What should you consider before subscribing to ski lessons
In order to choose the proper lesson program for your young child, make sure to subscribe him/her to a ski group, compatible to his/her age and ability. Ask if special assistance is provided when taking the group to the lift. In case you hesitate whether to choose group or private lessons for yourself, here are some things you have to consider. First, have in mind that group lessons are cheaper than private lessons. When you pay for a ski package, it justifies the costs more than if paying for one lesson at a time. Next, think if you are comfortable when learning with others and if so, choose a group lesson. Otherwise take private lessons, at least in the beginning.

Do not forget to ask if the equipment is included in the price of the ski lesson. If the cost features items of the ski gear such as skis, boots, poles and helmet, then you will be able to postpone a little more the moment with buying or renting equipment. Get yourself informed about the different types of ski lessons, according to the skills, ability and time length. When you are aware about how long the lessons last, you will be able to make your day schedule and enjoy your day of skiing without being in a hurry. The better professionals the ski instructors are, the profounder training they would be able to provide you. If possible, choose a ski school with instructors who are certified by some internationally recognized organization. The certified teacher is more important for the beginners, while advanced skiers can learn some new tips and techniques from a good instructor. Each teacher has his own style of teaching, so you might not like yours and if so, you can change him with another. Normally, skiers are not perfect in the beginning, so do not be afraid to ask the instructor anything or raise a concern. You need to trust him and have a confidence in the process of training.

It might happen that you subscribe in a group, in which you are among the younger or older skiers. Do not consider your age as an obstacle and feel comfortable to express yourself when you want to say or ask something.

Some tips you may consider
Ski groups can fill up fast and if there is a possibility to sign up for the ski lessons online, do it. In that way you will ensure yourself a place in the mostly preferred class. You may decide to sign up in a more advanced group but do not overestimate your abilities. Most probably you will not be ready for the lessons yet.

If the lessons refer to your child, check if there is an after school learn-to-ski program available. Many schools have such a possibility and they provide ski equipment, a lesson and transportation for a reasonable fee. Your child will be happier to have fun while learning to ski. If the instructor can make fun while teaching this will be the best combination.

How to determine your ability level
In order to start from the correct stage in the ski learning process, a necessary step is to define your current ability level. This means to classify yourself in the proper ski group according to your ski style and how well you ski. The levels belong to the beginner, intermediate or advanced classification. There might be a test to check your ski abilities, but in any case you should be able to explain to the instructor about your skiing experience.

Depending on the country you subscribe for the ski lessons, the level system might be different. Here it is an example of a ski group classification in levels.


This level is for skiers who do not have any skiing experience and start from zero.


Level two is appropriate for skiers who know the basics in skiing: how to turn, stop and especially the technique of the snow plow. There are different teaching methods for snow plow but in general it refers to skiing on a not very steep hill, with bended forward body, knees also bended and assembled, your hands above the thighs. The skis should form the V- position, which means the tips of the skis are close and the tails more distant. If performed correctly, this technique allows you to slow down the speed when skiing.


At this level the skiers learn to be confident in snow plow they know how to make round turns and to stop. The easy beginner trails are just for them.


At Level Four skiers are already classified among the intermediates who can slide smoothly and link turns but still at slow to moderate speed. At this stage they prefer the green and easy blue runs, but after the course they can begin to ski on more intermediate blue runs.


At this level the intermediates are able to ski well on easy blue runs but they may be not so confident on the trails that are slightly steep or icy. The skiers learn to make parallel turns.


This is the level in which skiers can make parallel turns well (using the poles to point turns) and slide on blue and not very advanced trails. From this level on, the skier starts to learn skiing on more challenging terrain.


During this class, skiers can make parallel turns very well and they are able to control their speed and length of the turns. The skiers can perform excellent on the blue runs, good on black diamond trails but seek to improve their skills on different type of terrain and snow.


No matter the terrain and the snow conditions, Level Eight skiers can ski with good technique, even through ski moguls. In this class they are able to ski confidently on black diamond trails using carved turns.


Level Nine skiers are very professional and are able to hit the difficult ski terrains, ski moguls, steeps, and different types of black diamond terrain.

First time at the chairlift Chairlift is widely used as a transporting installation, besides the gondola and the rope tow. Learning how to get on and off the chairlift is among the first things the instructors include in the ski course. It is recommended to think in advance about certain things before getting on the lift, such as to check up your ski equipment: gloves, poles, goggles, etc and that your lift ticket or card is visible or handy for taking out. Once your turn for the chairlift comes, you will have to watch out for your own chairlift and hold both poles in one hand. The right position for your skis is with the points up, while waiting the chair. When it reaches you, bend and sit, using your free hand to hold on and balance, if needed.

How to ski safely on a crowded trail
It happens that in high season the mountain resorts are full of skiers who impatiently wait to hit the slopes. It is difficult to ski when there are crowds on your trail, so you should be careful in order to protect yourself and the others. Tough moment is when you have to pass some narrow passages and slalom between the other skiers. Skiing safely decreases the possibility of eventual collision and the negative consequences afterwards. For this purpose it is necessary to follow certain tips.

It is hard to maintain control on a crowded trail even when skiing slowly, so it is highly recommended to speed moderately and to respect the others on the slope, especially the children by giving them as much space as possible. In case you need to stop, try to turn back and find the moment to make it gradually by slowing down and pulling over to the side of the trail.

If you fall, try to get up as soon as possible and move to one side of the trail. Otherwise, you will become an obstacle for the coming skiers and you risk causing a collision.

Snow plow for beginners
The technique of snow plow is probably the most traditional and basic position among the ones for beginners. In generally, the most appropriate is to use a not very steep hill in order to practice it properly. It refers to the stand when you squat a little bit and bend your knees slightly, with your hands positioned above your thighs. You have to keep the tips of your skis close together and the tails of the skis more distant, forming a forward facing V position. How can you perform this technique? Choose a gently steeped hill and stand calmly. Wait for the gravity to turn you downwards and then stand in snow plow position. The fact that the hill is slightly graded and your skis form a natural angulation will prevent you from speeding too much.

It even happens the novices get used to the snow plow technique so much that afterwards prefer the V-position as an easier method than trying to learn skiing with assembled skis. After improving the skills, it is necessary to get rid of this habit but for the beginners it is the perfect solution for a relaxed skiing.

Falling correctly on the slope
Most skiers fear of skiing because of the eventual falling. It is better if the snow surface is softer and if you fall on a hard-pack snow, it can hurt much. Sometimes it happens there are invisible rocks underneath the snow, which can cause troubles. If possible, before heading down the hill, try to judge in the same time the length of the slope and type of snow in order to predict at some extent the consequences of falling. After you overcome the shame of the falling, you will be able to proceed with learning to ski. Do not underestimate falling but consider the following techniques to minimize the danger of injuries. You need to overcome psychologically the fear of falling and understand that more important is to react properly. That is why you can prevent possible hard falling, if you choose a ski trail with more space for making turns and plan how to make them between the cliffs. The larger terrain and safe skiing will provide you more space in case of a fall. Before descending, have a look at the slope for icy areas and uneven terrain to make your imaginative trail and plan your descent. Learn and practice how to fall correctly. Usually there is no time for thinking but you can develop a habit how to do it properly. In this sense, instead of extending your arm in case of a fall, try to bend your elbow. That is to prevent allocating the enormous pressure in the arm and protect your shoulder from dislocating. Keep off the straps of your ski poles during the descent. The abrasive ski clothing is recommended more than the other ski pants materials in order to speed down while sliding.

How to avoid errors and some protection techniques
It is very common that after a fall, the beginners slide down with their head first and hands extended in front for instinctive protection. This way the speed is increasing, especially if the slope is icy or hard and you cannot avoid all the obstacles on your way down. Remember to keep both your skis together while falling and try to put them across the hill in order to speed down and protect yourself from the unseen objects.

Another wrong position that the beginners take when loose balance in skiing, is to sit backside and even on the tails of the skis. This is not correct, because practically they force the speed and it is more difficult to make a turn and stop. Follow the principle in skiing always to keep both your skis at one side with direction across the hill.

In bad weather conditions, for example when it is foggy or you ski in a deep snow powder, there is a danger that other skiers cannot see you. If it happens that you fall, try to get up quickly in order to be visible for the others. In case you do not succeed to get up fast, just try to protect your head and move away from the centre of the run as soon as possible.

The ski poles are your helping device in case of a falling. An important technique is to arrest and keep your skis in position across the hill to speed down and protect your body from obstacles that you are not able to see. Once you fall, it is better to slide to a place with softer snow and ticker snow cover. Then stick your poles on the both sides of the skis and rely more on them then using only your body strengths to stand up. The ski pole grips will also help you to stop faster, in case the terrain is not very icy, otherwise it is almost impossible to stick the poles.

Getting up from a fall
Once you fall, usually it is hard to get up and it takes you more energy and efforts to manage the situation than expected. That is why you have to consider some important advices.

The basic rule in skiing (in this case falling), as well as getting up from a fall is to keep your skis together and across the hill, otherwise you risk to take a position of your body, which can cause you injuries or strains. If you take both the ski poles on your upper side, this will make your pulling up easier. In case you have a rucksack on your back, put it down while trying to get up. Remember to put always the weight on the downhill ski, especially on steep terrain thus you will keep the balance. Try to take a stable position while getting up. Save your energy and make the attempts gradually, without much hurry.

If you fall on a very soft snow, powder or deep snow terrain, your ski poles will sink down in the snow and it can be hard reaching a hard surface. In this case, useful technique is to put your poles in an X position on the upper side next to your hip. Cross the poles and push down, while keeping your skis downside from you. A little bit more effort and you will be again on your feet.

Basic things about making turns
There are several things that you have to remember about the role of your feet in making turns. The foot on the downhill side provides the basic balance and supports most of your weight. On the contrary, the other foot does not bear the tension of the weight; you can move and lift it freely. In the beginning of your learning, go to a gentle hill in order to see how to do the movements gradually and correctly, without speeding up too much. Keep your legs not very apart and put your skis with direction straight downhill. Start sliding and transfer the weight to the leg, opposite of the turns direction. For example, if you like to make a right turn, lighten the left foot and make C round, balancing with the right ski. After that, slide a little bit and in the same time, liberate from tension and tip the other foot in the opposite direction. After making the turn, stabilize the stance and balance, while lightening the first foot. Try to concentrate on the turn but not making other unnecessary movements like twisting the body or pushing too much on the skis. The more you keep your feet together, the easier the balance will be kept, as well as performing the turn itself. Try also to keep your speed at constant level and make not too large turns. After the first several turns, try to slide and link about 15 turns in order to learn the principle and your reactions in different situations while skiing. When you think you perform well, it is time to choose a steeper hill to see how you can react according to the slope. Some basic techniques in making turns

How to make parallel turns
After mastering the snow plow turns, it comes time to learn how to make turns with parallel skis. Indicate where to make your turn by swinging the pole, corresponding to the direction of your turn, in front of you and make your turn. Your knees have to be bent, your look and upper part of the body - always turned downhill. While tipping at one side, transfer the weight to the outside ski for the turn. Each ski has its own role the one downhill controls the size of the turn, whereas the uphill ski defines the direction of the turn. Your skis have to be parallel all of the time but do not try to put them too close, there should be a distance between your knees that equals approximately the width of your waist. When you finish the turn, slide a bit and prepare for the next one. You have to react fast, since the uphill ski substitutes quickly the position of the downhill one and vice the versa. With progressing in making turns, you will manage to make the parallel turns and do it quickly, especially at steeper slopes. Effective short turns When you become more advanced in parallel turns, you can learn to make short turns, which will help you to sneak in crowded trails or narrow areas. This technique is also effective at ungroomed terrain. In fact, you have to keep the balance on one stance ski, change early the ski stance and quickly - the position of the skis. These short turns refer to the high speed of movements but you have to be accurate in reactions.

Ski Traversing
It might happen that you want to cross the fall-line, while being on the slope. This passing across is nominated traversing. It is not difficult as a technique and is appropriate for performance in steep and narrow terrains or while linking turns. In traversing, the pressure is going in the outer edge of the upper ski and the inner edge of the ski that is downhill. Your balance will be kept easier if your skis are widely apart. When you pick up an end point at the slope, you can start traversing and your speed can increase if you start from higher point. While sliding, keep following the end point and maintain the same speed. In case the terrain is flat, you can speed up by stooping forward and putting your hands behind your back.