Ski and sliding
5 tips to start skiing as an adult
Do you know Clo and Clem? This young couple of bloggers will take you to the slopes of Alpe d’Huez and Les Orres. Like Clo, discover skiing as an adult. Read the advice given to them by ESF instructors on how to learn to ski at any age and how to have the right reflexes.
It’s perfectly possible to start skiing as an adult. The key is to get off to a good start so that you can progress smoothly and safely. Clo and Clem have tested ski lessons for adult beginners with the ESF (Ecole du Ski Français). Find out what they think and their useful tips for making your first tracks in complete peace of mind.
How does a ski lesson for adults work?
“In the morning or afternoon, we meet the instructor at the meeting point. During the very first lesson, the instructor will explain the basics and the safety instructions. He’ll reassure us that we can control our speed thanks to the snowplough, and explain that if we fall, the ski will automatically detach from the foot so that we don’t hurt ourselves. If you buy skis according to your level, it will also be easier for you and your first descent. Then you’re off onto the first slopes, which are specially designed for beginners.
The instructor sets an example, and then it’s our turn. He gives us instructions on how to improve. The first descent can be scary but don’t worry, this fear disappears quite quickly.
When the instructor thinks we’re good enough, he’ll take us to a bigger slope”.
5 tips to get you started and help you take the plunge
During ski lessons, your instructor will teach you the basic ski manoeuvres (snowplough, skater’s stride, turns….). There’s no secret to improving your technique: nothing beats practice! Here are the 5 tips the instructors gave Clo and Clem for starting out on the slopes.
#1 – Lean forward
The first thing the instructor taught us was the position to adopt on the skis. And strange as it may seem, on skis you have to lean forward (bend your shins forward).
We tend to put our body backwards for fear of falling, and it’s precisely the opposite! Don’t worry, the equipment is specially designed for this position. You’ll see that your feet are slightly behind the skis. To find your balance, you need to lean forward. You’ll also be more comfortable in your boots.
#2 – Bend your knees
When you’re on the skis, remember to bend your knees (put your buttocks down but not backwards!). By bending your knees, you’ll be able to move more smoothly, which will make it easier to turn because you’ll be able to control the skis better and steer them in the right direction.
#3 – On slopes and turns, you need to lean on the outside of your ski
When you find yourself facing a slope, your reflex is to lean towards the slope and not the void. It’s the walking reflex. But when skiing, you have to do the opposite to keep your balance. Faced with a slope, you have to lean on the side of the void. If the slope is to the right, for example, you should lean on the left foot (towards the void, the outside foot). This will give you greater stability. On the bend, you should then change the foot you’re leaning on, because as you turn, the outside foot logically changes.
#4 – Enjoy the scenery
When skiing, you should always keep your head up and look towards where you’re going (and not at your skis!). By looking forward, you’ll naturally find a better balance. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery. So enjoy the view, which is generally magnificent, and trust your instincts.
#5 – Limit lessons to 2-3 hours a day
Ski lessons generally last half a day in the morning or afternoon. Some courses can also last a full day. We tested both options (full day and half day). In our opinion, it’s best to take just 2-3 hours of ski lessons a day to give yourself time to assimilate the information. If you do a full day, you get a lot of information without having time to put it all into practice. After a morning of skiing with an instructor, you can train on your own in the afternoon or take advantage of the free time to do other activities.
Thanks to Clo and Clem for their account of their winter adventure in the resorts of Alpe d’Huez and Les Orres!
Travel bloggers
“When you weren’t lucky enough to learn to ski as a child, it’s hard to believe that you can start as an adult. Rest assured, there’s no age limit for learning to ski! Clo is still a complete beginner. We had already taken ski lessons in Les Menuires last year, but we had to go back to the basics to give her back her confidence.