Take a ski or snowboard lesson

A beginner ski lesson is the standard way to start, and for good reason. You get the gear, a gentle slope and someone who has taught the same first morning many times. Plan a half-day. You won’t be graceful, but by the end of the morning most people are making their first turns.

When and where

Choose a ski area with a dedicated beginner area, often called the bunny hill. Many resorts sell a beginner package that bundles a lesson, rental and a lift ticket for the easy slope, which is usually simpler and cheaper than buying them separately. It’s worth booking ahead, because lessons often sell out at weekends and holidays.

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Arrive early, because you’ll need time to collect your rental and get your boots on before the lesson. Check the resort’s site for the snow report and opening times, and allow for the drive: roads to ski areas can be snowy, so check conditions, and carry chains or use winter tires if local rules say so.

An instructor is the usual advice, rather than a friend. Friends are lovely, but they often take beginners onto slopes that are too steep, which is how a first day goes wrong.

What to wear

Beyond the list above:

• A waterproof, insulated jacket and waterproof pants.
• A thin base layer, not cotton, and a warm mid-layer.
• Warm socks, one pair only. Two pairs squash your feet and make them colder.
• Waterproof gloves or mittens and a hat or a helmet. A helmet is often available to rent, and it’s a good idea for a first day.
• A neck warmer.
• Goggles or sunglasses.
• Sunscreen, since sun reflects off the snow.

How the lesson goes

1. Rent your gear. Staff will fit boots first, then skis or a snowboard. Tell them you’re a beginner.
2. Meet your group. Beginner groups are usually small, and everyone around you is in the same boat.
3. Learn on flat ground. You’ll practise clicking in, balancing and shuffling.
4. Learn the wedge. Point your tips together and press your heels out. This is how you slow down and stop.
5. Try the gentle slope. Slide a short way, stop, and repeat. Your instructor will watch and adjust.
6. Learn to turn. Shift your weight to one ski and let the wedge steer you. Look where you want to go.
7. Ride the beginner lift. This is often the most nerve-wracking bit, and the instructor will walk you through it.

Skis or a snowboard

The lesson can be for either, and many beginners wonder which to pick. On skis, you face forward and each foot moves separately, which feels more natural for the first few hours. On a snowboard, both feet are fixed on one board, so the first morning is often more falling over, and then it gets easier for many people. There’s no wrong choice. Choose the one you’re most curious about, and book the matching lesson, since the two are taught separately. If you can’t decide, ask the ski school which one most first-timers there find easier on a first morning.

Eat breakfast and drink water before you start. It’s easy to forget, and learning is more tiring than it looks.

What goes wrong

• Sore feet. Boots are tight. If they hurt in a particular spot, go back and ask for a different fit.
• Cold hands. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Bring a spare pair.
• Falling. It’s normal and mostly soft. Fall to the side, and your instructor will show you how to get up.
• Thighs burning. Ski positions use your legs. Take breaks.
• Feeling left behind. Tell the instructor. Groups are usually mixed, and they’ll adjust.

After the lesson

Take your boots off at the first chance, and drink something warm. If you want to keep going, practise on the easiest slope only, and stay in the area you learned.

Make it a winter weekend

Book a morning lesson, then spend the afternoon warming up with hot chocolate. If you’d like a quieter first taste of snow sport, try cross-country skiing first.