Skiing for Beginners: Skiing Basics: The Essentials
Every great skier or snowboarder started with the basics, and so will you! Learning the foundational skills of skiing or snowboarding is the key to having fun and feeling confident on the mountain. It’s not about speed or doing tricks on your first day—it’s about getting comfortable with the equipment, learning to stop, turn, and ride the lift, and understanding how to navigate the slopes safely.
Starting on the Slopes
Bunny Hills: Forget the Bunny Slope! At Greek Peak, we believe that learning should be intuitive and engaging. That’s why we offer terrain-based learning at our Learning Center. Instead of traditional flat slopes, we use specifically shaped terrain features like gentle rollers and mini-banks to help new skiers learn how to control speed, balance, and turns naturally. This makes skiing more fun and helps build confidence right from the start.
Beginner Trails: Once you’re comfortable in The Learning Center, try our green circle trails. These trails are generally wide and have a gentle incline, making them ideal for beginners to practice their skills.
Getting Up After a Fall: Falling is part of learning! To get up after a fall, roll onto your side, then push yourself up onto your knees. From there, plant your ski poles in the snow, and use them for support as you rise to a standing position.
Basic Techniques
Mastering a few basic techniques will help you feel more in control and enjoy your time on the mountain.
Stopping (The Pizza): Stopping is one of the first skills to learn. For beginners, the ‘pizza’ technique is the easiest way to stop. Point the tips of your skis toward each other to form a wedge shape, like a slice of pizza. The more you angle your skis inward, the slower you’ll go.
Turning: Turning is essential for controlling your speed and direction. Start with slight shifts in your body weight. To turn right, shift your weight to your left ski, and vice versa. Practice making wide, sweeping turns on gentle slopes.
Using the Ski Lift: Using the ski lift for the first time can be a bit daunting. When approaching the lift, hold your poles in one hand, sit back as the lift approaches, and let it gently scoop you up. Keep your skis pointed forward and slightly apart.
Ski School
Learning to ski with a professional instructor can make a world of difference. Our ski school offers lessons tailored to your skill level.
Benefits of Ski School: Instructors provide personalized guidance, helping you build a strong foundation in a safe and supportive environment. They can teach you everything from the basics of stopping and turning to more advanced techniques as you progress.
Lesson Options: We offer both group and private lessons. Group lessons are great for socializing and learning with others at your skill level, while private lessons provide one-on-one coaching to help you progress faster.
How to Book: You can book lessons in advance online. We recommend reserving your spot early, especially during peak times.
More Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Pro Tip #1: Start Slow: It’s tempting to hit the bigger slopes right away, but take your time on the beginner trails. Master the basics before moving on to more challenging terrain.
Pro Tip #2: Look Where You Want to Go: When skiing, look in the direction you want to move. Your body will naturally follow your gaze, helping you make smoother turns.
Common Mistake: Leaning Back: Beginners often lean back when they feel out of control, but this makes it harder to turn and stop. Focus on keeping your weight forward over the middle of your skis.
Common Mistake: Ignoring Signs: Trail signs are there for your safety. Pay attention to them, especially those indicating trail difficulty, and stay on trails suited to your skill level.
