Learning to ski as an adult

Like a lot of technical sports or sports that require specific equipment, it is important to know the environment in which you will be skiing, and know your gear and how it works. Above all, you need the right advice to adopt the right technique and not be afraid when you go on the pistes for the first time.
By taking lessons, you can become familiar with the basics for starting skiing, such as finding your balance. Elodie reminds us of the importance of this point: "As soon as you pick up speed in any winter sport, you will probably react the wrong way by leaning your body backwards."

"Ok, but what if I realise that I can do it on my own?" Maybe, like Lilia, you know someone who has managed to learn on their own, and you are wondering, ""Why not me?""

As a beginner starting out alone, you will probably be able to ski down the slope, however, you might give yourself a scare. You might get apprehensive when you have a fall. And if bad habits become ingrained, it will be more difficult to correct mistakes later on.

"If you start alone, you might find that your progress plateaus because you don't have the right balance. The instructor will have the technical experience to spot when it's time to step up a level, go faster, start parallel turns, etc." What's more, Elodie reminds us of the simple fact that being with a professional immediately inspires confidence.
If you are in good physical shape and if you practise other board sports, you will find it easier to learn. You will already have some idea about gliding and the associated speed. Some people in this situation may feel that they can have a go by themselves by following friends, for example, and imitating them. But they run the risk of not having the right technique, not understanding what is involved, replicating the movements incorrectly and adopting a bad technique.

And then there are rules, that you should be aware of, because it is a sport that involves other people. On the slopes, as on the roads, you have to know who has right-of-way and respect the safety instructions. Once again, this is a good reason why lessons can be of real benefit: by being part of a group of skiers and learners, this will prevent you from rushing headlong into everyone else! It makes things more pleasant.

In a week!By having three to four 2-hour lessons and by training between these sessions. You will learn the basics, be able to take the ski lifts by yourself and roam around the gentle slopes.
Elodie reminds us of another advantage of taking lessons: "The instructor can indicate which piste to take according to your level of ability. The advantage is that, with lessons, you will be able to explore other pistes sooner thanks to the guidance of the instructor".

Elodie, laughing: "It goes well! "
To demonstrate, Elodie dissects a typical ski lesson for adults for us:

⊛ there is a presentation of all of the equipment used: the names of the different elements, what they are for (so that you know what the instructor is talking about during the lessons)

⊛ you learn how to adjust the boots and poles, how to put on the skis, how to wear them, etc.

⊛ there is a presentation about the environment

⊛ the warm-up: an important factor to avoid hurting yourself during falls because of cold muscles and joints.

⊛ then it's time to learn how to move about with the skis on your feet. To start, this is done on a flat surface, so that you start to feel comfortable with the equipment, understand what it's like to move with the added weight and length on the feet. You also get to know the slippery terrain.

⊛ you learn how to stop and get up from a fall. Little by little, you will be taken on to increasingly steep slopes where you will learn how to stop and control our speed.

⊛ you practise sliding, making turns and how to take the ski lifts, so that you can ski unaided and by yourself.

⊛ the rules about how you should behave on the slopes are explained.

The instructor is also there to encourage you, create a relaxed atmosphere, explain the mountain environment, find out what is happening around you, the flora and fauna, etc. We told you that the lessons were fun. ;)

Lilia shares her doubts with us. "A friend once wanted to teach me to ski, without much success... he told me to start without poles. Is this really what you should do?"

Fortunately, we have Elodie's professional advice. Nice try, but this is not necessarily the right way:
"With adults, you can start with poles, unlike children. This helps to give some balance. Afterwards, it will depend on the person. If I see someone not using their poles properly, I will help them to start without poles. I adapt the advice I give to each person because each person is different!
It is true that, for children, we start without poles (generally, poles are used from the "Première Etoile" level up). It is not easy for them to hold the poles given their weight, height and tiny hands. They will develop bad habits and a poor skiing posture, because they concentrate on gripping the poles or playing with them rather than focusing on their stance. We get them to focus on their balance first of all. At the beginning, it's like a game for them and they use their hands to discover a lot of things. Adults, on the other hand, are better at managing their bodies and focusing their attention."

⊛ The type of skis you choose is very important. If you decide to rent them, tell the rental company that you are a beginner skier and that you have never skied, so that they will give you the right type of skis and boots. High-performance skis will prevent you from making progress. What's more, you don't want to have to return to the ski hire company two days later to replace everything...

⊛ The clothing: it varies according to the energy deployed when skiing and the weather conditions. But Elodie recommends wearing a modular "multi-layer" outfit so that you can remove a layer if you are too hot.

⊛ Thegloves and thehelmet: essential accessories! In the event of a fall, the helmet will protect your head and a pair of gloves will prevent "burns" on the snow.

⊛ There's no need to take a backpack during your lessons. You can put a cereal bar in your pocket, along with some sun cream and a bottle of water should you feel thirsty (if your instructor is nice, you can ask them to carry it for you). ;)

Elodie, a ski instructor, shares her best tips to stack the odds in your favour:

⊛ Go to resorts where there are beginner slopes. Small family resorts will be more affordable in terms of price.
⊛ If you can, book your ski holiday during an off-peak period. Outside the school holidays, not only will it be cheaper, but there will also be less people.
⊛ Start on a sunny day as much as possible. The conditions will be favourable for you to concentrate on your learning, and have a good time. The same cannot be said when it is cold and it's snowing in your face.
⊛ Remember to go to the bathroom before the ski session! It can be annoying having to go in the middle of a lesson with all the gear you have on you. (The ski suit is already a major obstacle, let's face it)
⊛ Eat at lunchtime as you will expend a lot of energy! The environment, the cold and the weight of the equipment will make you feel fatigue much more quickly, even if you don't feel it at first. Being in good physical shape to get off to a good start is essential.
⊛ Enjoy yourself, take in the landscapes and the magnificent surroundings.

And don't forget to enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate as a bonus at the end of a tiring day of sport. ;)

There is no best resort. Instead, it's a matter of choosing a resort where you feel comfortable and where there will be small slopes that are suitable for learning how to ski with peace of mind. And the best part is that it isn't too crowded.