Skiing Guides

Learn to ski and get better: first-day basics, stopping, moguls, powder, trail ratings, lessons, and the terms skiers use.

By Justin McKelvey, former Vail and Salt Lake City local.

How to Ski: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Day
How to ski for the first time: what to book, how to stand, stop and turn, and how to pick a resort and a snow day that make learning easier.
How to Stop on Skis: Wedge, Hockey Stop, and More
How to stop on skis, from the beginner wedge (pizza) to the hockey stop, plus how to control speed on steeper runs.
Mogul Skiing: How to Ski Moguls Step by Step
How to ski moguls: what bumps are, the line and rhythm to use, absorbing with your legs, pole plants, and drills to get comfortable in mogul fields.
How to Ski Powder: Technique and Gear for Deep Snow
How to ski powder: stance, turn shape, speed, and the gear that makes deep snow easier, plus safety basics for powder days.
Ski Lessons for Adults: What to Book and What to Expect
Ski lessons for adults: group vs private, what a first lesson covers, how long it takes to learn to ski, and how to choose a ski school.
Ski Trail Ratings Explained: Green, Blue, Black Diamond
Ski trail difficulty ratings explained: green circle, blue square, black diamond, double black diamond, terrain parks, and how ratings vary by resort.
Ski Terms Glossary: 70+ Words Skiers and Snowboarders Use
A glossary of ski and snowboard terms, from après and bluebird to corduroy, crud, sidecountry, and sticks, explained in plain English.
How to Wax Skis at Home: Step-by-Step
How to wax skis at home: the tools you need, how to choose wax for the temperature, and a step-by-step hot wax, plus how often to do it.
Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which Should You Learn?
Skiing vs snowboarding compared: which is easier to learn, which is harder to master, cost, comfort, and how to choose for your first trip.
What to Wear Skiing: A Layer-by-Layer Guide
What to wear skiing, from base layer to helmet, plus what to change for cold, snowy, or spring days and what to skip.

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