23 First Time Skiing Tips For First Time Skiers & Beginners

First time skiing tips for first time skiers and beginners

Is it your first time skiing and you have a million questions like, what to wear when skiing for the first time, where to find the best ski resorts for first-timers, do I need ski lessons or can I just hit the slopes for my first time skiing without lessons? What ski gear do I need as a beginner, and should I rather buy or rent skis?

Questions over questions! As a first-time skier or someone that is fairly new to skiing, it’s normal to be wondering about all those things, we’ve all been there! Trust me!

That is why we’ve created this First Time Skiing Tips Guide to answer all the questions you may have as a beginner skier.

We’ll go over inexpensive ski clothes and affordable ski gear for beginners, beginner skiing tips, and additional useful skiing essentials for beginners and advanced alike.

Beginner Ski Guide

First Time Skiing Tips For Beginners

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23 Skiing Tips For First Time Skiers

1 | It’s Never Too Late To Learn How To Ski!

No matter how young or old you are, it’s never too late to learn to ski!

That’s coming from someone that started learning to ski at 30 years old without any prior experience in anything snow-related.

Surely, learning how to ski as a kid is a lot easier (because, duuuh, kids are fearless!), but you can easily learn skiing at 30 years old and even a lot older, especially if you are an active person and are committed to it.

2 | Rent Your Ski Gear When Skiing For The First Time

When going skiing for the first time you really don’t need to and in our opinion should buy ski gear yet. Instead, we recommend renting the ski gear for your first time skiing.

This is because you most likely have no idea what ski equipment you need and which type of skis and boots you will prefer later on when you get the hang of it.

Beginner Ski Equipment Setup

When renting you will be provided with the right beginner ski gear that is for your skiing level. You will need skis, boots, and poles.

The rental shop will also take care of setting up the equipment for you. Meaning finding the right boots for you, fitting them to the skis, and adjusting the bindings/ release to your ski level based on your weight, height, and skills.

They will also help you with which size of ski poles you need based on your height.

Watch and learn how the professionals set up your skis so you get an understanding of what is happening. Eventually, you will know which settings and equipment you prefer and need.

3 | You’ll Get Used To All That Ski Equipment

As a first-time and beginner skier, the ski equipment can be a lot to handle. At first, when I just started to learn to ski my ski gear felt super heavy and clunky.

Being a person on the more lightweight and tall side, handling the bulky and long skis together with the poles was awkward. On top of it, all of that while trying to walk in those heavy and stiff ski boots in full-on ski gear. So, I feel you if the ski gear is a lot at the beginning.

However, as uncomfortable and new it may seem at first, with time you will get used to all that ski equipment you are schlepping around with you. I would even go so far as to say, you become one with it and it will become the most normal thing.

What Do I Need To Go Skiing For The First Time?

Beginner ski clothes: What to wear skiing for the first time?

This section is all about what you need to go skiing for the first time. From basic things like ski gear and clothing for skiing to travel insurance.

4 | Get Travel Insurance That Covers Skiing

One of the most important things to know before skiing for the first time is that you can get travel insurance that covers skiing.

If you are going to another country for your first time skiing or even if you’ve been skiing for a while, make sure to have travel insurance!

For ski trips this is especially important, as skiing accidents can easily happen, even if you are a good skier, but especially when you are just starting out.

We don’t want to scare you, this is not to say that you will get insured when skiing for the first time. But with anything in life, skiing also doesn’t come without risk and if something should happen, you will be glad to be covered.

Check out World Nomad’s Travel Insurance which covers many winter sport activities like skiing and snowboarding. They also cover the general travel-related issues that can occur when going on a winter vacation.

See their website for all the coverage details and to get a personalized quote for your trip.

5 | Never Ski Without A Helmet!

We talked about the skis, boots, and poles, but there is one very important item missing from a beginner’s skiing equipment list. The ski helmet!

Wearing a helmet is an absolute must for beginner skiers!!! In fact, it’s a must-have for really any type of skier! It would be really stupid not to wear a helmet.

You can rent a helmet along with your other ski gear or if you prefer, there are affordable ski helmets that you can buy online.


*Affordable Ski Helmet*	*Inexpensive Ski Helmet (Many Colors)*

For the complete ski equipment list and clothing needed for skiing, check out our Cheap Ski Outfits & Ski Gear Guide to find really affordable ski gear and inexpensive ski clothes.

6 | Buy Your Own Ski Goggles

One skiing item you can’t rent but really need is ski goggles. Snow goggles can get very expensive, but as a beginner skier, you don’t need to dive in right away and buy the most expensive snow goggles out there.

There are very affordable snow goggles and ski equipment for beginners on Amazon that will do just fine for your first-time ski trip.

Lense Colors Matter

One thing to note, the different lens tints are for different weather conditions and bring out different contrasts.

Generally speaking, the darker tints (dark gray, black, red) are for sunny weather and the lighter lens tints (yellow, gold, orange, pink, clear) are for overcast days when there isn’t much sun or none at all.

There are snow goggles with interchangeable lenses, which are pretty handy on a day that starts out cloudy and ends up being bright and sunny in the afternoon.


*Interchangeable Lens Goggles*	*UV Protection Snow Goggles*

7 | Wear Proper Ski Clothes When Skiing For The First Time

You are probably wondering what clothing is required for skiing and especially what to wear when skiing for the first time exactly.

What To Wear First Time Skiing

Here’s our advice: Wear proper attire for skiing and don’t compromise!

You will need clothes that keep you warm and also don’t soak up the snow and get wet. Therefore, wearing jeans is out of the question, if you were wondering if you could get away with it!

Wearing proper ski clothes for your first time skiing doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money. Maybe you have a friend that can lend you their ski clothes so you don’t have to buy anything right away.

Inexpensive Beginner Ski Clothes

If that is not an option, or if you prefer to wear your own, you can buy really affordable and good beginner ski clothing online on Amazon that won’t cost you a fortune.

When I first started out with skiing I got some very cheap ski clothes that did the job just fine and I still occasionally wear those clothes to this day.

Find our selection of the most affordable and best ski clothes for beginners here:

Affordable Beginner Ski Clothing


Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket	Waterproof Ski Jacket With Snow Guard


*Short & Tall Ski Pants Women’s*	*Insulated Women’s Snow Pants*


*Insulated & Waterproof Ski Gloves*	*Insulated & Waterproof Ski Mitten*


Heavyweight Neck Warmer	Windproof Mask + Gaiter

8 | Layer up!

Layering up when skiing is key and will prevent you from having a bad first day of skiing due to being cold or too hot.

The clothing layers are here to be taken off or added depending on the temperatures and how cold or hot you feel.

You typically wear three layers of clothing:

Ski Clothing Layers

Base Layer – Thermal Wear
Thermal, skintight & breathable
Mid Layer – Long Sleeve
Keeps body heat to stay warm
Outer Layer – Ski Jacket
Shields from snow and wind

Inexpensive Base Layer


Women Thermal Underwear	Men’s Thermal Underwear

As a first-time skier on your very first ski holiday, you may not want to buy all the special layers. For instance, instead of buying thermal underwear, you could wear yoga pants and a light long sleeve or tank top as a base layer.

Inexpensive Mid Layers


Women’s Long-Sleeve Fleece	Men’s Long Sleeve Fleece

As a mid-layer, you could wear a long sleeve or sweater that you own. However, we recommend making sure it’s warm enough so you won’t be cold.

Outer Layer

The same goes for the ski jackets, which will be your outer layer. You should definitely wear a winter jacket to protect you from the snow and cold. You may not want to buy a ski jacket when going skiing for the first time, but surely you have a regular winter jacket that you can wear.

Another option for your outer layer could be to layer a rain jacket with a puffer jacket. The rain jacket will be water and windproof and the puffer jacket keeps you warm.

I’ve done this lots of times. Especially on warmer ski days, this works perfectly and could be a good option for your first time on skis too.

Being cold, especially on your first day of skiing isn’t fun and may ruin your opinion about the winter sport. So make sure to wear warm clothes to have a good time.

If need be, you can always take your layers off again. Afterall, that’s what layers are here for!

9 | But Don’t Layer Socks

All that talk about layering doesn’t apply to your socks, however. Even as a novice skier you should get proper ski socks.

Don’t layer multiple regular socks on top of one another!

This may work with some ski boots, but it won’t with most others. Trust me, I have done this because I thought I could get away with it, but once your socks start sliding down inside your boots it gets really uncomfortable and you will regret it.

Ski socks are also a lot higher than regular socks and mold well to your feet. See these inexpensive options below that are great for beginner skiers and advanced alike.


Merino Wool Ski Socks	Merino Wool Ski Socks Men

10 | Ski Boots Are Supposed To Fit Tightly, But Not Too Tight

What you may not know as a first-time skier, your ski boots are very stiff and should fit you pretty tightly to get the best performance out of them. There should be no space for your feet to wobble around.

When in a regular standing position your toes will slightly touch the front of the boot. This is normal, because then when you are actually skiing you will lean into the tongue of the boot to transfer energy from your legs to your skis via the stiff boots. When leaning forward into your boots, your feet will automatically slide back and that’s the position you want to be in.

Before you buy ski boots you need to know how a ski boot should properly fit your feet. That’s why it’s important to have a professional help you with the boot fitting when you are skiing for the first time. Once you have gone through a few fittings you will know what to look out for.

At first this snug and tight fit may feel a little awkward but you will get used to it and later on may even want to upgrade to a tighter and stiffer boot once you get better at skiing.

11 | Other Essentials To Bring Skiing For The First Time:

So, that was pretty much it of what to wear and what to bring skiing for the first time. However, there are a few more things that you may want to bring skiing that are really helpful but not absolutely necessary.

The following items are our favorite skiing essentials for beginners and advanced skiers alike. They are super useful on the slopes and we wouldn’t want to miss them anymore.

Ultimate Ski Essentials For Beginners


Mini Outdoor Backpack	Ski & Poles Carrier

For Sunny Days:
Pack Sunscreen & Lip Balm


Neutrogena Sunscreen	Tinted Lip Balm SPF 15

For Cold Days:
Get Heat Packs


*Portable Pocket Warmer*	Insulated Bottle

Ski Tips For Beginners

Beginner skiing tips for first time skiers — Beginner skiing tips for first-time skiers

This section is all about skiing tips for first-timers. From choosing the best place for first-time skiing and beginner skiing advice and the basics of skiing to taking a first ski lesson versus first time skiing without lessons.

12 | Chose A Beginner-Friendly Ski Resort

When you are just starting out, you are probably wondering where to find the best place for your first time skiing?

As a first-time skier you want to go to a ski resort that has a beginner area, otherwise, you will not have a good first skiing day if the slopes are too steep.

While most resorts have some type of beginner area aka bunny slopes not all of them are necessarily great.

Best Ski Resorts For First Timers

The best ski resorts for first-time skiers have a large and diverse beginner ski area.

Even though you are a beginner skier, you don’t necessarily want to go down the same old slope over and over again the entire day. That’s why a place with a larger beginner ski area will give you a better time.

When searching for places for first-time skiers in your area, check out the resorts’ terrain map and look for green-marked areas and slopes.

In the US the easiest slopes are marked in green. In Europe, this can be a green or a blue slope.

Having a look at the terrain map will give you an idea of how big the beginner area is and how many easy slopes the ski resort has.

13 | Sign Up For A Beginner Ski Lesson

As a newbie skier, the best way to learn how to ski is by taking skiing lessons. Almost all of the ski resorts offer lessons to first-time skiers and even advanced.

A trained ski instructor will be able to give you ski tips, show you the proper ski technique, and you will be able to advance faster.

Do I Need Ski Lessons To Learn How To Ski?

Well, that depends! While you certainly can learn how to ski without lessons, a skiing instructor can still provide you with the best ski technique knowledge and advice on how to properly learn to ski.

Some people don’t take ski lessons and learn how to ski on their own without an instructor and others may need one. In general, learning to ski is probably easier for people who are already pretty active and do lots of sports than for people how aren’t that familiar with sports. After all, skiing is about technique and body control.

So if you are wondering, if you need ski lessons, truly ask yourself how fit you are, how good your ski knowledge and body control are, and if you really think you can do it on your own.

First Time Skiing Without Lessons

If you decide to learn skiing without lessons, you still have to acquire the knowledge about the proper ski technique, otherwise, you are going to look ridiculous and going to get injured!

If you decide to do so, there are plenty of pretty good first-time skiing guides on YouTube that explain everything.

This is actually what I did. I took a first ski lesson right when I started out with skiing but decided continuing the lessons is not for me and my wallet especially. I’m also pretty active and was confident enough, that I would be able to learn to ski on my own with some help from the internet and my friends.

First Time Skiing With Friends

A good piece of advice is to hit the slopes with a friend that already knows how to ski. They can help and teach you if you don’t want to take lessons.

A knowledgeable friend can watch you and tell you what you are doing right and wrong and give you advice. I made use of that and found it very helpful to improve my skiing skills.

But again, while you can learn to ski on your own, it’s not for everyone. This is a personal choice which you have to make for yourself. Taking ski lessons is definitely the safer way to go as a beginner skier!

14 | Go Skiing With Friends With Different Skill Levels

As I said, skiing with friends that are advanced skiers is a great way to learn how to ski better, but it can also come with its challenges.

Skiing With Advanced Skiers

As a skiing beginner, you will be a lot slower than others and not everyone will want to wait for you, go to beginner areas, and let alone teach you.

Therefore, it can sometimes feel as if you are actually going skiing by yourself because everyone is already down at the bottom of the mountain or is skiing runs that are way out of your comfort zone.

I can understand both sides. However, a good friend will find a compromise. Meaning you and your friend(s) ski some parto of the day together and that way you can learn and all have fun together. But then each of you also has their own time and can ski according to their skill level. That way both sides win.

Skiing With Other Beginners

If you don’t like the idea of going skiing alone or being by yourself on the slopes find people that are at your same skill level and go skiing with them. That way you won’t have to chase your faster friends all day long on slopes weren’t even comfortable with in the first place.

The downside of skiing with your beginner friends could potentially be, that you don’t push yourself as much and won’t get out of your comfort zone as fast as you maybe would with advanced skiers.

Skiing With Beginners Vs With Advanced Skiers

Skiing with both levels of skiers has its pros and cons. I think it’s best to mix it up if you can. That way you have fun on the slopes but also get to push yourself a little more.

15 | Learn More About The Proper Skiing Technique

Before and after my first (and only) ski lesson, I went on YouTube and soaked up all the skiing tips for beginners that I could find and then put that knowledge to work on the slopes.

There is a ton of video material on how to ski for beginners out there that you can learn from.

This not only goes for ski tips for beginners or first-time skiers but also for intermediates and advanced. Always continue to learn and work on yourself to get a proper skiing technique.

16 | Don’t Be Afraid

Being afraid is probably the number one reason what holds beginners skiers back, at least this is how it was for me.

Most first-time and beginner skiers will be afraid of the speed, the steepness of the slope, and not being fully in control due to the lack of practice and knowledge.

With skiing being a completely new terrain for me I got afraid because I wasn’t a 100% in control yet and that lead to tensing up my body and my skis doing things that I didn’t want them to do.

It’s like a Catch 22. You are afraid and tense up because everything is new and you lack the skills and muscle memory but that then leads to even more difficulties on the other hand. So, don’t be afraid! Loosen up and go with the flow.

Learning to ski guide: First time skiing tips — Learning how to ski: Skiing tips for beginner skiers

17 | Commit To The Turn And Go With The Flow

This is especially true when it comes to making the turns because as you are trying to make the curve it is when you usually speed up the most as a beginner and begin to tense up.

I still hear those ski instructors in my head when they would say “you gotta commit to the turn!” every damn single time. Every one of them says it and I can tell you, while it may be annoying, it is so true and so important!

Even if it may seem scary to you to let go, you gotta let go and commit to the damn turn! You gotta do it! This is how you learn to ski.

18 | Lean In!

After all the beauty of skiing is about letting go and leaning slightly forward into your skis and smoothly flowing from one turn to another.

Once you got it down, you will understand. Then it also wil not be scary anymore, because you are actually in control.

19 | You Will Fall! Own It!

Be prepared and don’t be afraid to fall, because the first time on skis you are going to fall! A lot!

Usually, falling doesn’t really hurt. Fingers crossed! As a beginner skier, you will most likely not be super fast anyways and will ideally fall onto puffy snow and your skis will release without you even knowing.

However, watch out for and try to avoid icy patches, as falling there can actually be painful and lead to injuries.

The most times I fell, and even face-planted, was during my first time skiing. The falls weren’t bad as I fell onto slushy soft snow and as a beginner wasn’t going on high speed.

With time and practice, eventually, you will fall less and less.

20 | Learn To Love French Fries Over Pizza!

French fries and pizza, what? When learning skiing you may hear instructors talk about french fries and pizza, especially when teaching kids, sometimes they do it with adults too! haha

The term “french fries” in skiing means your skis are parallel and “pizza” is when you wedge your skis to prepare for the turn or to stop.

The latter, you want to get rid of eventually. As soon as possible, actually! A good skier’s skis are always aligned parallel to one another!

Doing the pizza shape is also really tough on your knees after a while, so the sooner you learn more advanced ski moves, the better. But of course, one always has to start somewhere.

There’s also this funny South Park quote and now meme that was always stuck in my mind when I went skiing for the first time.

It goes like this:

“If you french fry when you should pizza, you’re gonna have a bad time!”
South Park

Meaning beginners do the pizza wedge in order to stop, otherwise one just keeps on going down the slopes. Check out the video, I think it’s pretty funny! 😉

So, now you know why french fries over pizza!

21 | Don’t Get Discouraged!

My advice to first-time skiers is to not get discouraged, especially not by 4-year-olds that pass you on the slopes like no big deal.

Kids are fearless and therefore have it a lot easier, but that’s doesn’t mean you can’t learn to ski as an adult. It just takes a little longer when you are older.

22 | Be Confident, But Not Too Confident!

Be confident and push yourself to make progress. But also know your capabilities!

Don’t be reckless and take on challenges that you are not up for yet because that will most certainly lead to injuries.

23 | Practice Makes Perfect!

You won’t learn to ski in a day only. Skiing takes practice and commitment. So, when you are in doubt and about to give up, keep on going!

If you are committed, you will become a skilled skier eventually. I promise!

First Time Skiing Checklist

You can print out our beginner’s skiing checklist or download it to your phone to have a digital version of what you need to go skiing for the first time.

FAQ

Is Skiing Hard?

Let’s put it this way: Skiing isn’t easy but whether skiing is hard really depends on you and your skills. No one has learned to perfectly ski in a day. Skiing takes time and effort.

With that said, if you put in the work you will be able to learn how to ski and become proficient in it, and then skiing isn’t hard anymore.

dress for skiing

Skis For Beginners

What is the best ski gear for beginners? The best ski gear for beginners is really the gear you can afford. You can either buy some used skis at a discount at a local ski shop or buy some less expensive new ski gear online, which is usually catered to new skiers.

Beginner skis usually come with the bindings already, so you don’t have to buy them separately.

If you are looking into buying skis for the first time you can find some pretty affordable novice skis online. Here’s a few examples of beginner skis:

Skiing Equipment Beginners

The same goes for first-time skiing gear, if you don’t want to spend a fortune on skiing equipment you can find pretty affordable ski poles and ski boots online.

What Clothing Is Required For Skiing?

There are no ski clothing requirements, but your first-time skiing clothes should not be jeans and layering multiple sweaters.

You should wear proper snow pants and a ski jacket or at least a winter jacket and layer clothes underneath. This is to keep you warm and dry. See our What To Wear First Time Skiing? section above for inexpensive beginner ski clothes.