What to Expect When Taking Your First Ski or Snowboard Lesson

SnoCountry.com | By Josh Petit
Published Jan 27, 2025 at 5:15 pm

Y our first ski or snowboard lesson is such an exciting experience - you’re finally hitting the slopes and starting a winter sport! Sure, it might feel a little awkward at first (everyone has their share of wobbly moments), but that’s all part of the learning process. The key is being prepared, so you feel more confident and ready to enjoy your first day on snow. As a newbie to skiing or snowboarding, knowing what to expect can make your first lesson way less stressful, a lot more fun, and a better learning experience.

Arriving at the Resort

Getting to the ski resort is part of the adventure, but winter travel can throw some curveballs. Snowy or icy roads might slow you down, so make sure to leave extra time for the drive. Once you’re at the resort, the parking lot can be busy, but don’t stress—you’ve got this. Arriving early will help you feel more relaxed and ready for your lesson.

The A-frame snowsports ski school building at Wachusett Mountain Massachusetts

Arrive Early, Timing Is Everything

When it comes to ski days, showing up early is a game changer. Not only does it give you time to deal with winter road conditions, but it also lets you get your bearings at the resort. The base area can feel like a maze if it’s your first time, so leave time to figure out where to check in, where ski school is, and where your lesson meets. Most resorts have maps of the base area, which can be a lifesaver for finding your way around. It’s also smart to locate the bathrooms - for when nature calls - and get familiar with everything before the lesson starts. A little extra time can make your whole day feel way less hectic!

What Should You Wear to Your Lesson?

What you wear makes all the difference out there. Avoid jeans—they’ll get wet and uncomfortable fast. Instead, go for waterproof snow pants and a good jacket to keep you dry. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves, but if you're worried, don’t stress—you'll be moving around a lot in a beginner lesson, so it’s unlikely you’ll get cold. Layering is key! Wearing layers gives you the flexibility to adjust based on how you’re feeling. If you start getting too warm, you can peel off a layer, but if the temperature drops and you get chilly, you can easily add one back on to stay warm. Some other important clothing choices to consider: make sure to wear warm socks (just one pair, no need for doubles), a hat or helmet with a liner (helmets are usually part of your rental package), and a neck gaiter or scarf to keep everything nice and toasty.

Checking In for Your Lesson

Ski resort Rental shop and Snowsports school sign

Once you've made your way to the mountain, it’s time to check in for your lesson. It’s a pretty straightforward process, but it’s always good to know what to expect so you can get in and out quickly and be ready for your lesson.

Finding the Right Place to Check In

When you arrive, look for the ski school or guest services to check in for your lesson. You’ll probably see a few signs to help guide you, but just in case, don’t hesitate to ask someone for directions. Most mountains have ambassadors that will be right out front ready to provide you with directions and any information you might need. Make sure to bring your confirmation and ID (if needed) to get you signed in for your lesson. The check-in process is usually pretty simple, just give your details, get your lesson ticket, and you’re good to go!

Confirming Your Lesson Details

Once you’ve found ski school or guest services, it’s a good idea to get a few key details about your lesson. Make sure you’ve got the right time and confirm whether you’re in a group or private lesson. Double-check the level you’ve signed up for too. The ski school staff will ask questions about your experience and skill level to make sure you’re matched with the right class. While you’re at it, ask about the meeting place for your lesson and how long it will last. Taking a minute to verify all these details will help you feel more confident and ready for a smooth start to your lesson.

Getting Your Rental Equipment

 ski resort sign that gives directions to the ski and snowboard rental shop and equipment repair shop

After you’ve checked in for your lesson, it’s time to get your rental gear. This might be a little intimidating if it’s your first time but don’t worry, the rental shop staff is there to help. With the right gear and a bit of patience, you’ll be ready for your first lesson in no time.

The Ski and Snowboard Rental Shop

The rental shop can get busy, especially on weekends and school vacation weeks, but the process is pretty straightforward. First, you’ll get fitted for boots, then pick out your skis or snowboard, and finally grab a helmet (if you don’t already have one). One way of making the rental process easier is to fill out any rental forms or waivers online ahead of time if the resort offers that option. Also, get there early so there is no rush to get your gear before your scheduled lesson time. This will help keep the process as smooth as possible.

Skis and ski poles hanging from racks inside a ski resort rental shop

Getting the Proper Fit

Getting the right fit for your boots and gear is super important. it can make or break your experience on the slopes. Boots should feel snug but not painful, and your skis or snowboard should match your height and skill level. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help with adjustments; they’re pros at making sure everything fits just right. Taking the time to get properly fitted and geared up before meeting your instructor will ensure you're ready for the start of your lesson.

Going to the Meeting Point for Your Lesson

Once you’ve got your rental gear and are booted up, the next step is heading over to the lesson meeting area. This is where your experience on snow will start coming together! Finding the meeting spot is easy and usually pretty obvious. The easiest way is to ask about it when you check in, the ski school staff can point you in the right direction. Most resorts also have signs to guide you to the lesson meeting area. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing, and take that time to get familiar with your gear while you wait. It’s the perfect chance to practice buckling your boots or stepping into your skis or snowboard bindings.

A lesson meeting sign at the private lesson meeting area at Jay Peak’s Stateside base area

Meeting Your Instructor and Group

Once you’re at the meeting point, your instructor will gather everyone for introductions and give a quick overview of what to expect during the lesson. They’ll probably ask if you have any skiing or snowboarding experience and might even chat about other sports or activities you enjoy. This helps them get a sense of your ability and tailor the lesson to match your learning style. It’s a casual, friendly start so don’t hesitate to ask your instructor some questions as well. This will help to set the tone for a fun and productive lesson.

What to Expect During the Lesson

Your first ski or snowboard lesson is all about learning the basics, building confidence, and having fun. Don’t worry if things feel a little awkward at first, that’s totally normal! Your instructor will start with simple steps and gradually help you get more comfortable on the snow. From learning how to put on your skis or snowboard on, to practicing basic movements, the lesson will be paced to match your skill level and how you’re progressing. Whether you’re in a group or private lesson, the goal is to help you feel at ease, safely control your skis or snowboard, and enjoy a new winter activity.

Learning the Basics of Skiing and Snowboarding

Every ski and snowboard lesson starts with the basics. First, your instructor will walk you through your equipment, give a quick check of your gear, go over the different parts of the ski or snowboard, and how to step in and out of your bindings. This is your chance to ask questions and get comfortable with everything.

Next, you’ll learn about your stance and body position. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, how you position and move your body is key. Your instructor will show you the best way to stand and shift your weight to stay stable and in control. You’ll also practice basic movements like straight glides, turning, and stopping.

Along the way, you’ll pick up some ski or snowboard lingo, like what a “wedge” or “heelside” and “toeside” means, so you can follow instructions more easily. And of course, safety is a big focus. You’ll learn tips like how to avoid collisions, the responsibility code, and how to get up when you fall (which everyone does). Starting with these fundamentals sets you up for success and helps set a solid foundation to progress in the future.

Practicing Fundamental Skills

Once you’re comfortable with your gear and basic movements, it’s time to start practicing the fundamental skills that will help you on the slopes. Your instructor will show you how to make basic turns to come to a controlled stop, and get up if you fall or find yourself in a seated position (a very common part of learning).

These movements are often practiced while standing still before moving to a very gentle terrain, so you can focus on mastering the techniques without worrying about speed. Your instructor will demonstrate each task first, breaking it down step by step. Then, they’ll coach you through it using cues to guide you, like where to place your weight or how to position your body.

The lesson will take place on a very mellow slope, which will allow you to practice and build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll get plenty of time to try each new skill and make adjustments, with your instructor offering tips and encouragement along the way. By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll start to feel more in control and ready to take on more challenging terrain (did someone say chairlift?).

Personalized Feedback and Encouragement

One of the best parts of taking a ski or snowboard lesson is the personalized feedback and encouragement you’ll get from your instructor. They’ll pay close attention to your progress and skill level, offering advice that’s tailored specifically to you and what you need to improve on. This feedback can cover everything from your stance and body positioning to smaller details like where you’re looking as you perform a task. For example, they might point out if you’re leaning too far back or not shifting your weight correctly during a turn. They’ll also break down each exercise step by step to help you improve.

Instructors often use relatable examples to make things easier to understand. They might compare your movements to sitting in a chair or squishing a bug under your toes to help you visualize and feel the right technique. Along the way, they’ll cheer you on and celebrate your progress, helping you build confidence with each attempt. This combination of detailed feedback and positive reinforcement makes learning smoother and way more enjoyable!

After Your Lesson

When your lesson wraps up, you’ll probably feel a mix of excitement and accomplishment. Your instructor will likely take some time to review what you learned, whether it’s stopping, turning, or just getting comfortable with your gear. They might also give you a few tips for practicing on your own and an overview of what your next lesson will cover.

If you’re feeling confident and ready to keep going, they can recommend beginner-friendly areas on the mountain where you can build on what you’ve learned. Or, if you feel like you need more guidance, they might suggest signing up for another lesson to help you keep progressing.

This is also a good time to ask any last-minute questions, like which trails they recommend for your skill level, riding a beginner lift, or what skills to focus on next. Most importantly, take a moment to soak in everything you’ve learned, you just completed your first lesson, and that’s a huge step toward becoming a skilled skier or snowboarder.

Going Out to Practice

A snowboarder in a purple AK jacket riding going up a magic carpet beginner lift

After your lesson, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and put it into practice. Stick to beginner-friendly areas with gentle slopes, they’re perfect for building confidence and refining your new skills. Focus on the basics your instructor taught you, like stopping, turning, and proper body positioning (and don’t forget to look where you want to go). The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the mountains and skiing or snowboarding like a pro!

Keep Practicing and Have Fun

Now that you’ve completed your first lesson, the most important thing is to keep practicing and enjoy the experience. Remember, no matter how advanced you get, there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s refining your technique or tackling new skills to improve your skiing or riding. Don’t be afraid to take more lessons as you progress, they’ll help you continue to grow and improve. And above all, have fun! Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Every new skill you add to your bag of tricks is a step forward, and the more you enjoy the journey, the more you’ll get out of it. Remember that everyone learns at a different pace, so keep at it, and soon you’ll be cruising the slopes with the best of them!

See you on the slopes!

A group of four friends smiling and laughing on a snowy mountain during a fun day of skiing and snowboarding
SnoCountry.com | By Josh Petit
Published Jan 27, 2025 at 5:15 pm