Skiing is fantastic fun and a great way to enjoy active recreation. If you are just starting out, it is worth preparing properly for your first days on the snow. Here are practical tips to help you take your first steps with confidence.
Learning to walk on skis
The first step to skiing is… learning to walk! It sounds trivial, but moving around in ski boots with skis clicked in takes practice. Start on flat or very gentle terrain, ideally somewhere without crowds.
Bend your knees slightly and lean your torso forward, which will give you stability. Slide your skis alternately, as if walking, and shift your weight evenly from foot to foot. Avoid sudden movements—at the beginning, it is better to go slowly but steadily. When going uphill, the “herringbone” technique comes in handy—stepping up with your skis forming a V-shape, tips pointed outward. This allows you to walk uphill without sliding backward.
Learning how to fall on skis
Falling is a natural part of learning to ski, which is why it is important to learn how to fall safely. Good falling technique protects against injury and helps you get back to skiing more quickly and calmly.
When you lose your balance, try to fall to the side, landing on your hip. Keep your arms close to your body, as reaching out forward risks a wrist injury. After a fall, do not rush to get up. Make sure you are in a safe spot, position your skis across the slope, and only then stand up.
A few controlled falls on flat terrain before your first downhill run will build your confidence and develop good reflexes. You can read more in our article on how to fall properly on skis.
How to learn to brake on skis?
Braking is one of the most important skills in skiing. Stopping safely in any situation protects you and everyone else on the slope.
The most popular method for beginners is the snowplough. Form a V-shape with your skis, tips close together and tails pushed outward, then gently apply pressure to the inside edges. This allows you to slow down and eventually come to a complete stop. Practice on flat terrain first, and then on a gentle slope.
Once you feel confident, try the snowplough in various conditions. Over time, your reactions will become second nature. We describe further techniques in our article on how to learn to brake on skis.
Want to learn to ski safely under the guidance of a professional? Book private lessons or an adult course at HSKI. See you on the slopes!
