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You might have grown up with ski poles in your hands and lift tickets for each day of the week, but that doesn't mean you know everything there is to know about skiing.
Much like anything else in life, skiing is one of those things that becomes more fun as you get better at it. So if you've found yourself saying, "I wish I could do that," when watching other skiers, or if you feel like you've simply hit a plateau on the slopes, listen up. These tips will help you make the most out of your time in all that precious powder Utah is so famous for.
1: Sign up for ski school — no matter your skill level
When you think of ski school, you're probably imagining small children wearing brightly colored bibs snow plowing their way down a bunny hill. After all, you don't need lessons if you've been shredding the slopes for years, right? Wrong. People of all ages and all skill levels can benefit from lessons and specialized instruction. That's why signing up for ski school is the first tip you should consider if you want to be at the top of your skiing game.
Aside from helping you improve your technique, there are other benefits to ski school. According to VisitUtah, it can help you maximize your time on the slopes by taking you to powder stashes and moving to the head of holiday lift lines, allowing you to get in more runs and make the most out of each one. Many resorts also offer special discounts and pricing for lift tickets and equipment rentals when you sign up for classes. If you're going to spend money on a day pass, you might as well get the biggest bang for your buck!
(Spoiler: Save yourself some time by signing up for lessons today, and you'll learn all the tips and tricks you need to know.)
2: Go with a group
Skiing with the whole family might be a time-honored tradition in your home, and that's great! But maybe — just maybe — the secret to enjoying yourself a little more is to go with different groups of people. (This is especially true for those parents who get stuck doing underwhelming runs with their younger, less experienced kids.)
Going with a group of people who match your skill level can be a gamechanger for skiers and snowboarders looking to have a little more fun. They also might motivate you to push beyond your comfort level and try new things. Perhaps, you'll finally muster up the courage to tackle that black diamond run if you have people from top to base cheering you all the way down!
Expert tips for hiring a Utah backcountry ski guide
Are you thinking about trying some backcountry skiing? Relying on the skill of an experienced guide can make sure your trip is safe and successful. Here are some tips for finding a great guide.3: Get to know the terrain
You'll have more fun skiing if you're familiar with the terrain, because you'll know what runs to hit and when. But unless you've skied every slope in Utah in waist-deep powder to springtime corn, there's always more to learn about the each run and how to tackle it any day of the season. Let a guide or instructor show you how.
"Spending the extra money on day one to get someone who knows the mountain (as well as snow conditions and traffic patterns) to show you around is like having a backstage pass," says Maggie Loring, director of Snowbird Ski Resort's Mountain School.
4: Practice mountain etiquette
There's another important thing to keep in mind when skiing: You're sharing the mountain with other people. Be mindful of other skiers and snowboarders who may be moving much slower or traversing across your downhill line. It's your responsibility to always yield to people ahead of you. There may be additional rules of conduct you've forgotten over the years, so check out this list from SkiUtah for a complete refresher.
5: Learn a new skill
When you feel like your skills have peaked or you don't have the techniques to get down a particular run, it's probably time to book a session with a private ski coach. She can assess your current abilities and show you quickly and efficiently how to improve them. Maybe you want to correct your balance and stance to increase speed. Or perhaps you want to try moguls or a terrain park for the first time. There's always something new to learn, and feeling the joy of "nailing it" will only deepen your love for the sport!
Bonus tip: Sign up for spring ski lessons
Many seasoned skiers and snowboarders agree that spring is a great time to sign up for ski lessons for several reasons. (Ski.com reports that March is the best month to learn.) For example, From March until the lifts close for the season, skiers and snowboarders are treated to mild temperatures and sunny skies overhead. That means you'll have longer daylight hours on the slopes to practice those new skills while you soak up plenty of vitamin D (and can even enjoy night skiing at many Utah resorts). The warmer temperatures also mean the snow is softer and more forgiving (which comes in handy when you're practicing those new skills or tackling steeper slopes).
This spring, take your skiing abilities to a whole new level and deepen your love for the sport by signing up for ski or snowboard lessons at one of Utah's 15 resorts, and definitely check out the great deals for beginning skiers and snowboarders. From multi-week clinics, group, private, full or half-day options, students of any ability will not only benefit from but enjoy some of the greatest instruction on The Greatest Snow on EarthⓇ.
Whether you're new to the sport or a pro looking to sharpen your form, you can find a complete list of ski schools on the SkiUtah website.
