Skiing for the First Time on Erciyes: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

Starting to ski is as nerve-racking as it is exciting. The good news: Erciyes' wide, gentle beginner areas make it one of the best places in Türkiye to learn. With a professional instructor you will be moving comfortably on snow within a few hours.

What will you learn on day one?

In our First Steps packages the beginner lesson lasts 4 hours and progresses through four levels:

• Level 1: Getting to know the equipment and the right stance
• Level 2: Controlled braking with the snowplough
• Level 3: Turning left and right
• Level 4: Moving on to parallel skiing

Lesson groups have 8–10 people. After the lesson you keep practising on the pistes with instructor support all day, and your confidence grows quickly as you repeat what you have learned.

Equipment: what will you use?

Skis, ski boots, poles, a helmet and goggles are the basics. Ski boots feel stiff at first; they should grip your foot firmly without crushing your toes. Our packages also include a ski jacket, ski trousers and gloves, fitted for size on the first evening.

Falling is normal — learn to get up

Everyone falls, especially on day one. What matters is falling safely and getting up easily: try to sit down to the side and don't put your arms out in front. To get up, turn your skis across the slope and use your poles to bring your hips back over your skis.

How long until I can ski on my own?

It varies from person to person, but here is a rough guide. On the 2-night package the aim is to ride the beginner slope on your own with confidence by the end. The 4-night package gives you much more time to link your turns and, when your instructor thinks you are ready, move on to easy pistes.

Tips for your first day

• Dress in layers — thermal base layers and thick ski socks make a difference
• Wear sunscreen: the altitude is high and the snow reflects a lot of sun
• Take regular breaks and drink water; tired legs make mistakes
• Don't compare yourself with others — everyone learns at their own pace
• Don't be shy about asking your instructor questions

• Erciyes
• Ski lessons
• Beginners
• Skiing