5 Common Beginner Skiing Mistakes

Don't worry beginners, Ski Hostel has got your back!

Skiing is a thrilling winter sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. However, for beginners, it can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. Whether you're a first-time skier or still getting the hang of it, it's essential to be aware of the most common mistakes that beginners make. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can expedite the learning process, progress from the basic slopes quickly and maximise your time on the mountain. In this article, the Ski Hostel instructor team will share the 5 most common mistakes they see made by skiing beginners and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Don't forget your helmet! 😳

Mistake #1: Leaning back too much

Many beginners find themselves perpetually in the back seat. The skis rush away down the slope at speed leaving the beginner caught on their heels. I like to call this the 'banana skin effect'. This starts as a mistake, but often becomes ingrained as a habit. Many skiers end up spending their whole skiing career leaning back because they never corrected the issues on the beginner slope. Leaning back causes your legs to tire faster as it puts more pressure on your quads. In addition, you will have less control over the skis and find yourself 'pushing' them around rather than actually driving your skis with control.

My advice is to think about keeping your weight on the balls of your feet at all times. Your entire body should remain over the centre of the skis and your shins should be resting on the front of your ski boots.

Mistake #2: Hunching forward

Many beginners start in the leaning back position, but then try to address the issue by hunching too far forward! This is another catastrophic error that plagues skiers across the mountain if not properly corrected on the beginner slope. The amazing thing is that most people who are hunching forward have too much weight on their heels. You will see their hips are still sitting over the back of the skis, but they have folded over from the waist in a desperate attempt to lean forward. My advice is instead of focussing so much on leaning forward by arching your upper back, focus more attention on getting your hips over the top of your feet and bringing your shins into contact with the ski boots. This will ensure you're balanced in the 'forward' position, rather than hunching.

Mistake #3: Using your upper body to turn

I see so many people swinging their arms in a desperate attempt to turn the skis. The look of panic on their face is priceless, while the other group members have a few laughs at their expense. But don't worry, it happens to everyone at first! Let me tell you something: There is nothing you can do with your arms to control the skis. The skis are entirely controlled buy your feet and body movements. So no amount of arm swinging will make any difference. Instead, remain focussed on turning your feet to point the skis in the direction you would like to turn. As you progress, your focus can shift into using pressure on the outside ski to make a rounded and controlled turn. Following the advice of a good ski instructor is paramount at this stage.

Mistake #4: Looking at the floor

You need to look where you're going, not at your skis! But don't worry, this is a common mistake that happens to everyone at first. Looking at your skis will literally make your head spin. As the snow whizzes past your vision you will end up in a daze - and trust me you're not going to ski very well in that state!

Honestly, looking forward does wonders for skiing beginners. It's amazing how many issues can be resolved by just looking where you're going. You can even pick out a point in the distance, such as a tree or sign-post. Or better yet, just enjoy the beautiful view!

Mistake #5: Using poorly fitted equipment

The amount of people I have seen wearing poorly fitter ski boots or the wrong length skis is astonishing. Many of the ski shops in larger resorts are often chaotic, busy and lack the proper staffing required to check your boots actually fit your feet! The most common problem is ski boots being too big. By the way; they're not supposed to feel like slippers! Your foot should be secure inside the boot, you should not be able to move your ankle - this is paramount for safety and skill.It's best to gain an understanding of what to look out for before you arrive at the shop, so I suggest you read this article describing the best ski boots for beginners that also includes a fitting guide. Alternatively, you could just take your vacation at Ski Hostel so we can help you navigate the ski shop without any mishaps!

Common beginner question: How do I move on the flat?!

Learning how to ski on flat ground is a vital step that's often rushed past by eager beginners (and impatient instructors!). However, mastering this vital step will save you plenty of energy and embarrassment moving forwards (pun intended). The key here is to imagine you're on giant ice skates. Rather than just shuffling, you need to push! Don't be scared to use some strength, you're not going to break the skis (trust me). Use the inside edges of the skis to push yourself forward. You should feel like you're gliding across the snow. If done correctly, it should feel (relatively) effortless. Learning how to skate correctly will save you plenty of pain and suffering (and time) during your future ski trips. If you want a step-by-step skating explanation to get you started, you can find that here.

What happens next?

Sharpen your skis, try on your gear and prepare for your next ski holiday. If you do not have your own skiis yet, no panic, we got you covered. Check for our upcoming trips on the website and if you still have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to talk technique, give travel advice or chit-chat about the current snow conditions!

See you on the slopes! 🚠

Ski Hostel Team