Learning to ski as an adult A guide to getting off to a good start

Have you never put on a pair of skis? Do you watch your loved ones hurtling down the slopes every winter, telling yourself it’s a bit too late for you to take it up now? Good news: you’re never too old to learn to ski.

Whether you’re discovering the mountains at 25, 35, 45 or even later, learning to ski as an adult is entirely possible. The key is to take the time to experience the thrill of gliding down the slopes, progress step by step and, above all, get started in the right conditions.

So here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your first skiing experience as an adult with complete peace of mind.

©
2022 01 Esflesgets Adults 2000px Cpvalentinducrettet 17 HD

Is it really possible to learn to ski as an adult?

The answer is yes, and thank goodness!

Contrary to popular belief, skiing is not a sport that you absolutely must learn as a child. An adult is perfectly capable of mastering the basic skills needed to take up skiing: finding your balance, controlling your speed, being able to brake and turn, and then gradually progressing onto slopes suited to your ability.

The main difference between learning as an adult and as a child lies essentially in the approach to learning. As we grow up, we become more aware of the risks: fear of falling, apprehension about speed… On the contrary, technical explanations, analysing sensations and the ability to consciously replicate movements are the main advantages of learning as an adult.

The golden rule for learning to ski as an adult is quite simple: don’t try to go too fast.

Is it difficult to learn to ski as an adult?

Let’s be honest, those first few hours on skis can seem quite a challenge!

The boots are stiff, the skis slide at the slightest movement, and some movements just don’t feel natural when you’re just starting out. You’ll need to allow yourself a bit of time to get used to it.

During your first few sessions, the aim is quite simple: to feel comfortable with your equipment, find your balance, learn to control your speed and know how to stop.

Once you’ve mastered these basics, you’ll gradually start making your first turns, paving the way for your first proper runs.

How to learn to ski when you’re an adult?

Before you start dreaming of carving wide turns on a perfectly groomed slope, learning to ski as an adult begins with a few basic steps to help you feel comfortable on the slopes.

Get to know his equipment

Skis, boots, poles, helmet… Your first encounter with ski equipment can be a bit daunting!

How do you walk in ski boots? How do you put your skis on? How do you get back up after a fall?

These actions may seem obvious to an experienced skier, but they’re actually a key part of the learning process when you’re putting on skis for the very first time.

©
2022 01 Esflesgets Moniteurs 2000px Cpvalentindurecettet 8 HD

©
23 March 2026 1st Ski Festival, Cp Thomas Sallaberry, Ld 18

Finding your balance and discovering the joy of snow sports

Those first few minutes on skis are all about experiencing that initial sensation of gliding on snow.

On a very gentle slope, the aim is to learn how to distribute your weight, maintain a balanced position and move without tensing up too much.

This stage is essential for gradually building confidence.

Learning to brake and control its speed

Before you try to turn, it’s essential to learn how to stop.

The famous snowplough is one of the first techniques taught to beginners by ski instructors. It enables you to reduce your speed and come to a gradual stop.

Knowing how to control your speed makes a huge difference to how you experience skiing: as soon as you realise that you can slow down and stop at will, your apprehension diminishes, gradually giving way to a growing sense of confidence.

©
23 March 2026 1st Ski Festival, Cp Thomas Sallaberry, Ld 11

Mastering your first turns

Once you’ve got the hang of braking, it’s time to move on to changing direction.

The instructor will gradually teach you how to shift your weight and turn your skis to make your first turns.

Your movements will become increasingly fluid and you’ll start to experience the first real sensations of skiing.

Gradually move from one space to another beginners on their first slopes

When learning to ski – and even as an adult – it’s important not to rush things.

Practice areas allow you to practise the basic movements in a reassuring environment. Next come the first green runs and, when you feel ready, the first green runs.

Everyone progresses at their own pace. So the right pace isn’t the one set by the person skiing next to you: it’s the one that allows you to make progress whilst staying confident and enjoying yourself.

Should I take skiing lessons? when you start as an adult?

When you go on a skiing holiday with friends or your partner who already know how to ski, it’s very tempting to think: why pay for a lesson when someone you know can teach you?

It sounds like a good idea, but in practice, it isn’t always.

Taking a few ski lessons with a qualified instructor when you’re starting out as an adult allows you, above all, to build a solid foundation right from the start.

An instructor knows how to observe your posture, identify which movements need correcting, choose suitable terrain and tailor your progression to your actual ability.

The aim isn’t just to learn more quickly. It’s also about learning in a more relaxed and safe manner.

Group ski lessons or private lessons Which type of ski should you choose when starting out?

Both formats have their own advantages.

Private ski lessons offer fully personalised instruction. The instructor tailors the session to your pace, your concerns and your progress. This is a good option if you want to build confidence quickly or if you’re particularly anxious about getting started.

Group ski lessons, on the other hand, bring a different dimension to the learning experience. You’ll progress alongside people who may be facing similar challenges to your own. This can be particularly reassuring when you’re taking up skiing as an adult.

No one is waiting for you at the bottom of the slopes. No one already knows all the ropes. Everyone is making their first turns, falling over now and then, trying again and celebrating each other’s progress.

In Les Gets, several ski schools and instructors offer lessons tailored to different levels, allowing everyone to find the right option for them to learn to ski, even as an adult.

How to prepare for your first A week’s skiing?

If you’ve never skied before, organising your first trip to the mountains can seem almost as complicated as learning to ski itself.

What equipment should you hire? Which ski pass should you choose as a beginner? What clothes should you pack? Which slopes should you start on?

However, making a few good choices can go a long way towards simplifying this first experience.

Hire equipment rather than buying it

For your first week on the slopes, it’s generally not necessary to buy a pair of skis and boots straight away.

Hiring allows you to use equipment suited to your ability, your body type and the current conditions.

Please do let the hire company know that you’re a beginner. That way, they can select suitable equipment and adjust it accordingly.

©
2022 01 Esflesgets Adults 2000px Cpvalentinducrettet 6 Ld

Choosing the right clothes

In the mountains, being comfortable and well-equipped is essential to making the most of your learning experience.

Opt for the three-layer system: a breathable base layer next to the skin, a warm mid-layer and a waterproof jacket.

Add a pair of ski trousers, waterproof gloves, suitable socks, a goggle or sunglasses and, of course, a helmet.

And don’t forget the sun cream: even in the middle of winter, the sun’s glare off the snow can be intense.

Choosing a suitable package for beginners

When you’re just starting out in skiing, it isn’t always necessary to buy a ski pass that gives access to the largest ski area straight away.

In Les Gets, a beginner’s pass gives you access to several learning facilities, whilst the ‘P’tite Glisse’ pass allows you to continue improving your skills on 13 runs, including six green and six blue runs.

It’s a way of exploring the ski area gradually, without rushing things.

©
2022 01 Esflesgets Adults 2000px Cpvalentinducrettet 19 Ld

Why Les Gets is an ideal resort for Learning to ski as an adult?

Situated at the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Les Gets offers an ideal setting for beginners to take their first turns.

The ski area’s layout features wide plateaus and gentle slopes, allowing you to gradually discover the thrill of skiing.

Areas designed for beginners

When you put on skis for the first time, choosing the right terrain is essential.

The practice areas allow you to work on your balance, braking and your first turns before gradually setting off to explore the ski area.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the green runs and then the blue runs let you continue learning and gradually discover new sensations.

Progress at your own pace

The ski area allows you to plan your day step by step, according to your ability.

There’s no need to head straight for the longest run or the highest peak. The first few days can be spent in the beginners’ areas before gradually expanding your playing ground.

In Les Gets, for example, the ‘P’tite Glisse’ ski pass gives access to twelve ski lifts and thirteen runs, including six green runs and six blue runs.

Professionals to guide you through your first runs

Group lessons, private lessons, skiing or snowboarding: several ski schools and independent instructors are on hand to help beginners in Les Gets.

You’re sure to find the right support to suit your level and preferences.

And a village resort where you can also enjoy après-ski

Because your first week in the mountains doesn’t have to be 100 per cent about skiing.

Exploring the village, sharing a drink on a terrace, sampling local specialities, taking part in an activity or simply soaking up the mountain atmosphere are all part of the experience.

The aim of a first holiday? To return home with new experiences, happy memories and, why not, a new passion.

Learning to ski as adult beginners What if everyone started at the same level?

Your friends have been skiing for as long as you can remember, your partner is tackling one red run after another, and you’re dreading the thought of ending up in the beginners’ area watching five-year-olds who are already perfectly at ease on their skis?

What if, for once, everyone were starting from scratch?

That’s precisely the idea behind the 1st Les Gets Ski Festival.

From 20 to 27 March 2027, the 1st Ski Festival will bring together adults keen to discover skiing and share their first experience on the slopes. A week designed for learning without pressure, surrounded by other beginners and guided by professionals.

Depending on the package chosen, the holiday includes accommodation, ski or snowboard lessons, a ski pass, equipment hire, as well as various activities and entertainment on offer throughout the week. Packages start from €699.

Discover the 1st Ski Festival

1st Ski FestivalYour first bends – unforgettable memories