Adult Beginners – It’s Never Too Late!
Learning to ski as an adult can seem quite daunting, and the older we get the more anxious we can become.
The good news is that with the latest skis, comfy boots, skilled instructors and great beginner areas you can now progress safely at any age, and your first time on snow can be a very pleasant and inspiring experience.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare and build confidence prior to that very first lesson.
> Fitness
It’s a good idea to prepare your body well before the holiday. If possible, increase your exercise level a few weeks prior to the trip. Depending on your present fitness this could include extra-long dog walks taking the hilly route! Or perhaps joining the local gym and embarking on a gentle exercise programme. When learning to ski you will need to maintain good posture and balance whilst also learning new movements with the skis. You may wake up the next day feeling muscles you never knew you had!
> Terrain and Safety
It’s crucial that you choose a resort which is good for beginners and has a large beginner area. This area should be gentle and there should also be a restaurant close by to stop for refreshments and snacks.
I would recommend choosing a school where there is an instructor who speaks your language. This will help you feel at ease but also where necessary they will be able to clearly explain to you any movements you should be making.
> Expectations
Stay realistic about your goals and try not to get carried away with what you hope to achieve during your first week. Your development speed will be largely influenced by your natural balance, levels of fatigue, strength, and fear. The key outcome should be to enjoy the experience, so adding extra pressure on yourself is only likely to create extra barriers to progress. Try to take each day at a time, go at the pace you are comfortable with and enjoy the experience.
> Explore And Have Fun!
The highlight of your first ski holiday often comes from the feeling of learning to slide around on snow with long bits of wood attached to your feet. However, there are also many other things which a resort offers such as torchlight walks, ice karting, paragliding, husky sledging, curling on ice, hot wine, local specialties like cheese fondue, or taking the gondola to the highest peak and taking in the amazing views.
Nothing comes close to the pleasure of just being in the mountains on a clear sunny day!
The Altitude winter company portfolio includes the ski and snowboard school, the Futures instructor training programmes, and Freeride Verbier – a new school dedicated to off-piste coaching in Verbier.
For more information please contact us on: 0041 27 771 6006; [email protected],
altitude-verbier.com – altitude-futures.com – freeride-verbier.com
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