Three reasons to continue learning how to ski this winter

Skiing is not something that is learned with a full stop at the end. Get it, got it…good. Well, not really. You can continue to learn how to ski, and enjoy it more and more as you become more competent. New possibilities on the mountain open up, but learning new things is just a pleasure in itself.

And taking your skiing to the next level has never been easier. Much improved equipment has opened up the possibility of powder skiing to the masses. Beginner zones, snow parks, accessible skier zones, and snake runs are now available to the general public. And ski schools are offering a chance to experience the mountain – trekking into the wilderness and conquering a couloir can be done in a day’s ski!

Whatever level you are at there is always something more to learn. Our friends at New Generation explain why you should continue learning how to ski – and what possibilities are open to you.

1. I can ‘get about’ in an ungainly but effective fashion and go where I need to.

OK but don’t settle for that. This probably resigns you to a ski life of feeling happy on easy to medium slopes and then a life of struggle on anything harder.

Aim to become a competent parallel skier. The coordination and accuracy you learn from a little more effort will instantly pay from making any tougher slope that little bit easier.

2. I have skied for decades and ski very well. What is there worthwhile to learn?

Skiing is a sport of sensations! Go and get some! If you can ski on the piste well then change those skis and try some skis that are shaped for speed and carving. Most recreational skiers have their ‘one stock turn’ that they do but the difference in design between skis of today means that a short stiff carving ski offers you a completely new set of sensations to an all mountain ski. Try it! The skis of today offer so much variation that just by swapping skis you can have a whole new experience!

3. I want to ski off piste but I have heard it’s really difficult.

Not anymore! If you can ski parallel competently then there is no reason to not grab a guide and a pair of fat skis and get stuck in. Wider, softer skis designed to help flotation in bottomless powder means that you ‘surf’ in the soft stuff which is much easier than skiing on pencil thin skis that would sink deep into the snow with every turn. The equipment has made skiing powder an accessible dream to good, intermediate skiers – don’t give up before even checking if it is possible! Skiing isn’t divided into those that can, those that can’t and those in the middle. Wherever you are on the ladder, the next step isn’t far away and isn’t as unattainable as you may think. Don’t be content with your lot! Often holiday skiers don’t realise the possibilities that are within their reach with this wonderful pastime. So look about, ask instructors and look in ski schools; there is a whole host of possibilities that are there for you to try…whatever your level.

So what are you waiting for? Make the most of your holiday this winter!

New Generation is passionate about delivering awesome ski lessons to skiers of all levels. With 20 years experience they have developed a lesson pathway which helps skiers build more confidence and have more fun. They’ve also added two new features to their group lessons for this year. New Gen group lessons now include a longer last day so you can finish on a high and have something to work towards with your group. There’s also a second session for beginners on day one absolutely free. To get beginners up and running quicker.

Group lessons start at 230€ in Morzine for non-peak weeks for 12hrs of tuition (14 for beginners).