For many, a trip to Breckenridge is something they do on a regular – if not yearly – basis. For others, this will be their first trip. Many find themselves skiing for the first time. It’s extremely exciting, but it can also be scary! How do you ski? What should you pack? Will you have any altitude sickness? There are just so many questions!

Today we want to make a list of 10 skiing tips for beginners. So here we go!

The Very Basics

1. Keep balanced. This is likely the most important of our skiing tips for beginners. This can be easier said than done once you have your ski boots on, but staying balanced over your skis is going to help you out.
2. Be prepared to fall. Even if you keep your balance, there’s a good chance that you’re going to fall. That’s just part of it when you’re first learning. Embrace it. =)
3. If you want to stop, angle your skis toward one another without crossing them. Imagine a triangle in front of you. That’s what you’re going for. Overdo it and cross them, and you may find yourself somersaulting down the slope. (Just a bit of experience talking there…)
4. If you want to go, simply keep your skis straight.
5. Bend your knees. This will help you stay in the correct position. Locking your legs straight is going to cause problems. This might be the most important of the beginner skiing tips!
6. Take lessons! While this is optional, many people need a little bit of encouragement to get going. Many place offer free or low-cost group lessons. If you want to go out right away and give it a try – feel free! But many prefer a little bit of knowledge from someone experienced before they go down a slope that’s bigger than anything they’ve seen before. If you’re wanting some extra knowledge, splurge for private or small-group lessons. You’ll get more one-on-one instruction this way.
7. Ask others what you need to work on. If you’ve taken a lesson, flat out ask what you need to work on the most. If someone in your group is an experienced skier, see what they have to say. Chances are they can tell what you’re doing wrong better than you can. Many people love offering skiing tips for beginners, whether you want their advice or not!
8. Don’t start too big. Yes, you might want to tackle that tricky slope, but that isn’t where you have to start the day. There’s nothing wrong with mastering the bunny hill before you try the next one. Gradually increase the hills you go down. You want to have a good time, not face plant it on the first run.
9. Take breaks! If you’ve never skied before, chances are that you’re going to get tired and, possibly, sore. Make sure to take plenty of breaks and stay hydrated. You want to have a good time!
10. Have fun! Yes, there’s a lot to learn the first time you go out, but you’ll catch on. And – if you don’t – there’s always a myriad of other activities you can try the next time around! (Can you say snowboarding, sledding, or snowshoeing, anyone?) These skiing tips for beginners should be a good starting point!

We hope you have a wonderful day out learning to ski! Once you’ve mastered the slopes with these skiing tips for beginners, we know you’ll enjoy your Breckenridge Rental lodging. It’ll be your home away from home during your stay!