A first day of skiing needs a little preparation, and it changes everything. You do not need to be sporty: above all you need to be well equipped, well rested and know what to expect. Here is the advice we give our beginner students.
Dress in layers
In the mountains, cold and warmth follow each other in the same day. The simplest thing is to layer:
- A breathable base layer, next to the skin, that wicks away sweat.
- A warm layer (fleece or light down jacket).
- A waterproof, windproof ski jacket and trousers.
Avoid cotton, which stays damp. Think of gloves or mittens (hands get cold quickly), a neck warmer or balaclava, and thin, crease-free ski socks: thick socks squeeze the foot and make it colder.
Protect your eyes and skin
At altitude the sun is strong and the snow reflects it. Bring:
- ski goggles or a mask suited to the light (even on a cloudy day the light can be bright);
- sunscreen and a protective lip balm;
- a helmet, strongly recommended, especially for children.
Equipment: rent, choose well, adjust well
For a first trip, renting is the most practical. What matters most is fitting the boots: they should be snug without hurting, with the heel held firmly. Do not hesitate to go back to the shop to change them if they hurt: badly adjusted equipment quickly ruins the day.
Get ready physically
Skiing mainly works the legs and the core. A few weeks beforehand, a bit of walking, cycling or squats are enough to arrive in better shape. Sleep well the night before, drink regularly during the day (altitude dehydrates) and eat before you set off.
What happens in the first lesson
Here is the usual course of a first lesson with us:
- The welcome: the instructor gets to know you and asks whether you have skied before, any worries you have and your goals.
- The equipment: they check everything is properly adjusted and explain how to put on and take off your skis.
- The basics: balance, gliding, the snowplough to slow down and stop, then the first turns.
- The lifts: learning to take a magic carpet or a chairlift safely.
- A first run on a suitable slope, with live advice.
At Performance Ski School, everything is adapted to your pace: in a private lesson the instructor looks after only you (or your family), and you choose the meeting point: hotel, apartment or straight on the slopes.
What to tell the instructor right away
Do not keep anything to yourself: talk about your fears (speed, heights, lifts), any aches (knee, back) and what you hope for from the day. The more the instructor knows, the better they adapt the lesson.
Small mistakes to avoid
- Showing up without having eaten or drunk.
- Keeping city clothes that soak up water.
- Wanting to go too fast on the first day: better to stop tired but happy than injured.
- Skipping the warm-up: a few leg movements before putting on your skis really help.
Ready to get started?
Choose the length that suits you (2h, 3h, half day or full day): for a very first day, 2 or 3 hours is often a good format. You can book your private lesson in a few clicks, or read our page on levels to place yours. A question? Write to us.