There is a wide variety of skiers out there, from the beginner who is just stepping into the sport, to the expert who has been skiing for years and is looking for something new. If you are considering taking up skiing but aren’t sure what level you should start out at, this article is for you.
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Beginner
If you are reading this, I assume you are either a beginner or an intermediate skier who is looking to advance their skiing knowledge and skills. If this is you, then I would recommend starting out at the local ski resort for the season, or looking up the ski school near you. Beginner skiers typically start out on easy snow and simple slopes, spending more time on the bunny slope than they do on the black diamond.
At the ski resort, you will find a variety of slopes, and depending on the snowfall in your area, you may find some amazing powder stashes waiting to be explored. You will also have access to a wide variety of equipment, including boots, bindings, and jackets. Don’t be afraid to try out different techniques and styles, as long as you are comfortable with what you are doing, you will enjoy the sport and continue improving your skills.
Intermediate
If you are reading this, I assume you are either an intermediate skier who is looking to advance their skiing knowledge and skills or a confident beginner who wants to tackle more difficult terrains and become an expert. If this is you, then I would recommend looking into taking an online course, whether it is a paid course or a free course, offered by a ski school or coaching organization. These courses typically range between 4-6 weeks in length and will teach you the essential fundamentals of skiing, as well as give you ski equipment and access to a ski resort, where you can practice your newly acquired skills.
Online courses allow you to study at your own pace and from anywhere. You can even complete the course on a day you aren’t planning on skiing, and then find out later that you have a lesson or a race that requires your presence. Online courses usually cost less than $100, and give you the best of both worlds, the convenience of being able to study wherever you want and the freedom to practice and build your skills however you can.
Advanced
If you are reading this, I assume you are either an advanced skier who is looking to improve their skiing knowledge and skills, or a confident intermediate who wants to tackle more difficult terrains and become an expert. If this is you, then I would recommend looking into taking a private lesson on a mountain that you have either heard of or seen snow on, or browsing through pictures of perfect powder shots on social media. Advanced skiers typically start out on the bigger and better resorts, where they can practice their jumps and flips, and work their way up to smaller, more intimate resorts, where they can master the art of riding the blues.
On a mountain, you will find a variety of terrain to practice on, and depending on what ski gear you have access to, you can find the perfect hill for your skill level. If you are on a tight budget, try searching for group lessons, where you can get a package that includes lift ticket and equipment for a discounted rate. Some expensive single-day passes on popular mountains can run up to $300, so riding with a group can save you a lot of money, and allow you to practice on new terrains and with different types of ski equipment.
For those who have their own ski equipment, such as helmets, goggles, and jackets, finding a place to store your ski gear is essential. Not only does having a dedicated space keep your ski gear organized and clean, it also allows you to find anything quickly when you need it, without having to search for it in the back of your closet.
Experts
If you are reading this, I assume you are either an expert skier who is looking to improve their skiing knowledge and skills, or a confident intermediate who wants to tackle more difficult terrains and become an expert. If this is you, then I would recommend finding a mountain that suits your needs and has beautiful hiking trails, where you can practice some of your favorite ski techniques. Experts typically start out on smaller, more intimate resorts and work their way up to the bigger and better ones, practicing on every bit of terrain they can find. Experts also spend a lot of time perfecting their snow craft, creating perfect snowballs and snow sculptures, and experimenting with different snow weapons, including snow angels, snow volcanoes, and ice sculptures made with snow blocks.
Although experts are usually found on the bigger and better resorts, where the snow is better and the competition is higher, experts around the world are exploring all types of terrain, including smaller resorts, where they can practice their skills and enjoy the adventure of finding new terrains to explore.
One of the best things about being an expert is that you can have all the terrains and all the equipment to yourself, without having to share with others. If you are on a budget, try looking for specials on ski passes, where you can get a group of friends and practice on the mountain with people who know what they are doing. Experts can get together in larger groups and take part in organized ski tours, where they can share their expertise and teach others, which can be a lot of fun.
Hopefully, this article was helpful in offering some tips on what level you should be starting out at. If you want to continue your education and advance your skills, then consider taking an online course or a private lesson, as well as practicing on a mountain as often as you can. Remember, a snowflake is a snowflake is a snowflake, no matter where you are or what level you are at, and that all skiers are snowflakes.