Q&A for How to Ski

I would recommend training on a simulator close to home where you won't have all the expenses and other things involved with learning to ski. If that's not possible, definitely watch some videos and then take a lesson right when you get to the snow. Let them know you're a beginner. I recommend a private lesson if you can afford it.

No, it's never too late to learn. There will likely be instructors there and very small hills you can practice on until you get comfortable.

Since all children learn differently, and at different speeds, it is impossible to give a certain amount of time. Children do tend to learn quicker than adults, however.

If you are really comfortable with the blue intermediate runs, that would be the best time to attempt a black diamond.

It is when you turn your skis inward to form a triangle. The tip of the triangle is in front of you and the crust of the "pizza" would be behind you. This will help you slow down.

Either take the skis off if it is safe to do so, or crouch with skis parallel and stand up.

You can learn to ski at any age. Some people start as young as 3 years old, and other people continue skiing until they are 100 years old!

Almost all the ski goggles (except a few that are super cheap) are anti-fog. Check the details in the description to make sure they are before buying. Also check the Q & A section on the page.

When using the pizza technique, make sure that the inside edges of both of your skis are digging into the snow. Another method that is used more on steeper slopes is the side slide. To side slide, face your skis across the trail. Have both of your uphill edges dug into the slope so you don't move. When you are ready to move, slowly release the edges until you start to move. If you get going too fast, dig your uphill edges in again.

They're both good, but in different ways. Snowboarding is easier to learn. Neither is "better" -- it's a matter of personal preference.

In most cases, black diamond trails will have similar snow conditions. What makes them harder is their steepness, terrain, obstacles, etc. Certain black diamonds may be more prone to icing over, and thus have better snow conditions, but this is the exception, not the rule.

Carver skis are meant for carve turns. In a carve turn you are much closer to the snow, especially your upper body. Because of this, if you were to slip when entering a carve turn or go too low, your shoulder would be the part of you that would hit the ground and absorb the full force of your body when you fall. It is not the skis themselves that are more likely to injure someone, but it is the type of turning that they are meant for that causes more shoulder injuries.

It depends on which ski road you're skiing. On green roads, you don't really need them, but they're definitely recommended for more advanced runs.

I think that you should be very careful. Do not go on any courses above green. Also, see your doctor for help.

Put weight on your outside ski while pushing it away from your body. Also, keep in mind the outside ski should be kept parallel to the inside ski.

Try removing your skis on the ski lift so you don't fall due to the weight unbalance.

There should be a key in the corner of the map that tells you what each symbol is. Otherwise, ask around for help, such as at the kiosk or other skiers.

You don't really need to practice before skiing. The best practice comes from doing trails and gaining experience. If you feel like there's a need, about 3-5 weeks in advance will be fine.

Once you learn how to do parallel, then you can basically do any trail. I recommend taking lessons until you get there, though.

It is recommended to ski only with boots that fit your foot perfectly. Skiing with boots too small can be very uncomfortable and can be a safety hazard as you won't have the needed control over the skis. Change those tiny boots for ones that fit and if you cannot, then wait out the skiing until you can.

Wearing a helmet is not required unless the ski resort explicitly states otherwise. It is still recommended to wear one though, especially if you are going on an intermediate blue slope or harder, or if you are a beginner.