Learning to Ski as an Adult: It Is Never Too Late

"Am I too old to start?" is one of the questions we hear most. The honest answer is no: adults can start skiing or snowboarding at any age, and plenty of people take their first lesson in their thirties, forties or later. Adults learn a little differently from children. They are more cautious and less keen on falling, but they understand explanations faster and practise with more purpose.

Do I need to be fit?

You do not need to be an athlete, but some basic fitness makes the first days much more enjoyable. Skiing works your thighs, core and balance. A few weeks of simple exercises before you go, such as squats, lunges and planks, make a real difference; our pre-ski exercises show you how. On the slopes, stop before you are exhausted: many falls happen when the legs are tired.

Skis or snowboard?

Skiing is usually easier for the first day or two, because your feet move independently and the stance feels natural. Snowboarding takes more patience at the start, with more falls, but many people progress quickly once the basics click. Choose the one that appeals to you more; our comparison of skiing and snowboarding goes into the details.

Take lessons, not a friend's advice

The quickest way to learn is with an instructor. A good lesson starts with the equipment and the right stance, then braking, then turning, step by step and at a pace that suits the group. Friends mean well, but they often pass on habits that are hard to unlearn. Our beginner lessons at Erciyes are taught in groups of 8 to 10 people.

Fear is normal

Almost every adult beginner feels afraid at some point: of speed, of the lift, of falling. A few things help:

• Learn to stop first. Once you know you can stop, everything else feels safer.
• Stay on easy slopes until you feel bored, then move up a little.
• Learn how to fall and get up, which takes the drama out of falling.
• Breathe, relax your shoulders and look ahead, not down.
• Ride your first chairlift with your instructor.

Our guides on getting up after a fall and riding the chairlift cover two of the biggest worries.

How fast will I progress?

Everyone is different, but many adults on skis can make controlled turns on a gentle slope after their first day or two. A long weekend gives you a first taste; four days give you time to consolidate what you learn and move from the beginner area onto easy runs.

Start at Erciyes

Our First Steps packages are designed for complete beginners aged 6 and over: a 4-hour lesson, instructor support for the rest of the day, all equipment and clothing and an unlimited lift pass. Read what your first day looks like in our guide to skiing for the first time on Erciyes.

• Beginners
• Ski lessons
• Adults
• Snowboarding