Skiing is a fun sport, one that is challenging, very good for you, and looks pretty amazing from the outside in — untouched slopes, crisp fresh air, après skiing by the fireplace with friends, I mean, really — what’s not to adore? Here’s the thing though: if those are the things you think about when you’ve never skied before, you might find that actually bringing yourself to that first ever skiing trip is a big, scary experience. How do you know that you’re ready to try? If you need to know how to prepare for a skiing trip, especially for your first, read on!

“Skiing is ‘Good for You?’”

Yes it is! I mean, of course it’s good for you; it’s exercise. But more than that, studies have found that skiing has benefits for mental health alongside its physical benefits. Winter skiing had a positive effect on stress in collegiate students in a 2019 study, which the authors noted likely was influenced by the fact that the students were having fun while they skied! Skiing is also an outdoor sport, which means it carries with it all of the benefits of fresh air and outdoor play: improving your mood, reducing cognitive fatigue, and plenty more. And the best way to get the best out of a sport like skiing is to be prepared for your skiing trip.

“But How do I Prepare for a Skiing Trip?” 

We have three bits of advice to teach you how to prepare for a skiing trip:

1. Make sure you have all the right gear. That means a helmet, goggles, boots, proper snow pants, a warm waterproof jacket, good socks, gloves, and hand warmers too. Remember that a comfortable skier is a happy skier. When you buy or rent your skis, remember that there are many different types of skiing and many different types of skis — and you’ll have the best experience if you have the best type of ski for your intended journey. Most ski resorts have rental departments for equipment, with some even renting jackets and pants, but always check before you go to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
2. Make sure your body is ready. Exercise, practice, and do some research before you head out to your spot! If you’re new to the sport, always take a lesson so you know what to expect. And for goodness’ sake, work on your quads. If you think your quads are going to do well skiing down a mountain without some kind of prep work, then you have a very high opinion of your quads! Good leg exercises will also make it easier to turn as you ski.
3. Make sure your mind is ready. It’s okay to be nervous, and if you’re reading this article to learn how to prepare for a skiing trip because it’s your first time, you probably will be. So do what you can to help bring out your own confidence; research, exercise, and self-affirmation are great places to start. Remember to always try to ski at a pace where you are comfortably in control; as long as you can take things as they come, there’s no reason to think you’ll be anything other than absolutely fine.

Winter sports can be a lot of fun, and are often very good for you! Knowing how to prepare for a skiing trip makes all the difference in the world. With the right gear, know-how, and mindset, you may well find yourself paired with a lifelong hobby, and a new place to find focus, clarity, calm — and excitement.