It’s certainly been said many times that learning to cross country ski is easy. In fact, it is. The old adage “if you can walk, you can ski” has some truth to it. However, it would be more accurate to say, "if you can walk, you can walk on skis." But that really isn’t cross country skiing at its best. Learning to glide on skis—this brings the feeling that has so many hooked on the sport
In a lesson, we will speed you along the learning curve. You will be enjoying the delight of gliding and controlling your skis and poles far more quickly than if you tried to figure it out on your own. A lesson will teach you the rhythm of applying power for propulsion, followed by a relaxed state during which you ride your glide. In other words, our lessons will teach you good ski technique, and good technique is what makes skiing fun.
Taking a lesson from a professional also eliminates the “complications” that learning from a family member or a significant other can create.
While it is great to have your first day on skis happen on a beautiful, packed powder snow day, taking a lesson on a day with more challenging conditions is definitely a wise choice. Your instructor can anticipate the challenges of the conditions, and better prepare you to ski safely.
Part of a successful first day on snow is knowing what to expect. You won’t be ready for the Olympics, but you will be gliding and having fun. By the end of your lesson, you will be able to explore the easiest trails at Great Glen Trails.
Here’s how our lessons work:
• First, we match you with skis, boots and poles from our rental fleet. But we won’t just hand you the set and send you on your way. You will meet your instructor, and inside the lodge you’ll learn a little about the equipment and how to put on your skis and use your poles. Then it’s out on the snow.
• The most important part of learning to ski is often overlooked—being comfortable just standing on your skis. We’ll help you get familiar with moving around on your skis on a flat surface.
• Now that you’re comfortable on skis, you need to learn how to get up. Sooner or later, all skiers take a tumble on the snow. That’s OK, even the most seasoned skiers take a fall from time to time. It’s part of the learning process, and not something to fear. The key is knowing how to get up. Even before we head out onto the trails, we’ll show you how to get up . . . and get up gracefully.
• Next, we head out to the teaching area where you’ll really learn how to ski. You will learn the athletic body position for stability on downhills. You’ll learn to control your speed by angling your skis while gliding down a small incline. You will learn the correct body position for efficient skiing on flats and uphills. You will learn the timing of using your skis and poles and learn how to use the poles to add to your glide. You will learn and practice the kick and glide that makes cross-country skiing so much fun. You will try the herringbone technique for conquering steeper hills.
• Sound like a lot? Don’t worry, your instructor will work with you every step of the way. And your instructor will make sure you’re having fun.
What Should I Expect from a Beginner Lesson? >
