Your First Time Skiing: A Beginner's Guide to Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing, also known as two-board skiing , is one of the most popular and accessible winter sports. If it's your first time on the snow, this guide will help you enjoy the experience safely and confidently.

Preparation before skiing

1. Suitable equipment

   • Boots : should fit snug but comfortable.

   • Skis : Choose a length that reaches between your chin and nose.

   • Walking sticks : useful for balance, although not essential on the first day.

   • Helmet and goggles : essential for safety and visibility.

2. Clothes

   • Dress in layers: thermal + fleece + waterproof jacket.

   • Sturdy gloves and technical socks (not too thick).

3. Recommended class

   • To progress faster and avoid bad habits, it's best to take at least one class with an instructor.

First steps in the snow

1. Walking and sliding

   • Learn to move on flat terrain with skis on.

   • Practice the “duck walk” to move forward on gentle slopes.

2. The wedge (snowplow / pizza position)

   • Bring the tips of your skis together to form a “V”.

   • Apply pressure to the inner edges to brake.

   • This is the basis for stopping and controlling speed.

3. Basic turns

   • From the wedge, apply more pressure on one ski to turn to the opposite side.

   • Example: more weight on the right foot → you turn to the left.

4. Ski lifts and conveyor belts

   • Learn to use the beginner's lift or conveyor belt.

   • Keep your skis straight and your body relaxed.

Common beginner mistakes

• Look at your feet instead of the direction of travel.

• Stiffness in legs and arms (locking of joints).

• Leaning too far back (you lose control and balance).

• Not wearing a helmet or appropriate clothing.

Tips for your first day

• Take frequent breaks: legs tire quickly.

• It starts on very gentle slopes and gradually increases.

• Watch other skiers and learn from their trajectories.

• Be patient: the first falls are normal and part of learning.

What to learn next?

Once you have mastered the wedge and basic turns, the next steps are:

1. Parallel turns → skiing with both skis straight, more fluidity.

2. Speed ​​control on medium slopes .

3. Introduction to carving → clean edge turns, without skidding.

Conclusion

Your first time alpine skiing will be a mix of excitement, nerves, and fun. With the right equipment, appropriate clothing, and learning the basics of wedge and turn technique, you can enjoy the mountains safely.

Discover our collection of beginner ski equipment and get ready for your first experience in the snow.