You’ve always been tempted to try skiing, but you’re lingering on the sidelines. The benefits are obvious—being outside in white-frosted mountains, gliding on glistening snow, and sharing après-ski fun with friends and family. But doubts and questions are holding you back: What if it’s too hard to learn? What if I don’t have ski gear? What if I fall? How much will it cost?
We get it. That’s why we brought in the experts—California ski instructors and ski school directors—and asked them everything there is to know about learning to ski. Read through their answers, follow their guidance, and soon you’ll be clicking in to your bindings and cheering for snow.
How do I know if I’m fit enough to learn how to ski?
For a first-timer, strength and aerobic fitness don’t help much. “Long-distance runners are super fit, but they’re not always great at learning to ski,” says Robin Barnes, director of ski services at Heavenly Ski Resort. “It’s not about being an athlete. What’s most important is to be a good learner, to be someone who can take in new information, try things out, and learn from your mistakes. Show up with an open mind and be curious about learning, and you’ll have a good experience.”
Andy Adams, ski school manager at Kirkwood, says a base level of fitness is useful, but “skiing isn’t out of reach for anyone. On your first day, you’re asked to do some physical maneuvers that you’re not used to and that require some coordination. It can be a little bit humbling, but we pace the lessons so everyone can handle it and hopefully keep practicing afterward.”
Is skiing safe? I don’t want to get injured.
“It’s surprisingly rare that anyone gets injured in a beginner ski lesson,” says Elianne Furtney, managing director of the Mountain Sports School at Palisades Tahoe. “We teach with a step-by-step learning progression on gentle terrain. The experience is designed to be safe. Beginners are sliding slowly, not speeding down a hill.”
Accidents most often occur when new skiers get ahead of themselves, Barnes says. After finishing a first lesson, a beginner might be tempted—often by their more advanced friends—to try out terrain that’s above their skill level. “It’s like you’ve just learned to walk, and then you decide to run a marathon,” she says. “You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.”
Why should I learn to ski in California?
California has 20-plus ski resorts, dotting the state, each with world-class instructors and an extensive array of lesson programs and pricing options. You can ski in the mountains east of Los Angeles or 650 miles north on Mt. Shasta’s volcanic cone—or in dozens of places in between. Resorts range in style and size from Lake Tahoe’s 6,000-acre Palisades Tahoe and 4,800-acre Heavenly, each with big-mountain amenities like glitzy restaurants and après-ski parties, to intimate ski hills like Yosemite’s Badger Pass, a mere 90 acres but with astounding scenery and history. All of California’s mountains receive deep, plentiful snow: Lake Tahoe and Sierra Nevada resorts average 300 to 400 inches per year, and Southern California resorts average 100 inches per year. No matter where you go for your first ski lesson, access is easy.
Commercial airports in Sacramento, Fresno, Ontario, Burbank, Oakland, Bishop, and other California cities make it easy to deplane in the morning and ski in the afternoon.
How do I fit in on the slopes? I don’t want to look like a newbie.
You may not understand all the ski-culture subtleties on your first day, but it makes no difference. When you’re a beginner, you’re surrounded by beginners, not Olympic champions—and your instructor has your back.
“We teach you more than how to ski,” says Caleb Lee, director of winter sports at Mountain High Ski Resort. We show you how to manage your equipment, how to put on and take off your skis properly. We make sure your boots are buckled right, what to do with your poles, and how to communicate with other skiers.”
Should I learn skiing or snowboarding?
Skiing is easier for adults to learn. “For the average person who wants to introduce themselves to snow sports, a beginner ski lesson will get you up on the mountain and enjoying yourself faster. Snowboarding has a steeper learning curve,” says Adams. Bobby Garrett, an instructor at Mammoth Mountain, adds that “within two to four hours, I can teach a very high percentage of adults the foundation of gliding on skis, but it takes much longer to learn the basics of snowboarding.”
OK, it sounds like I need lessons. Is one lesson enough?
“A lot of people think that if they take one lesson, they’ll learn enough to be able to ski all over the mountain. That’s almost never true,” Barnes says. She recommends you take a second lesson the day after your first, then spend some time mastering your skills on the beginner runs until you feel completely confident.
Most resorts sell single lessons and three-lesson packages. At China Peak Mountain Resort near Fresno, instructor Spencer NeVille says that “one lesson lets you dip your toes into skiing, but we always suggest that students take three lessons. That gives them a real plan, a foundation to become active in the sport.”
No matter where you go, your first lesson, which typically lasts for two to three hours, starts with “flatland” activities. “We do static exercises on level ground. We learn how skis slide on the snow, which is really foreign to a lot of students,” says Lee at Mountain High. After learning the basics on the flats, beginners progress to a hill with a slight incline. At some resorts, you’ll ride a chairlift to the top of the hill. Other resorts use “magic carpets” or moving conveyor belts to transport beginners.
Garrett says the first lesson is mostly about building confidence. “The whole point of the first lesson is to enjoy yourself and enjoy being on the snow. Your instructor will help you gain some skills and get comfortable performing those skills. When your first lesson is fun, you’ll want to come back and learn more.”
When will I be ready to graduate from the beginner slopes?
Some new skiers spend one day in ski school, then go home smiling and satisfied with their achievements. But others have so much fun that they want to graduate to steeper slopes and longer runs.
“Beginners come with all different expectations. Some people just want to dabble on the slopes and have a great experience for today. Other people hope that in three days they’ll be able to conquer the whole mountain,” Barnes says.
About 20 percent of resort terrain is marked with a green circle, signifying beginner slopes. Sixty percent is marked with a blue square, identifying steeper intermediate slopes. The remaining slopes are black diamond, meaning they’re for advanced or expert skiers.
There’s no shame in sticking to the green runs, but if you discover that you really like skiing, you’ll naturally want to progress. That’s why most resorts recommend a three-lesson learning progression. Your third lesson will give you the skills and confidence to handle more varied terrain.
“If you’re limited to green runs, then the mountain becomes much smaller,” Barnes says. “But after the third lesson, the whole mountain opens up for you.”
Should I take group or private lessons?
Are you a team player? That helps for group lessons, which typically include five to 10 beginners. “Group lessons are great because you’re with likeminded people who are learning just like you,” NeVille says. “Everyone starts from the same place and has the same goals, and everybody has fun because everyone is at a similar level.”
Group lessons provide the benefit of watching other beginners learn. “You're watching how and when they have successes or struggles. It’s as if you have more than one instructor because you’re constantly learning from watching everyone else,” Barnes adds.
Private lessons cost three to four times as much as group lessons, but they’re completely focused on you—or you and the companions you choose. You’ll benefit from your instructor’s full attention, says Adams. “With private lessons, everything is custom-tailored to your learning pace and style, what sports experience you’ve had in the past, and what your goals are.”
If you’re a parent who wants to learn skiing with your young children, private lessons are a must. Group lessons always separate children and adults because the different age groups learn in different ways. But in a private lesson, families can stick together.
Do I need to reserve lessons in advance, or can I just show up?
Whether you choose group or private, book lessons online and in advance. Not only do lessons often sell out on weekends and holidays, but when you book ahead, the ski school can send you information about what to bring, where to get your equipment, and what time to show up. When booking, check the age restrictions for both children’s and adult lessons—most resorts will allow kids as young as four in children’s group lessons and teenagers as young as 14 in adult group lessons.
Should I buy or rent equipment?
The gear you need for your first few days of learning is different than the gear you’ll need after you’ve progressed, so renting makes sense. Many resorts sell beginner packages that include lessons and gear rentals—skis, boots, poles, and a helmet. You’ll pay one price for everything.
Garrett strongly recommends renting directly from the resort, not from an off-mountain rental shop. “That way if there’s a problem with any of your gear, or if it doesn’t fit quite right, you can walk into the rental shop and swap it out, and you’re back at your lesson in five minutes.”
What should I wear?
Dressing for a day in the snow might seem overwhelming, but all our experts recommended the same recipe: 1) Two lightweight layers. 2) Weather-resistant outerwear. 3) Waterproof gloves. 4) Eye protection. 5) Proper socks. 6) Helmet.
“Being prepared for the elements means weather-resistant clothing, top and bottom—not your jeans,” says Furtney. But that doesn’t mean you need a big, thick parka. “If you wear light layers under a water-resistant shell, you can move more easily, and you’ll be a lot more comfortable.”
NeVille adds: “Sometimes it's sunny and 45 degrees and people really start sweating. It’s great when skiers can purge a layer if they need to.”
The recommendation: Start with a moisture-wicking inner layer made of wool or silk, then add a warm middle layer such as a fleece or insulating vest. Light layers are best. If you’re worried about getting cold, bring an extra layer with you rather than wearing something thick and heavy.
Your gloves should be waterproof, Barnes says. “You’re going to touch your skis, touch the snow, touch things that are wet. If you’re wearing knit gloves or gloves that soak up water, your hands are going to get cold.”
She adds that “new skiers often forget to bring goggles or sunglasses, and their eyes can get sunburned. Even if it’s a cloudy day, the snow and high elevation are hard on your eyes. If it’s snowing, goggles are the only option because sunglasses fog up. If it’s not snowing, sunglasses will suffice.”
Good socks are key, says Adams. “I see way too many people wearing cotton athletic socks, and too many people wearing multiple pairs of socks. Your feet will get wet and cold in cotton, and multiple pairs create pressure points and blisters.” Any thin, calf-height sock made out of a synthetic fiber will work, or you can purchase ski-specific socks.
In California, helmets aren’t required for skiers older than 18, but most ski schools provide them for free. Mary Wormsbecker, Big Bear Mountain Resort’s ski school director, says that instructors always wear helmets, and it’s not just ski-school policy. “They want to protect themselves, and they want to set a good example.”
How do I prepare for the altitude?
Wormsbecker says new skiers often underestimate the altitude’s effects. Most California ski resorts are at 6,000 feet in elevation or higher, and Big Bear is at 7,100 feet. “The air is very, very dry. Sometimes people will get headaches or feel a little lightheaded. We tell people to thoroughly hydrate the day before they come to the mountains, and chug a full bottle of water right before their lesson starts.”
Besides drinking extra water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine will also help you adapt to the high elevation. And you should protect your skin and lips from the sun—even if it’s a cloudy day. The UV light is much more intense in the mountains than at sea level. Apply sunscreen and lip balm at least 30 minutes before going outside, then re-apply every two to three hours.
When is the best time to go?
From December to April, the California ski season is in full swing. Many resorts open as early as Thanksgiving and a few remain open until June or sometimes even July. That gives you 150 to 250 days to learn how to ski, so choose wisely, says Adams.
“You’re definitely going to have a better experience and get more personal attention if you come midweek. There are less people on the slopes, on the roads, in the parking lot, and at the learning area. For beginners, that makes everything a lot easier.”
Don’t think you need to wait for a big snowfall, says Lee. “A lot of fresh snow doesn’t make a huge difference when you’re learning, and a big storm makes the resort busier.”
Taking your first lesson early in the winter has one advantage: You have a long window to return for additional lessons or to practice your newfound skills, rather than having to wait until next year.
OK, I’ve booked lessons and rentals, and I have my ski clothes. What else do I need?
If you don’t live close to a ski resort, you’ll need lodging. Ideally, your hotel room will be near the resort where you’re taking lessons—you’ll want to spend more time on the slopes and less time in the car. Look into transportation options from your hotel. Mountain towns like South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Mammoth Lakes offer shuttle services to some ski resorts, saving you the hassle of driving and parking.
Make sure your car is prepared for the mountains, where roads may be snow-covered or icy. For winter driving in the mountains, California law requires that your car has four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and snow tires. If your car is only two-wheel-drive, you must carry tire chains or cables, which wrap around your tires to provide traction in snow and ice. When flashing highway signs indicate “chain control” conditions, you’ll need to stop at a checkpoint and install your chains.
You can buy tire chains or cables at any well-stocked auto parts store (be sure to purchase the correct tire size). And since “chain control conditions” typically happen during a storm, it’s smart to practice installing and removing tire chains in your sunny driveway before you drive to the mountains.
Watch the weather forecast as your ski trip draws closer. A major storm can create treacherous travel conditions and possibly even shut down the road to your ski resort. Knowing the forecast will help you decide how much time to allow for driving to the mountains.
What’s all this going to cost?
That all depends on where and when. During Christmas-to-New Year’s week or Presidents’ Day week, prices are at their highest. But there are deals galore during ordinary midweek days. Spend some time online at the resorts’ websites, and you can find adult group lesson-and-rental packages for as low as $100 to $150 per day (less than a single-day lift ticket, in many cases).
For the items you need to wear or bring—ski clothes, gloves, goggles, and so on—keep in mind that beginners don’t need top-of-the-line gear. You can borrow clothes from your skiing friends, or buy low-cost ski wear from big-box stores or even thrift shops. “You don’t need to have brand new gear when you’re starting out. What matters is that you’re warm, dry, and comfortable,” says Lee at Mountain High.
Any final words of encouragement?
Barnes says that by learning to ski, you’ll gain a confidence that can translate into other parts of your life. “When you start to feel independent on skis, feel some rhythm, feel the wind in your face, it feels really great and empowering. You’ve accomplished something completely new, something you weren’t sure if you could do.”
I’m going to give it a shot. But which California resort should I go to?
You can’t go wrong here. Every California resort offers lessons, rentals, and special discounts and perks to attract new skiers, both adults and children. As a beginner, you’re going to spend most of your time at the resort’s learning area and on gentle beginner runs, so any resort will do. To narrow down your options, think about what else matters to you. Do you want a wealth of shopping and dining options? Do you want to sleep in a hotel that’s right on the slopes? Are you traveling with companions who want easy access to other snow activities, like snow-tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling? With so many great resorts to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite place to hit the slopes in California.
Snow Lingo
Après-ski: French term that means “after skiing.” This is the time when you take off your boots and kick back with friends to talk about the great day you just had.
Bunny hill: Old-timey nickname for a ski resort’s learning area
Carving: The process of digging in the edge of your skis to make a smooth turn
Powder: Extremely light, fluffy snow that falls during periods of cold temperatures and low humidity. Powder is a joy to ski in and the opposite of “Sierra cement,” which is very wet, heavy snow.
Corduroy: Freshly groomed snow that’s machine-packed into a ribbed texture that resembles corduroy
Terrain park: A designated area at a resort dotted with jumps, rails, and other manmade features that allow advanced skiers and snowboarders to perform awesome tricks
Halfpipe: A U-shaped channel carved out of the snow that’s a popular terrain-park feature
First tracks: Getting up super early to catch the first chairlift up the mountain and be the first skier on the freshly groomed runs