How Long Does it Take to Get ‘Good’ at Skiing?

20 February 2022

What does it take to be a good skier?

It’s a question often asked by anyone looking to try skiing; how long does it take to get good at skiing? And the answer, ‘it depends’ is not the answer you’re looking for - but it’s often the answer you get!

The reason you get this unhelpful answer, is because there is no exact or even reasonable method to estimate how long it takes to get ‘good,’ or even define what a ‘good’ level of skiing is.

With different people progressing at different rates, and the perception of ‘good’ differing from one person to the next, we can’t give you an answer to your question, but we can provide you with some information that might help you draw your own conclusions.

What is a ‘good’ level of skiing?

If you consider a good level of skiing to be controlling your speed and linking snowplough turns, then within The Snow Centre’s UK Learning Journey, you’re thinking Level 4 would be a ‘good’ level of skiing. But this doesn’t mean that after 4x 2 Hour Lessons you will have reached Level 4, it is possible, but not guaranteed.

If you imagine a ‘good’ level of skiing to be venturing down an advanced steep on the mountain — then you’ll need to have learnt the skills taught throughout The Snow Centre’s complete Learning Journey, and progressed those skills through practice and appropriate application during Skills Development Coaching Sessions. In terms of how long this will take, at the very least you’ll need to complete 5x 2 Hour Lessons and a couple of 2 Hour Skills Development Coaching Sessions, accompanied by some free-time practicing what you’ve learnt. Even then, we can only offer an estimation; how quickly people advance and build confidence varies dramatically from person to person.

How long before you’re ready to ski the mountain?

If you’re a first time skier, planning to head straight to the mountains without picking up Ski Lessons in the UK before you go, it’s very unlikely you’ll be skiing anything steeper than a green run on your holiday. In most resorts you’ll find the level of ski runs defined by colour, green for the easiest runs, blue to red for intermediate and then black, the most difficult, for advanced skiers.

For first time skiers, lessons are a must! Even if you don’t have lessons until you arrive on the mountain, an instructor will give you the guidance to achieve more on the snow, and the confidence to progress your skills. Your UK or mountain ski instructor will be able to advise you on the runs that are appropriate for your ski level — but if you’re looking to ski as many runs as possible during your holiday, UK Ski Lessons at your local indoor centre or dry slope are the quickest way to improve. Additionally, learning to ski before you go will enable you to see more of the mountain on your trip.

Your first day on the slopes should never be taken as an example of a good day's skiing. There are some basics to learn that are essential to becoming a ‘good’ skier. You'll often start on the flat and get used to moving around on your skis, before progressing to an incline and learning to control your speed. These things can all be learnt in the UK, but if not, the average person is likely to be skiing the nursery slopes and perhaps a gentle green run, by day three of their holiday.

It can be easy to rush into skiing runs that you’re not ready for. When actually, the skiing journey is all about progression at a pace that’s enjoyable. Embracing the learning experience and building your confidence at a rate that suits you is the rewarding part of skiing. There is no rush, giving yourself time on the snow will allow you to be a better skier when you are ready for the steeper runs. Getting one of our lift passes is a great way to upkeep your skills!

How can I get ‘good’ at skiing quickly?

There’s no guarantees for getting ‘good’ at skiing quickly, but if you’re really that keen to speed up the learning process, there are some things you can do to give yourself a head start on the snow.

1. Keep fit or get fit
2. Learn to ski in the UK
3. Listen to your instructor and make adjustments as advised
4. Avoid large gaps between UK Ski Lessons
5. Practice on UK slopes all year round
6. Get comfortable ski boots
7. Watch ski tip videos to keep your knowledge fresh
8. Ask someone to film you and watch it back
9. Take Ski Lessons on the mountain as well as in the UK
10. Ski at a level you’re ready for and build your confidence
11. Take refresher Ski Lessons between ski holidays
12. When you are ready, ski with people who are marginally better than you

If you are a beginner, or you're simply looking to get better, then check out our adult ski lessons, kids ski lessons, and private ski lessons to get you more confident on the slopes.