In this guide for beginner skiers, you can find everything you need to know before your first time skiing. We answer common questions, from the number of ski lessons you should book to what to wear, so that you can be well prepared for your first ski trip and hit the slopes with confidence! 

Beginner Skier FAQs:

Do I need lessons as a beginner skier?

If you are a beginner skier, lessons are always recommended. Taking ski lessons is the safest and most effective way to learn to ski. During your lessons, an expert instructor will help you to build confidence and learn the correct technique, setting you up for success in your skiing journey. Find out more about why we recommend booking ski lessons as a beginner.

Can I learn to ski as an adult? 

You can learn to ski at any age! Many adults take up skiing later in life and find it incredibly rewarding. When planning your first ski holiday, you can choose private or adult group ski lessons, which will help you to make the most of your time on the slopes and progress from beginner to intermediate skier before you know it. Find more information on learning how to ski as an adult. 

What should I wear as a beginner skier?

As a beginner skier, it’s important to wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof coat and salopettes to keep you warm and dry on the slopes. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and makes you cold. Your feet and hands can get especially cold, so it’s important to invest in good quality ski socks and gloves. You will also need a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the sun. Check out our complete guide to ski gear for beginners to ensure you have everything you need ahead of your first time skiing. 

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, it is highly recommended to wear a helmet when skiing, no matter your ability level! Helmets protect against head injuries and also keep your ears and head warm. Most ski rental shops provide helmets that you can hire along with your skis and boots. 

Should I buy or rent ski gear?

Buying ski gear is a good investment if you ski regularly, but as a beginner, it isn’t necessary. Beginners can easily rent ski equipment online when booking lessons with Maison Sport through our ski rental partner, SkiSet. Renting ski equipment is a good idea before buying it, so you can test it out and get it fitted properly. The skis you will be given will also change as you advance, so it’s best to rent them while you are still learning. 

Do I need ski poles?

Ski poles help with balance and turns, but beginners don’t always need them. Many instructors start lessons without poles, especially for children. Each instructor’s teaching style differs, so be sure to ask your instructor before your first lesson if you need to bring poles. It’s better to have them and not need them if you are unsure. 

Do I need a lift pass?

You will need a lift pass in order to access ski lifts. On your first lesson, you may not need to use your lift pass as you will be on the beginner slopes, which are often accessible without a lift pass. However, it’s important to keep it with you in case you take any lifts. As you progress and explore new terrain, a ski pass will be necessary to get you around the resort. You can buy ski passes through a ski resort’s official website. Check out our guide to ski pass prices in Europe.

How long does it take to learn to ski?

When starting your skiing journey, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and therefore everyone learns to ski at different rates. Various factors can affect how quickly you learn to ski, including age, fitness level and instruction quality. According to our instructors, after 2-3 days, most beginners can comfortably ski on green (easy) runs and will start to feel more confident. Find more information on how long it takes to learn to ski. 

How many ski lessons should I book? 

If it is your first time skiing, it is recommended to book a full week of morning lessons or three full days of ski lessons to help you master the basics. This will enable you to learn as quickly and effectively as possible. The more lessons that you take, the more you will learn and the more confident you will feel, so it’s a worthwhile investment. 

Should I book private or group ski lessons?

Both private and group ski lessons are great ways to learn to ski and have their individual benefits. Booking a private ski lesson is the best way to rapidly progress your skiing and offers a more personalised option, tailored to you and your goals. Group ski lessons, on the other hand, offer a more social experience and are often less expensive than private ski lessons. Find more information on what ski lesson is best for you and how much ski lessons cost. 

What should I expect during my first ski lesson?

Your first ski lesson will usually begin on flat or very gentle slopes. You’ll learn how to put on your skis, move around on skis, stop using the snowplough (pizza) technique and maybe even try some basic turns. As a beginner skier, it’s all about building confidence and getting comfortable on the snow at a pace that suits you. Read more on how to prepare for your first ski lesson.

Do I need to be fit to ski?

The fitter you are, the easier skiing will feel, but you can take skiing at your own pace and have breaks whenever you need. Skiing uses muscles you might not engage regularly, especially in your legs and core, so having some general strength, balance and stamina can make your first time on the slopes more enjoyable. To help prepare you for your first time skiing, why not try out some exercises from our free ski fit guide?

What’s the best time of year to learn to ski?

The European ski season typically runs from late November to mid-to-late April. Throughout the season, snow conditions, prices, crowds and overall atmosphere can vary significantly. Mid-winter (January-March) offers the best snow conditions, but spring skiing (March-April) can be great for beginners with softer snow and milder temperatures. January is a relatively less crowded month, making it a great choice for beginner skiers to build their confidence. Find more information on the best time to go skiing in Europe. 

What runs are best for beginner skiers?

Ski resorts categorise their pistes by difficulty. In French resorts, green runs are the easiest, followed by blue, red and black runs (the most challenging). In other European resorts, the easiest classification typically starts with blue, progressing to red and black runs. Green and blue runs are the easiest and best for beginners to learn the basics on and improve their skills. Stick to these runs if it is your first time skiing!

What are the best ski resorts for beginner skiers?

There are many beginner-friendly ski resorts in Europe that have dedicated beginner ski areas and a large number of green and blue runs for beginners to practice on. Les Arcs in France is a very popular first-ski destination for beginners because of its gentle, wide pistes. Additionally, much of the accommodation is ski-in ski-out, which gives easy access to the slopes. Avoriaz is another great resort for first-time skiers. The runs around the resort are gentle and wide, and you can travel across the whole resort on blue runs. Discover more of the best ski resorts for beginners in Europe. 

Should I go to a dry ski slope or an indoor ski slope before my first ski trip?

If you’re a complete beginner, a session or two on a dry ski slope or indoor ski slope in the UK can give you a head start by helping you get used to the feel of skis and basic movements, such as learning how to stop safely. It can also boost your confidence before hitting the mountain. However, this isn’t essential. It’s perfectly fine to start learning in the mountains!

We hope this article has answered all of your questions ahead of your first ski trip! For more beginner ski tips and advice, check out our 10 top skiing tips for beginners and our guide on how to prepare for your first ski lesson.