Haven’t skied in a while? No problem, cheer up! Modern equipment and versatile ski resorts make it easier than ever to get back on the skis. In addition, winter sports keep you physically and mentally fit, offer unique nature experiences and are simply fun.
There are many ‘former’ winter sports enthusiasts who used to hit the slopes in their younger days but then, for a variety of reasons, haven’t been back to the mountains for years: family commitments, financial circumstances, physical fitness, a lack of equipment and, not least, doubts about their own ability: ‘Can I still do this?’ There’s no question about it – it’s easier than ever. Modern equipment practically skis itself, many ski resorts are extremely beginner-friendly, and the vast majority of destinations offer special courses for beginners with some prior experience. So it’s well worth taking a closer look.
1. Back on the skis no matter what age
Let’s start with a reassuring fact: there is generally no age-related restriction on venturing onto the boards for the first time or again after a long period of abstinence. Provided you don’t have any form of medical condition, there’s nothing to be said against (re)learning to ski, even at an older age. Whether you are 20, 40 or 60 years old – with the right guidance from a professional ski instructor, you can (re)learn the right turn in the snow within a few hours. A crucial point for unrestricted skiing pleasure is to lose the fear of the descent. The head plays a major role in skiing, and the associated fear of injury inhibits and further increases the risk of injury. But this hurdle can also be overcome with professional support.
2. Modern equipment makes it easier
The most compelling argument for getting back on the slopes is the technically advanced equipment. Since the advent of carving skis and rocker construction, even the very first turn has become easy for anyone to master. The rocker ski is slightly curved at both the tip and tail, creating a negative camber. It is much easier to turn and requires less effort to ski. What’s more, the skis don’t catch an edge as easily. In short: modern rocker skis make skiing much easier. Anyone who learnt on narrow skis will have a real ‘aha’ moment on a rocker-style beginner’s ski. Plus, the fact that they ‘turn on their own’ simply makes it even more fun.
3. Renting or buying skis?
One of the much-discussed questions among winter sports enthusiasts: should I buy my own skis or rent a set each time? For the beginner, renting is the best way to try out the new skis. In every ski resort there is at least one equipment rental shop that offers various models from different manufacturers. If the rented ski does not suit your skiing style, it can usually be exchanged for an equivalent model without any problems. When the desire to ski has returned and more skiing holidays are planned, you can think about buying ski equipment.
4. Beginner-friendly ski resorts
If you want to ease yourself back into skiing and brush up on what you learnt back then, you don’t need to cover many kilometres of slopes. A small to medium-sized ski resort that is clearly laid out and offers plenty of gentle slopes is more than enough. And you can find such resorts in practically every Alpine region, from Germany to Italy. The separate beginners’ area takes the fear out of it and provides enough space to get to grips with gliding and sliding at a leisurely pace. Many ski resorts also offer large practice areas with special lifts and courses to ski through. Holidays with children are no obstacle either. Virtually all ski resorts offer childcare for the little ones – whether as full-day care in the children’s area, in ski lessons or included as part of the hotel package.
5. Physical fitness
To minimise the risk of accidents, good preparation is essential. This means that coordination, fitness and the muscles should be warmed up in advance and, in the best case, continuously trained to remain agile. The fitter winter sports enthusiasts already are, the easier the effort will be on the slopes. In any case, professional help in the form of an experienced ski instructor and appropriate ski course levels are recommended.
6. Back on ski in 3 days
Due to the new equipment, it is possible to “get back” on skis in less than a week. Various ski resorts have adapted to the demand for the adult fast course.
The “Learn2Ski in 3 days” programme in Schladming-Dachstein, for example, is aimed at skiing beginners over the age of 18 and uses the so-called Fish method. According to this method, those who motivate themselves and others have more fun learning and achieve success more quickly. Without fear and with the necessary encouragement from fellow skiers, everyone should be able to make a smooth turn at the end – and if not, the course fee is refunded, according to the provider.
7. Experiences off the slopes
In general, there is a wide range of leisure activities available off the slopes. For a long time now, a successful holiday has not only been about the kilometres of pistes you ski, but also about the relaxation factor at the wellness centre, the relaxation of hiking or sledging in the surrounding area, or the party possibilities at the après-ski. A skiing holiday can offer all of this. Modern comfort cable cars with Wi-Fi and short waiting times as well as comprehensive snowmaking are standard in many ski resorts, even the smaller ones. This is especially true for ski resorts in Austria, but increasingly also in France and Italy. When stopping for a break, guests can expect a stylish hut experience, be it a lounge ambience or rustic wooden interior with deer antlers. Pleasure and well-being have thus become a significant part of a skiing holiday. This also applies to the leisure programme around the ski day. In addition to the classic après-ski, there is tobogganing, concerts, exhibitions, torchlight hikes and carriage rides. The list could go on and on. So there is something for everyone who wants to do something else after the exciting experience of learning to ski.
Anyone who has spent a winter holiday skiing knows the magic of this unique sport and nature experience. If you haven’t been on skis for a while, now is the time to get back into it.
So what are you waiting for?
