Happy Monday, loves!! I had another post supposed to go live today but I’m going to move that for another day because I feel like this one is most relevant time-wise. It’s definitely ski season right now and I wanted to share my experience over this past weekend. I’m still in Aspen today (spending time with my mother-in-law since it’s her birthday today!!) but I spent the last two days on the slopes which honestly, I didn’t think I would make it to the second day. For those that have been following me for years, you know that I went to Whistler with a group of friends for a fun little ski trip about four years ago! I didn’t take ski lessons (silly me) and I sucked, really bad. I kept falling and I was so discouraged being around so many experienced skiers/snowboarders in the group. I opted out of skiing on day two for a few reasons but mainly because I just didn’t feel confident. I was scared of falling, I was scared of breaking some body part, I was scared of how I’d look and I was scared of failing. I remember jumping straight into the green slopes (which was mistake #1) and falling right off the ski lift. I tried to ski a bit but eventually I ended up just sitting on top and enjoyed the view for a good hour or two. It was actually pretty nice and I did enjoy the view and relaxing in the midst of all the snow.
Anyway, since that time I did go to a ski resort once more in Breckinridge and I actually opted out of skiing altogether. I don’t know what it was but I just couldn’t get myself to mentally overcome my fears therefore couldn’t physically go out there and ski with confidence.
This Aspen trip was a family trip with my husband, mother-in-law and father-in-law. We came to Aspen for my mother-in-law’s birthday and to ski a bit too. Everyone on my husband’s side skis or snowboards and this wasn’t a situation where I could sit out since it was only us four. On Saturday, I stepped back into my skates (is that what they are called?) and struggled a lot. As soon as I put them on, I fell. Like, before I even got to any steep slopes!! My mother-in-law was the BEST because she spent hours by my side teaching me little things here and there that really helped. I have a terrible balance but after a couple of hours, I finally got the hang of stopping and slowly going down a slope. I still was afraid though. Every time I saw myself go downwards even a little, I panicked. I don’t know what it was but something in my head was blocking me from enjoying the sport and actually going down the slope. I did feel a bit accomplished that I learned to stop but mentally I wasn’t in it. On day two, I practiced a bit on the bunny slopes and magic carpet and just got a feel for the slopes once more. Towards the end of the day, my mother-in-law kept pushing me to keep going (even though I was SO TIRED from falling over and struggling to get my skates back on). I actually managed to learn how to go down the slope while controlling my speed all at the same time!!!! I don’t know what did it but suddenly I didn’t want to feel defeated anymore and I just wanted to give it my all. It was my last day on the slopes for who knows how long and I didn’t want to leave not feeling proud of myself. It was about 2pm when I learned how to control my speed and I literally went down the same slope 3 times because of how much fun I was having!! Overall, it was such an exhilarating feeling and I actually can’t wait for our next ski trip now.
With all that being said, I wanted to share my experience and my tips on how to overcome your fears of skiing. What I learned this past weekend is that it’s honestly all about confidence. If you think to yourself “I’m going to fall”, then you’re going to fall. I knew I had to overcome my fears mentally because I could physically perform and it clicked just like a switch in my head on day two. I know a lot of my friends already know how to ski and snowboard but if you’re like me and are a little afraid, here are a few tips that honestly will help both mentally and physically:
- If you CAN, take lessons. I actually was signed up for lessons but ended up being late and missed it. I’ll be taking lessons next time for sure just so I learn any and all things I missed this time!
- Try and workout (legs, arms and cardio) at least a couple of weeks before your ski trip. This will do wonders for your self-confidence– I didn’t even realize how out of shape I was until this trip and that bit me in the butt when I struggled on the slopes.
- Talk to someone. Tell them what you’re afraid of happening and what your overall thoughts and fears of skiing or snowboarding are. Sometimes talking through it can really help.
- Take a few minutes to get adjusted to your ski boots. They are heavy af and can be hard to walk in for the first time. The more comfortable you are in your shoes, the more comfortable you’ll be on the slopes.
- Have a positive attitude. I struggled with this on day one. I saw kids (like, borderline babies) ski better than me and I felt down. I felt behind and not in my element. That really put a damper on my mood for a bit but I just kept going (thanks to my mother-in-law!!!) and did what I could. I had a much better attitude on day two and did my own thing and felt GREAT!! That’s probably how and why I accomplished way more.
- Avoid the crowds. This helped me A LOT. I practiced on the bunny slopes close to where the ski lessons took place and there was barely anyone there!! It’s best to go in the morning (around 9am if you can) to avoid the crowds. It can be stressful when you’re learning to ski and there’s a million people zooming by you so it was nice when I found a quiet spot to really train myself.
- Know it’s ok to fall. Everyone falls. Kids, teenagers, adults. Even experienced skiers! This actually didn’t bother me too much because I went into it knowing everyone started from the beginning so it’s simply the norm to work your way up!
I hope this helps you guys!! Confidence in skiing is seriously everything whether you’re a beginner or a professional. Once you have the right mindset and are confidence, you’ll be able to physically accomplish the goals you set for yourself on the slopes! Take it easy and take baby steps and most importantly, have fun! 🙂 Love you guys, chat soon!!
