How Many Ski Lessons Do You Need?

How Many Ski Lessons Do You Need?

The burning question, the ultimate query between student and instructor.

In my seven years of work on the slopes, almost every student has asked me the same thing.

Let’s break away from the habit of instructors “lying” to give you a specific answer – because there is no definitive answer!

What Does “Learning to Ski” Even Mean?                                          
Does it mean:

• Safely skiing down a blue slope?
• Confidently navigating all slopes?
• Perfecting ski technique?
• Carving, rapid turns, and other advanced techniques?
• Skiing on all terrains?

I could go on, but the point is clear – the question isn’t precise enough.

If you truly want to dedicate yourself to ski technique and enjoy the control and performance of skis, the learning process will never truly end. That’s the charm of skiing – every year, you learn something new and improve. You’ll fall in love with the process and the sport itself.

How Many Lessons Are Needed to Ski Down a Blue Slope?

If your question is: "How many lessons do I need to ski down a blue slope independently?" the answer is still tricky. It depends on factors such as:

• Previous Experience
  Those skills will ease your ski learning process if you’ve tried similar sports like snowboarding, rollerblading, ice skating, or cycling.
• Sports Background
  General experience in other sports helps develop basic skills that aid in learning new activities, such as skiing.
• Physical Fitness
  Learning new skills requires more physical exertion due to tension and unfamiliarity. Being physically fit is an advantage for easier learning and injury prevention.
• Age
  Children often learn faster due to their flexibility, lack of fear, and sensitivity to rapid learning. Adults can also learn quickly, but as age increases, the process may slow slightly.
• Talent
  Skiing involves specific, atypical movements, and it might not “click” right away. Don’t let this discourage you. Show perseverance – the reward is always worth it.
• Instructor Quality
  An experienced and patient instructor can significantly speed up your learning process by tailoring their approach to your needs.
• Fear
  Fear is often the biggest obstacle to progress. If a beginner is afraid of speed, crowded slopes, or falling, this will slow down the learning process.
• Lesson Frequency
  I always recommend two-hour sessions to my students. Don’t expect much if you only have one hour of lessons per day.
• Proper Equipment
  Avoid coming to lessons with skis shorter than your chin. Ensure your boots are comfortable before hitting the slopes. (You can read more about equipment here.)

Conclusion

Always opt for two-hour lessons!

If budget is a concern, you’ll need a minimum of 4 to 10 lessons for independent skiing on gentle slopes. However, this doesn’t mean you’re a skilled skier yet; you’re still a potential hazard on the slopes, so avoid skiing fast. In this case, book just the first session and arrange additional lessons with your instructor as needed. Respect others’ time and avoid canceling lessons last minute.

My Recommendation:
Take a two-hour session daily during your first ski season. More ambitious skiers sometimes book four hours a day, which is fine if you have the strength and energy. Follow your instincts and don’t overdo it.

Now that you have a rough idea of how many lessons you’ll need, it might be time to book one. Don’t wait until the last minute when all instructors are fully booked.

Ski Instructor, Boško Božović