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Enrolling in a class is the quickest and safest way to learn to ski. Being together with other people of the same ability is a crucial confidence-builder: you are no longer the worst on the slope, only one of the worst.

When To Take Lessons

Most classes run throughout the week, starting on Mondays, but this depends on the resort. You can also take single lessons.

Try to leave some time each day to work on your skiing outside the class. A good way to do this is to take lessons in the morning, when you are freshest, and to spend the afternoons going over at your own pace what you have learnt. Ski school is also a good way to meet people, and there may be someone in the class with whom you can practise after lessons. Another good way to improve is to ski with a group of more advanced friends, though be careful of well-meaning but incorrect advice, and make sure that you don't over-stretch your ability.

Don't be too proud to return to school once you are a competent skier. A couple of important tips can improve your skiing dramatically.

Also see: Our Instructors' Locker-Room forum.