10 Mistakes Beginners Make at Ski Resorts and How to Avoid Them
Many people only master alpine skiing after years of practice and training. But skiing well isn't enough—it's important to know how to behave properly after you've skied. This article explores the common mistakes beginner skiers make. Travel & Leisure.
A beginner needs not only to learn the rules of skiing, but also to understand the peculiarities of ski culture.
For example, in ski slang, "dump" refers to a heavy snowfall, "liftie" refers to a ski lift operator, and "steezy" refers to someone who has perfected ski fashion. It's very fickle: one season, brightly colored ski suits are in fashion, while the next, solid-colored outfits are popular. These seem like small details, but such cultural nuances help distinguish rippers (experienced skiers) from gapers (beginners) long before they strap on their skis.
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If you're reading this right now, you probably fall into the latter category. But don't worry: everyone started somewhere. Mastery comes with age, but there are simple mistakes you can avoid right now.
So, what should beginners definitely do?
Choose a resort that suits your skill level
The photos of Jackson Hole posted by your high school classmate-turned-ski bum look amazing. But it's important to be realistic about your abilities. Look for a resort with a beginner area and plenty of green runs (marked with green circles). An example is Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Twenty-seven percent of its runs are designated for beginners, and beginners are allowed on five of the resort's six mountains.
Book lift tickets and lessons in advance
Some resorts only sell lift tickets and lessons in advance, and tickets may not be available on the day of skiing. Even if you can buy everything at your chosen resort on the day of arrival, pre-purchased tickets and lessons are usually cheaper.
If you're visiting for a long weekend, inquire about a multi-day pass or a lesson-plus-ticket package. Or find out if the resort is part of a system like Epic or Ikon, which offer access to multiple mountains throughout the season and can save you money.
Sometimes it's more advantageous to book a trip through intermediaries like Ski.com, which sell lift tickets in advance at some resorts. Through these intermediaries, you can arrange the entire trip—from flights and accommodation to lessons and tickets.
Learn the resort rules and trail markings
There are general rules adopted by all North American ski resorts. For example, each trail is marked with a difficulty level: a green circle for beginners, a blue square for intermediate, and a black diamond for experts. But each resort also has its own unique characteristics.
There's also a "skier's code" that defines chairlift boarding procedures and safe skiing rules. An instructor can help with this.
"The lessons explain key etiquette rules and introduce the specifics of a particular resort," explained professional guide Jeff Dobrony.
Find out what you can rent on site and what you need to take with you
Most tourists rent only skis, boots, and poles, bringing everything else with them. If you're going the same route, you'll need to buy or bring a helmet, goggles, jacket, ski pants, gloves, and a buff. You'll also need thin wool socks and warm, lightweight layers.
"A good pair of gloves or mittens can make all the difference in the day. It's often difficult to find ones that are warm enough," advised Garrett Gimbel, a former instructor at Steamboat Ski Resort and a Curated expert.
He says a quality mask is also important: "During the wet spring months, cheap masks fog up instantly, and that's the end of your day, because you can't ride like that."
Choose ski boots that are comfortable for your feet
You'll spend 4-6 hours in ski boots, so choose them carefully. Although they're known for their stiffness, you shouldn't endure excruciating discomfort.
"Improperly fitted boots cause pain and coldness in the feet and toes, which impairs technique," Gimbel noted. "People often make the mistake of choosing boots that are too big—the kind that fit like regular street shoes. If there's room inside, the foot begins to slide, causing friction and bruising."
Think about clothing details for layering
Ski clothing is a system of layers.
"Be sure to check the temperature and weather forecast," Gimbel advised. "You'll hate skiing if you're cold all day."
The base layer should be warm, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. Layer on a warm layer (preferably down), then a waterproof outer jacket. For your legs, thin leggings under ski pants or overalls are sufficient. Patagonia's lightweight Capilene fabric, a blend of merino wool and polyester, is ideal for this purpose.
Take a supply of food and water with you
If you're spending the whole day in the cold, think about your food. There's a cafe at the resort, but it's smart to bring some snacks.
Some prefer protein-rich and sweet packaged snacks, such as dark chocolate-covered almonds and peanut butter. A bottle of water can be stashed in the inside pocket.
Provide yourself with protection from the sun's rays
UV radiation levels are higher on the mountain. Snow reflects the rays, so it's essential to take maximum protection—sunscreen, a good mask, and sunglasses if you plan on après-ski.
Farmhouse Fresh Elevated Shade mineral cream and Dragon Alliance sunglasses are ideal for this purpose. The NFX2 mask has two lenses: a dark one for sunny days and a light one for cloudy days. The lightweight Drac sunglasses are easy to carry in your pocket.
Take driving lessons before hitting the track
Both Gimbel and Dobroni believe that a few lessons will greatly improve your chances of success.
"In skiing, it's crucial to master the basics," Gimbel emphasized. "First, the instructor will take you to the beginner zone—the bunny hill—and teach you the basics."
"For a complete beginner, the first step is getting used to the equipment," Dobroni added. "We let people strap on their skis on smooth snow to get a feel for how the boots fit into the bindings."
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Maintain sanity
After a couple of lessons and knowing a few terms, you might feel like you're practically a pro. But don't overestimate yourself.
"Even experienced skiers take lessons from time to time to improve their technique," Dobroni concluded. "And it must be said that the hardest part is learning to fall. Falls are a natural part of learning, and understanding that everyone falls helps beginners stay motivated."
And finally, let's note: stop on time. There's a superstition in the skiing community—you can't talk about the last run, because that's when injuries happen. Dobroni's advice: "End the day as soon as you're tired. Most injuries happen when a person is exhausted but decides to 'go down just one more run.'"
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