Best practices for beginner skiers

Learning to ski means taking on a challenge and discovering new sensations. Your first slides may feel clumsy, but they open the door to progress, pride, and great memories. By following beginner best practices, every fall becomes a lesson, every improvement builds confidence, and every run becomes a small victory on your path to freedom on the snow.

Learning to ski doesn’t start on the slopes. Good preparation increases your chances of progressing quickly and safely.

Physical preparation and warm-up

Skiing works your legs, back, and balance. Before your holiday, light cardio (fast walking, cycling), core training and stretching help build endurance. On-site, take ten minutes to warm up: squats, arm rotations, light stretching — it all helps prevent injuries.

Choosing the right equipment

Beginner-friendly gear makes a huge difference. Choose short, forgiving skis, comfortable well-tightened boots, and don’t skip the helmet. Poles that are too long or boots poorly adjusted can slow down your progress. Your safest option: a professional rental shop.

Dressing properly

Comfort on the slopes also depends on your outfit. Layer three levels:

• A breathable base layer

• A warm fleece

• A waterproof jacket

Add gloves, ski goggles and a neck warmer to protect yourself from cold, wind and sun. A skier who’s warm and comfortable stays focused longer and has more fun.

Learning to ski is a step-by-step journey. Even with motivation, some mistakes can slow you down.

• Choosing a slope that’s too difficult too soon

• Skipping breaks and forgetting to hydrate

Better spend time mastering the basics on a green slope than rushing onto a blue or red one and getting discouraged. Patience is your best ally to enjoy every run.

Take ski lessons

Ski lessons are the safest and fastest way to improve. An instructor teaches proper movements, corrects positions and prevents you from developing bad habits. Their personalised tips help you progress faster.

Start in learning areas

Begin with wide, gentle green slopes. Once you feel comfortable, move on to blues to practise turns and endurance. Respecting this progression avoids frustration and unnecessary falls.

Learning how to get up after a fall

Falling is part of the process. To get up easily, place your skis perpendicular to the slope, push on your poles and rise gradually. This simple trick helps you regain confidence quickly.

Follow safety rules and slope etiquette

Safety comes first: control your speed, respect lift queues and stay aware of other skiers.

At Les 2 Alpes, skier safety is a core value. The Ski Safe program helps visitors adopt best practices.

It highlights simple rules:

• Wear a helmet

• Adapt your speed

• Respect right-of-way

• Stay alert in beginner areas

Thanks to signs, practical tips and adapted zones, beginners learn in a reassuring environment.

Practice simple drills to strengthen technique:

• Walk with skis on flat terrain

• Practise snowplough braking on a gentle slope

• Repeat small turns to improve balance and coordination

Children often progress faster with playful exercises. A few minutes of practice each session builds solid basics and reduces mistakes.

Mindset matters too:

• Be patient

• Celebrate small victories

• Share the experience

• Practise several days in a row to boost confidence

How do I know if my ski equipment is suitable?

It must be the right size and correctly adjusted. Skis that are too long or boots that are too stiff make learning harder.

What’s the best slope to start on?

Learning areas, wide and gently sloped, are ideal to practise snowplough and gain confidence.

Are group lessons useful?

Yes — they combine instruction, adapted exercises and group motivation. They’re also cheaper than private lessons.

How do I manage fear of speed when skiing?

Slow down with the snowplough and look ahead. The more control you have, the more confidence returns.