Playing in the snow is always fun, especially when you’re somewhere beautiful like Mammoth Mountain. Falling in the snow a few dozen times while trying to slide down a slope is not fun though.
That’s why the ASO Mammoth Team has put together our best tips for learning to ski and snowboard faster. Check them out below to see a few quick ways to make your learning period go by faster, then stop by the ASO Mammoth shop for the best ski and snowboard rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Take At Least One Lesson
At the end of the day the only person who can control how you ski or snowboard is you, but a professional instructor can give you the foundation to build upon much faster than you can on your own.
Even if you have an experienced friend or family member who is willing to teach you, you’ll probably be better off with a professional instructor. After your first lesson the rest is up to you, but one lesson will help you progress much faster than none at all.
Have Someone Film You Riding or Skiing
The only thing worse than feeling uncomfortable sliding on the snow and taking multiple falls is watching a video of the same thing, but it’s also a great way to improve your skills.
If you’re able to see where you’re losing your balance or struggling to stop and turn then you can make more precise adjustments than you could by just feeling out where you need to improve. Have a friend find a safe place to stop on the slope, film you coming down on their phone, and then watch the video on the lift ride up before your next run!
Ride For More Than One Day If Possible
For many people skiing and snowboarding is something to try for a day, but if you only try to learn for a few days over a season then you’ll progress slowly. If you make a concentrated effort to get the basics down over a few consecutive days though, you’ll learn much faster.
Try to plan for at least two days where you ski or snowboard consecutively if you’re learning so that you can build up your muscle memory before you head home.
Don’t Be Afraid to Move to More Challenging Runs
While green bunny slopes are a great place to get comfortable on the snow, the best place to progress by making turns is on steeper blue and intermediate slopes.
Only you know when you’re ready to move on, but don’t get too comfortable riding gentle green runs. The best way to progress is by getting used to steeper runs where you have to learn and use skills like carving and stopping.
Show Up Early to Beat the Parking and Rentals Line
Lastly, the more time you spend on the snow, the faster you’ll progress. That’s why getting to the hill early when there is easy parking and short rental lines makes a difference.
Spend more time learning and less time in line!