Is Skiing Easy? How I Learned To Ski in a DAY.
Let me guess. You want to go on a ski holiday, but you’re wondering ‘’is skiing easy’’? Well, the truth is that you can learn to ski in a day.
Don’t worry, your first ski trip doesn’t have to be an underwhelming experience. You might think the first time on the ski slope isn’t any fun and that you’re not getting your money’s worth, but that’s false – the first time is unforgettable.
However, you should know what you’re doing.
Today we’re going to tell you everything you need to know so you can learn to ski in one day and start having fun with your gang ASAP.
Is Skiing Easy?
Skiing is one of those skills that are easier to learn than to master.
Long-term skiers constantly learn new tricks, techniques, and approaches to skiing. But it doesn’t take long to ride the slopes alongside your friends and family as a complete beginner.
This is because all skiing is based on a few fundamental techniques that can get you through most slope difficulties. It just takes practice, patience, and a lot of falling over.
But in just a bit, we’ll go over some ways to make learning to ski easier for you.
Can I Learn to Ski in a Day?
Yes, you can learn to ski in one day, even without ski lessons. But you shouldn’t be alone.
If you’re planning a trip to a ski resort, you might be worried you’ll miss out on all the fun because you still can’t ski. But the truth is that you can start having quite a bit of fun even on day one. Later in the article, I’ll tell you exactly how I did it.
But first, here are your options:
Learning with friends
Learning from friends and family is free. If they are patient with you, this can be extremely valuable. It’s how I learned.
However, since your buddies are probably not certified, there’s a risk you might pick up their bad habits.
Group lesson
Group lessons are the cheapest paid option. They usually consist of complete beginners and are what tourists typically go for.
The issue with group lessons at a ski school is that you don’t get as much time to actually ski, and you won’t get much personal attention. Progress is a bit slower.
If you decide to join a group lesson, make sure it’s a group of 2-4 people. You’ll get more one-on-one time from the ski instructor, improving your chances to learn to ski in a day.
Private lesson
A one-day course with a ski instructor can make you a skier in a day – provided you find a good one.
This is the most expensive option, but can also be the most valuable. However, some instructors will want you to go slow, and will not push you to learn the most you can. In part due to safety. But keep in mind that it’s in their benefit to sell you another class.
If you do a private lesson, focus on the fundamentals and then practice hard in the presence of your friends or family.
Essential Tips for First-Time Skiers
Now, you don’t need much to start skiing, but there are certain things that should be top of mind. Before we list them, I highly recommend watching this extremely valuable beginner guide. It really covers the essentials.
This video explains the technicalities far better than I could, along with visuals. However, these are some things to also keep in mind when trying to learn to ski in a day:
- Get comfortable with your gear: It’s worth taking the time to learn how to quickly get your ski boots on, walk on them, and carry your skis. These things might seem easy, but if you do them incorrectly, they can drain your energy and you won’t be able to spend as much time on the snow.
- Learn the slow plow: Controlling speed is incredibly important. Plowing will help you slow down and will be the basis for other essential skiing moves like…
- Get comfortable with your gear: It’s worth taking the time to learn how to quickly get your ski boots on, walk on them, and carry your skis. These things might seem easy, but if you do them incorrectly, they can drain your energy and you won’t be able to spend as much time on the snow.
- Turning: Linking turns is your bread and butter. This is the move you need to practice the most as it will not only allow you to ski the steep slopes, but it can save your life too.
- Getting up: Even professional ski instructors fall. But it can be really difficult to get up and put your skis back on, especially alone.
- Eat and drink: Eat well before your skiing day and make sure to have a snack and a coffee or tea if you feel your energy waning. This will also help keep your body warm, as heat is a resource you need to cherish throughout the day.
- Stay warm: Besides food, there are a few other things to keep in mind for warmth. Never take your gloves on on the lift and always keep your ski mask on, or at least a scarf that is protecting your mouth.
- Butt protection: You can buy protective tailbone pads to make your falls softer. Trust me, you’ll be falling a lot. This will help get you through the day… and make sitting at dinner possible.
Patience is a virtue. Don’t feel like you need to be a pro by the end of the day. Sometimes learning to ski in one day just means having a good grasp on the basics, making the second day really fun.
How I Learned To Ski in ONE Day (Accidentally)
Now, I’d like to tell you how I went up a red slope on DAY ONE. I swear, it wasn’t planned…
When I was a child, I was afraid of skiing but now as an adult, I had the chance to stay with Snomads at their award-winning ski chalet in Bansko, Bulgaria. The team fitted me, gave me my first pair of skis, fed me a hearty breakfast, and off to the slopes I went.
We went to the pistes at around 09:30 and I didn’t even buy a ski pass. I walked uphill, skied down, and practiced my plow. Then I gave turning a shot – this was the trickier part. Somehow, I could easily do a right turn by putting pressure on my left heel, but I just couldn’t link a left.
Still, my friends were overseeing me and they thought I was ‘’ready’’ for the slopes. I bought a half-day ski pass and rode my first lift.
We went up to a blue slope, we rode down, and I fell a lot. My friends had to take shifts to look out for me. But they helped fix my turning technique.
I felt really good about my skills development. Until…
My friend suggested we go to the top – Todorka Peak. We would take the easier path down. Boy, did we get it wrong…
My snowboarding buddy and I went the wrong way and wound up at a red piste. It took us over an hour and a half to get down to the main station, Banderishka Polyana. My buttocks were swollen, and I was afraid. It was fun.
But by the end, I was a skier. Later, telling this story to my mother, she said she had learned to ski in the exact same way – a friend had lied to her and she wound up at the most difficult piste in Pamporovo.
Now, you don’t have to put yourself in danger to learn. But my biggest advice is to get up to a challenging slope and give it your best shot. If you can’t ski it, then take your time. But get to the end.
What Are The Best Ski Resorts in Europe for Beginners
After talking to the local experts and researching the topic myself, I believe these are among the best ski resorts for beginners. This shortlist is based on affordability, accessibility, and beginner-friendliness.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko is very popular with skiers from the UK because of its affordability. But it’s also a fantastic town for digital nomads and nightlife. Here are the benefits of choosing Bansko for your beginner journey:
- Affordable accommodation & equipment;
- Beginner-friendly infrastructure;
- English-speaking instructors;
- Co-working spaces;
- Fantastic nightlife and local cuisine;
- Well-maintained slopes;
- Snow-cannons (fresh snow December-April).
The resort is relatively close to the capital Sofia where you can fly to from pretty much every country in Europe and the United Kingdom.
Check out the ultimate guide to skiing in Bansko here.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane is similarly affordable to Bansko, but the ski passes are much cheaper and more flexible. There is also much more to do outside of skiing.
- One of the best quality-price ratios in Europe;
- A LOT of things to do outside of skiing;
- Whimsical architecture and vibe;
- Incredible local cuisine and traditions;
- Close to the best thermal spas and hot springs in the country.
- Beginner-friendly ski map;
- Most ski schools employ English-speaking instructors for their beginner ski lessons.
Zakopane is accessible through Krakow and even Kosovo.
Check out the comprehensive guide to a ski holiday in Zakopane here.
Pas de la Casa, Andorra
Pas de la Casa feels like it was specifically designed for beginners and intermediates. Despite its lack of apparent charm, it’s renowned for being a great beginner resort.
- Very beginner-friendly;
- Charmless, but with very efficient infrastructure;
- Plentiful accommodation;
- Lively nightlife;
- Affordable;
- English-speaking instructors.
The nearest airport to Pas de la Casa is La Seu d’Urgell (LEU) Airport which is 35.1 km away.
Can I Learn To Ski at 30, 40, or Older?
Absolutely. Many people pick up skiing even at 60 – yes, falling sucks, but it’s an invigorating sport. And if you take all safety precautions, you can make learning to ski quite enjoyable and stress-free.
Skiing is a sport that trains very essential leg muscles that support overall health and balance. Therefore, it can lead to your being more mobile in your old-age.
Final Thoughts
So, is skiing easy?
Skiing can be picked up fairly easily and a good level of confidence can be achieved even in a day. But the beauty of skiing (and snowboarding!) is that it’s a life-long journey to master the sport. This makes for a wonderful journey of discovery, physical improvement, and fond memories.
Can I learn to ski in a day? Yes, it’s very possible. Still, everyone learns at a different pace. And it’s important to keep safety as your top priority.Good luck on the slopes!