So You Want to Be a Skier or Snowboarder
The snow this winter has been great, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take a lesson, this is it. The softer snow is perfect for learning to ski or board. Getting started doesn’t have to feel intimidating or daunting. You don’t need fancy gear, a season pass, or even a full weekend commitment. All you need is the willingness to get out there on the slopes and try something new!
Why Lessons Matter
Taking a lesson early on can make all the difference. Instructors help you learn the basics and build confidence. Many New Hampshire ski areas offer group lessons for first-timers, which usually include equipment rentals and a beginner lift ticket. These beginner packages are designed to get you comfortable with putting on your skis or snowboard boots, loading the lift, and making your first turns.
Looking for more focused attention or want to learn with a friend or family member? Many NH ski areas offer private and semi-private lesson options that give you more personalized instruction and time on snow.
The important thing is that lessons get you started no matter what your ability is when going into them. You do not need to be athletic or experienced. Beginner programs are built around people who have little to no experience.
The Gear Part (It’s easier than you think!)
One of the biggest barriers to trying skiing or snowboarding is the gear. The good news is that rentals have come a long way. Most ski areas provide quality rental skis, snowboards, boots, and poles as part of beginner lesson packages, so you can come in just your winter layers and know you have everything you need for your first run.
Trying gear before you buy also helps you figure out what works for you. You might discover that you are more comfortable on skis first, or that snowboarding feels more natural. Rentals keep that first experience stress-free and affordable.
Tips for Your First Day
Arrive early. Plan to get to the mountain at least an hour before your lesson starts so you have time to check in, get fitted for gear, and get yourself organized before you head out.
Dress in layers. Temperatures can change throughout the day. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and finish with a waterproof jacket and pants. If you need more tips on how to dress for a day on the slopes, visit Ski NH’s What to Wear page.
Take breaks. Learning takes energy. Warm up with a hot chocolate in the lodge between runs and give your muscles a chance to rest.
Celebrate small wins. Riding the lift for the first time, stopping with confidence, and even a few turns in a row are all big steps worth celebrating.
Women’s and Specialty Programs
Some mountains also offer women-focused lesson series and clinics. These can be great spaces for those who feel more comfortable learning in a group that’s all women or who want a supportive community as they build skills. To learn more about what ski areas in NH offer, check out our Women's Programs or keep an eye out for women’s-specific events.
What Happens After Your First Lesson?
You will probably leave the mountain tired, maybe a little sore, and definitely excited to come back. That enthusiasm is real. Once people get their first few turns and start to understand how skiing or snowboarding works, many find it becomes something they want to do again and again.
As you start going more often, you may also begin thinking about purchasing your own gear. That is where ski swaps come in. Throughout the fall, Ski NH posts dates of ski swaps that take place across New Hampshire, offering a budget-friendly way to buy gently used skis, snowboards, boots, and outerwear. They are a great option for beginners who want to build a setup without spending full retail prices, especially since your needs may change as you progress.
Between lessons, rentals, and fall ski swaps, getting started is more accessible than it might seem. You do not need to have it all figured out on day one. You just need a first day.
Read all about lessons at NH ski areas on Ski New Hampshire’s Learn to Ski/Ride page.
Written By
Emily York