Outdoor activities are restricted during the winter.
One of the winter activities that many people enjoy during the colder months of the year is hitting the slopes, skiing or snowboarding.
Learning to ski or snowboard for the first time as an adult can be difficult and frustrating, especially when kids are passing you at breakneck speeds on the slopes.
Visit New England ski resorts this winter for breathtaking views and beginner and expert slopes.
If you've always wanted to try skiing or snowboarding, there's never been a better time to start.
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you go along.
If you're looking for a new hobby to try this winter, consider learning to ski or snowboard. (St. Petersburg)
- skiing and snowboarding
- TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
- Invest in safety equipment to keep you comfortable
- Choose your first mountain wisely
- take a lesson
- ski like no one is watching
- Let's make it an experience
1. Skiing and snowboarding
The first step on your journey is deciding whether you want to learn to ski or snowboard.
It's widely believed that skiing is easier to get into, but that varies from person to person.
If it's 50/50 what you want to learn, you can always spend one day skiing and the next snowboarding to get a feel for which is more fun and will help you improve faster.
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You should consider this if you are planning to go skiing or snowboarding with family or friends who have skiing or snowboarding experience.
You can always pay for lessons, but if you don't want to pay and all your friends ski, your best bet may be to ski to help with the lessons.
Whether you ski or snowboard is a matter of personal preference. Both have their challenges and each requires practice. (St. Petersburg)
2. Try before you buy
Neither skiing nor snowboarding are cheap hobbies.
Skiing and snowboarding are relatively expensive activities, both in terms of the cost of getting started and the cost of getting to the mountains.
Lift tickets can be expensive, but many locations sell season passes that can bring prices down.
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Before spending hundreds of dollars (or more) on equipment, it may be wise to choose rental, at least for the first visit.
At least the first few times, it's wise to check whether this activity is something you want to continue and rent equipment before investing in expensive equipment.
Before purchasing expensive gear, it's worth considering renting first until you know it's an activity you want to continue. (Phil Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images)
If you've rented it once or twice and are determined to continue learning, it may be time to start looking into equipment.
3. Invest in safety equipment that will keep you comfortable.
While it's wise to try out expensive gear before you buy, buy gear that makes you feel comfortable while learning.
For example, it might be a mistake to buy a snowboard before hitting the slopes for the first time, but it might be worth it to buy warm winter clothes that will keep you comfortable while practicing.
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You may also consider purchasing padded shorts or knee pads, which can provide extra cushioning in the event of a fall. If knowing there's an extra layer of padding makes your nerves feel better, it's worth the purchase.
Goggles are commonly worn on the slopes and are a fairly inexpensive accessory. If you want to enhance your experience but are not ready to invest in expensive equipment, this is a great item to start with.
If you want to buy accessories when starting your skiing or snowboarding journey, goggles are a good choice. These are commonly worn and relatively inexpensive. (St. Petersburg)
4. Choose your first pile wisely.
Deciding on your first destination to learn to ski or snowboard is essential to your success.
First, you need to choose a location that is beginner-friendly. You can determine this by checking trail maps online before you set out. Different levels of difficulty are marked on the trail map. So check to see if the place you're going has a beginner's learning trail.
Getting off the elevator itself takes some practice.
A great way to learn is at a place known as Bunny Hill. These beginner hills are not steep and often have carpet lifts.
These carpet lifts are less intimidating than chair lifts because you simply ride a moving belt to the top of the hill.
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Getting off the elevator itself takes some practice. Therefore, utilizing a carpet lift is a good way to feel more comfortable.
When looking for a destination to visit for the first time, look for one with a carpet elevator so you can be sure it's a good place to study.
Carpet lifts and moving walkways are great for beginners and can get you up the mountain easier than chairlifts. (St. Petersburg)
5. Take lessons
Taking lessons is a great way to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding.
Many places offer beginner lessons for an additional fee.
You can also take lessons with a family member or friend who can teach you.
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Being around experienced skiers and snowboarders is invaluable in your own learning.
6. Ski like no one is watching
Learning to ski or snowboard as an adult can be difficult.
Especially when you're at Rabbit Hill with young children who have likely been walking on the slopes since they could walk.
You don't have to worry about people around you or be afraid of looking silly on the bunny ramp.
At any time during the winter, the mountain will be filled with people of varying levels of experience. Don't be shy about your own journey. Focus on doing what you can to progress. (St. Petersburg)
Everyone has to start somewhere, so give yourself space as you learn.
7. Make it an experience
When you're learning to ski or snowboard, try to maximize your experience from time to time.
Ski resorts often offer luxury hotels with amenities such as outdoor fireplaces, heated pools, cabin tubs, and on-site restaurants.
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Booking a stay at one of these resorts will make your experience even more enjoyable.
After a long day of skiing or snowboarding, it's great to return to your cozy hotel, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy a delicious meal.
