When the snow starts to fall and ski season is underway, there’s only one place to be: at the mountain. There is something so contagious about the lively energy and noticeable infatuation for winter when surrounded by skiers and snowboarders. Enjoying time outdoors, exploring snowy terrain, and sharing in the collective joy that skiing brings to everyone around you is what makes the sport so fun!

For many of us passionate snow sport enthusiasts, our choice for either skiing or snowboarding was made at an early age. Whether it was based on parents, friends, or personal preference, it has most likely become what you enjoy doing to this day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try something new! Switching from one sport to another can be intimidating. You may be thinking to yourself, where would I even start? Would I need to take a lesson? Changing things up and starting anew can be intimidating, that's why we chose to gain some insight from a fellow skier on her recent switch from snowboarding to skiing!

Hearing first hand from a member of our Halfdays community seemed like the best way to learn more about the process of switching from one snow sport to the other. We sat down with Olivia Rogine, who recently decided to transition from snowboarding to skiing after spending most of her childhood and adolescent years mastering her skills on a board.

After moving and settling into a new city, Olivia realized that the majority of her friends were skiers. The sense of community that skiing seemed to provide and the chance for a change of pace drew Olivia to make the switch to skiing. Upon asking how her overall experience has been, she commented “the saying ‘snowboarding is way harder to learn but easier to master and skiing is easier to learn but harder to master’- I couldn't agree more”. For Olivia, the process of learning how to ski involved help from her community and friends, as well as prior experience as a kid. But for those of us looking to switch without immediate resources, where do we start? Here are a few helpful suggestions to assist you with the process!

Take a Lesson

The best way to learn a new sport is by taking a lesson. Regardless of what you know from your experience snowboarding, skiing involves different technique, gear, and body movements. Between having your feet separated to facing your body forward, skiing requires an entirely different approach to the mountain. By taking a lesson with a well-qualified instructor, you’ll learn fundamental skills that will help you progress at a much faster rate. While many resorts offer private and group lessons, the cost can deter many newcomers. Ski lessons are well worth it, especially if you’re a beginner. But why not get the most out of it and save a few bucks while you’re at it?

Below are a few ways to save money on ski lessons:

1. Choose to take full-day (or multi-day packages) rather than half-day lessons.

2. Take a lesson during non-peak portions of the season (weekdays, early/late season, non-vacation weeks).

3. Book lessons at least 48 hours in advance.

4. Choose to take a lesson at a smaller local mountain rather than a big corporate mountain.

5. Look for package deals through the resort.

Start Off Slow

While it’s likely you’re eager to learn the basics and explore the rest of the mountain, it’s highly recommended that you start off slow. Just because you know how to pizza and french fry doesn’t mean you can tackle the steeps and off-piste terrain quite yet. Make sure to gradually work up to the more advanced trails by honing in on beginner skills first and foremost. If you feel confident and capable on the bunny hill, try a run on a green circle, followed by a blue square. A gradual progression will help you to eventually master the skills and allow you to safely build up to a black diamond.

Use Quality Equipment

You may think that using any old gear when learning how to ski will do the trick. While it may be tempting to cut corners and borrow from a friend, it’s best to either invest in your own gear or rent from a ski shop. Good quality boots and proper skis that fit correctly and are comfortable are crucial to your overall experience. It’s no secret that ski boots are much less comfortable than snowboard boots, which is why it’s so important that you properly fit your boots with the help of a boot-fitter. You also want to ensure that the skis you are using aren’t too long or wide, as the wrong ski length and width can make learning how to ski much more difficult. By setting yourself up for success before stepping foot onto the snow, your learning experience will be much more rewarding.

Do It With a Friend

Last but not least, convince a friend or two to jump on board and try something new with you. Learning a new skill, especially as an adult, can be quite intimidating. Rather than going into it alone, why not bring a buddy and experience it together?! There’s no doubt that learning a new sport comes with a few falls here and there. Have a little fun with it, share in the laughter, and combine your experiences so that it feels less serious and discouraging. Plus, you can take advantage of the group lesson offerings and regale it all over après!

The next time you’re thinking to yourself, “I want to try skiing,” remember that in addition to the resources available to you, there is also a supportive community of fellow skiers and snowboarders with similar aspirations! As women who are passionate about the outdoors, we have to work together in inspiring each other to achieve our goals and share in our collective love for the mountains!

First Last

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.