It's never too late
to learn to ski!

It can be a daunting thought to learn to ski...it doesn't need to be. In fact, if you are like me, it could turn out to be the best thing you ever did!

Skiing is not something people can just do I'm afraid. It does take a wee while to master, but as long as you don't expect to be a rival to the "Herminator" (the greatest downhill skier ever...in my opinion), for the first week or two at least, you will have fun.

You will fall over, but this is all part of the fun... snow is soft.

Click on our Guides to improve your skiing, whatever stage you're at.

Learners Top Tips

• Bring a friend(s) with you.

It is much more enjoyable to learn to ski in a group. It is so much fun to laugh at each other wobbling about, doing the ever common "slow motion fall" that every skier has done at some point, and finally trying to clamber back to standing without skiing backwards down the slope. (Don't worry if this is you, your pals will probably loose their balance laughing at you and end up in the same predicament as you... those were the days!)

• Wear waterproof clothing.

If you haven't guessed it already, you might end up a little damp learning to ski, so make sure you're prepared. On dry ski slopes and indoor Snow Domes specialised clothing is not essential as long as it's waterproof, covers your arms and legs, and is comfortable. Do not wear jeans, you will end up cold, wet and miserable. If you are taking to a real mountain slope in Scotland during the winter, you need proper kit. See our Ski Gear section to find out what you need and where to get it. Borrowing a ski jacket, gloves and salopettes is a good idea when you first try skiing. You may decide skiing is not for you, and this way you have not wasted a whole lot of money on clothing you no longer need. Many places will rent out clothing now too, but phone and check first before you go.

• Be patient, follow instructions carefully and don't be scared!

  As I said earlier, you won't master the slopes in a day. People will pick it up at different rates, so try not to be disheartened if you are not progressing as fast as others, especially if the others are children... they will learn faster than adults. Why? First of all they are smaller so they have a lower centre of gravity and therefore they are more balanced. Secondly, and most importantly, they are fearless. When you get some speed up it gets scarier, when it gets scarier you naturally lean back, when you lean back you fall over. It is true, watch any ski slope and you will see beginners get scared, lean back and lose control. It's hard to fight that instinct, but follow the instructor's commands and trust the skis. If you can do that then you will zipping down those black runs in no time.

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