Do you have a friend who doesn’t or can’t ski?
This article is for you to forward to them.
So you don’t ski, but your friends do, and they’d like to share the joy with you. By the time you have finished this article, I will have dispelled your fears and carefully outlined how to learn to ski.
Skiing is fun. It is access to nature, if you want that. It is adrenaline, if you choose it to be. It is family together. It is healthy, physical but gently so, and it is above all else a fun sensation that anyone can enjoy.
Below I have addressed some of the most common worries.
I’m afraid of heights.
In Verbier with ES you will literally be learning to ski on a flat golf course green, where you’ll learn to stop, then on to a very flat short run where you’ll learn to turn. The turns are what slow you down.
Then only when you’re ready, will you start to build up towards steeper slopes. You will literally not see any heights, and if you do, it won’t be with an ES instructor. Because you won’t go on a slope unless you can cope with it easily. Unless you can control your speed and do turns.
I’ll be cold.
You don’t use the lift at first. You’ll be asked to walk about five metres up the hill, then gently slide towards the instructor. In all but the most arctic conditions, you won’t be cold, you will be hot. Most people in their first lesson find themselves peeling off the layers. Layering is key and see our blog here, about clothing and equipment for the first time skier or snowboarder.
How will I walk about in the clunky ski boots?
Modern, well-fitting and light rental equipment from places like our partner shop Mountain Air in Verbier and Glacier Sport in Zermatt is actually easy to walk in. Boots are more comfortable to walk in if you do them up. In fact, getting used to this is part of the lesson.
If you’re in a private lesson it can start at your chalet or in the rental shop, so there is a helping hand all the way through. And it’s easy, not difficult. The boots have buckles, and it is better and easier to walk if you gently do them up rather than leave them open.
Am I too old ?
No you’re not.
People of all ages learn to ski. The slopes you ski are laid out in different lengths and difficulty, and there is no set speed at which you will progress from one to the next.
In fact, people have a perfectly enjoyable ski career skiing entirely on easy runs. You see, skiing is a broad church. If you want to chase adrenaline, then do that. If you want to enjoy exploring the easy runs, often nearly flat through the forest, then you can do that, and your whole party can gather together at a nice spot for lunch.
There is no expectation, and no age when it’s too old to start.
I have bad balance.
No you don’t. People learn to ski with severe disabilities. In fact, skiing does require some balance, but not more than you use to stand up. The surface is fixed, not moving like a surfer’s wave, so it’s 90% easier than surfing.
People who walk, run, or play any other sport can learn, but it does also improve balance, so just the act of skiing will benefit you with other sports.
I won’t be able to do it, and I’ll be humiliated by small children zooming past.
Our resorts both have excellent beginners’ areas for adults where you can learn at your pace. It takes about a week to be able to access the easiest runs. For some it will take longer, for others a little less. There is no fixed speed.
If you’re having private lessons it goes at your pace. You also go where you feel comfortable, and only progress when you’re ready.
Will I fall in love with my ski instructor and end up broken-hearted?
Yes, they’re physically competent, graceful, balanced, experienced, co-ordinated, kind, attentive, understanding, funny, and they are nice to you.
They’re also patient with you as you progress, listen to you on the chairlift, improve your confidence, and even, maybe, make you brave.
All of this though, I’m afraid, is just part of their job. Well, at this ski school it is anyway. You’re not confused, or in trouble. You’ve just chosen a good ski school.
Crossing boundaries is very unprofessional. If Cupid’s arrow does start ricocheting around, as a ski school director I’d just like to say one thing: my instructors have feelings too. Oh yes they do, they really do.
They’re for life, not just for Christmas.
Do I need a ski instructor?
I’m a ski school director so yes, but really yes you do. In fact, the slower and more carefully you take it in the beginning, the more you master the basics, the easier and faster will be your progression later on. Check out our instructors in Verbier.
How long does it take to learn?
Most ski resorts have a beginners’ area, then you progress to a very flat run when your skills permit it.
It takes about a week of lessons to progress comfortably to the easiest runs for an average beginner. If you run, rollerblade, or surf, your progress will be quicker. If you’ve never done any sports it’ll take a little longer, but you will still get there.
Contact us here if you would like to arrange your first ski lessons.
Julian Griffiths – Director