just don't forget the ski goggles. They make the view on the bright slope much better.
What else you need:
- Ski pants and jacket
- Ski underwear
- Helmet and Ski goggles
- Scarf or Balaclava
- Thick gloves
- Ski socks
- Handkerchiefs
3. find the right area to learn skiing
There are many ski resorts that are well suited for beginners. You can be sure that there is one near you.
Look for an area that has many flat and wide slopes. This way you don't have any stress and can slowly start skiing again.
You can find the best ski resorts near you simply by using Google.
4. the time
Right now. Or? If possible, you should go skiing during the week. That's when the slopes are least busy.
It's different during the winter vacations or weekends. Or a combination of both. That's when it's often teeming with skiers. That's very stressful, especially for beginners.
If you take a day off between Monday and Thursday and hit the slopes, you're guaranteed to be more relaxed.
If only because you will find a parking space faster. And there will be less crowding on the slopes and at the lift.
5. start in the plane
In most ski resorts there are beginner slopes. They are particularly wide, flat and very easy to ski. But before you venture onto a slope, you can do a few starter exercises.
- Glide on the spot
Start by sliding a little forward and backward while standing. You can use the sticks to help you.
When you feel confident you can do a slight lunge. - Lift the legs
Lift one ski alternately until the leg no longer touches the ground. Try to keep your balance. You are welcome to use the ski poles. - Gliding on both skis
Squat down and get momentum with the sticks. Push away with your arms and try to ride a little.
This way you slowly get a feel for the boards. This makes learning to ski much easier than starting immediately on a hill.
6. go to the slopes
Before the first lift, find a hill with a slight incline. Walk slowly up the hill in a V-step. Press the inside of the skis firmly into the snow. And put one ski after the next forward. The poles are also a good help here.
At the top, you turn slowly and let yourself glide down the hill. Always brake while flying in the snow. Press the tips of the skis together and the back of the skis as far apart as you can. Press the inside edges into the snow again.
Try this 2-3 times until you feel a little safe. Make the first curves already.
I'm sure you'll be quite amazed. Because just like riding a bike, you can't unlearn skiing. Somewhere the movements are still stored exactly.
7. off to the lift
The beginner lift is calling. Most of the time it is a platter lift. You are pulled up the slope by putting the plate between your legs. Watch for a few minutes how other skiers master this hurdle.
By the way, that was my biggest fear when I started learning to ski again. In retrospect, I have to laugh about it. But at that moment I was really tense.
Good that there are staff to help :)
Learning to ski becomes a little easier and more reassuring. The lift attendant is guaranteed to recognize from the look on your face that you seem a little unsettled.
Stay on the practice lift until you feel reasonably confident. It only took me 3 trips. And that even though I hadn't been on skis for 15 years.
Always remember: If it gets too fast for you, go into the plow position. That way you'll automatically slow down.
8. do not go alone
Even if you would prefer to learn to ski all by yourself, don't do it. Ask a friend for help. Important: The person should have patience and know that you are a beginner.
There is nothing worse than an escort who makes you restless and rushes you. Because that's how you're guaranteed to miss out on the fun.
If you don't have anyone in your circle of friends, it's best to grab a ski instructor. Just ask at the ski resort if someone can help you learn to ski for 1-2 hours. This is usually enough to develop a feeling again.
If you go all alone, you will quickly become desperate and probably very unsure.
9. do not overdo it
Although I'm driving quite well again in the meantime, I am after 3 hours fix and all. Especially after the first and second time in the season.
The important thing is to listen to your body. Especially in the beginning, learning to ski is really exhausting.
I usually ride until about 12 or 13 o'clock. Then it's off to a hut for some soup. And then slowly back to the car. After 1 p.m., the slopes are usually not so good to ski. There are many piles of snow in the middle of the slope, caused by skiing. The danger of skiing over such and then falling is high.
Listen very carefully to your body. Are your legs already shaking? Are you tired and poorly concentrated? Then make sure you stop or at least take a long break!
Our conclusion
Learning to ski is really not difficult. Especially if you've ever stood on skis as a child. But don't underestimate winter sports. Skiing as a beginner is mega exhausting. Have fun with the sore muscles! :)
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