TRY IT OUT!
It's a good idea to try out your equipment and get a feel for your skis on the snow before Day 1. It'll help the first day at the mountain go smoothly. Below you'll find a series of exercises to try out with a beginner skier. You can do this in your backyard or a park - no slope necessary.
ThESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR SKIING...
...and they can be tricky to walk in! Before adding skis into the mix, you'll need to get used to moving around in ski boots. The trick is to walk heel to toe, heel to toe, heel to toe...
Try walking around like a duck (toes in) and a penguin (toes out), shuffling sideways, hopping up and down, etc.
PIZZA PROGRESSION
Learning to make a slice of pizza (a.k.a. a snowplow or a wedge) is a big part of learning to ski! First things first, try pushing your boot heels out. Try not to let your knees touch!
CLICK IN!
Next up, try putting on your skis. Make sure the back of the binding is pushed down and then tuck your toe under the front of the binding. Check to make sure your heel is lined up and then push down until the binding *clicks* up!
To get the ski off, step on the back of the binding to press it down. You'll step right out.
ONE SKI AT A TIME
Once you have one ski on, it's time to take it for a test drive. Try scooting around on one ski, changing directions, etc. Once you've done it on one foot, take off your ski and try it on the other side.
PIZZA PROGRESSION
With one ski on, try pushing out your heel to make a pizza. Make sure the ski stays on the snow. You can imagine that you're spreading and smoothing some butter on toast.
TWICE THE FUN
Here we go - time for two skis! Click in to your second ski and try sliding around on the flat ground, side stepping and getting used to having two very loooooooong feet.
WhEN YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN...
Falling is part of learning to ski, so it's best to be prepared. Practice falling over and getting yourself back up. To do so, make sure your skis are lined up facing the same direction and then push yourself up off the snow.
PIZZA PROGRESSION
After all that prep work, it's time for a nice slice of pizza! Stand with your skis lined up straight, then push the backs of your skis out. Remember not to let your knees touch!
AND FINALLY, ADD A PINCH OF GRAVITY
You can now try sliding on a small incline. By incline, we mean a tiny slope that allows you to slide - we're not talking about a hill. Make sure it is a gradual incline and that there is flat space at the bottom. First, try sliding with your skis parallel until you come to a stop.
PIZZA PROGRESSION
Now try sliding straight ahead, and make a nice slice of pizza at the bottom to bring yourself to a stop.
And that's a wrap!
Take your skis off (check out the video below to learn how to slide them back together) and get excited for your first day at the ski hill. Your instructor will go over the skills you practiced at home and you'll be skiing in no time!
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER GUIDES
HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS
This guide shares tips on how to stay warm and comfortable on the slopes (hint: it involves layers).
WHAT TO EXPECT & HOW TO PREPARE
This guide takes you through a typical day with Rod Roy. Read through it before Day 1 so you and your child know what to expect.