There are affiliate links in this post which I am required to tell you about. They don’t buy yachts, but they sure do help put some cookies on my desk. 

Skiing for the first time is certainly an adventure, especially if you’re a newb like me. Recently I had the opportunity to hit the slopes as part of my Lake Tahoe winter adventure with Kia.

 

One of the fun things we did while staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Northstar was ski. Being a Florida girl with a Florida family, we weren’t quite sure what we were in for.

 

And of course being me, I didn’t really look it up either. I’m more of the adventurous type. 

 

But, for those of you who like to be informed, here are some things to know about being a newbie and hitting the slopes… or should I say, the ground.

 

skiing for the first time

 

Skiing for the First Time

 

Don’t Underestimate the Weather

 

When skiing for the first time in a destination like Lake Tahoe, chances are the weather can be a bit unpredictable. You could have clear skies one moment and a blizzard the next.

 

Make sure when you’re packing, you have a ski mask/neck warmer like this. This will allow you to cover your face when it’s windy and it will keep you warm.

 

skiing for the first time, christa thompson

 

You’ll Want to Pack Moisture Wicking Socks and a Moisture Wicking Base Layer

 

I can’t stress enough the importance of the right base layer. It is the game changer when it comes to staying warm in extreme climates.

 

When skiing for the first time, moisture wicking socks like these will keep your feet dry and warm as will moisture wicking base clothes like these. The first step is being warm.

 

If you are bringing your tiny humans, check out the super cute eco-friendly kids ski-wear at Dinoski. They have  a freaking unicorn!

 

skiing for the first time, gauge rybak, paris fauquet
Gauge with Paris Fauquet, daughter of Rick and Stefanie Fauquet from Mommy Musings and Rick on the Rocks.

 

Stretch Those Muscles and Hydrate!

 

Next to being warm, it’s super important to be physically ready to go skiing for the first time.

 

Balancing yourself, getting up the small beginner hills and getting up off the ground are more challenging than you think!

 

One of the most physically challenging parts of being a newb on the slopes was getting up.

 

Wear a GoPro

 

I wish I had hooked up my GoPro. I instantly regret leaving it in the hotel room.

 

If you don’t already have one you can find them here. With this clip-on video camera, you can capture all your victories and bloopers from skiing for the first time.

 

skiing for the first time, gauge rybak, kidfriendly

 

Pay Close Attention to Your Instructor

 

If you think it’s impossible to get hurt when skiing for the first time you couldn’t be more wrong. Learning how to stop is golden.

 

I actually did really well until I tried to stop. I ended up with a massive bruise on my calf (which is actually still there over a month later).

 

If you feel like you don’t quite have it, tell your instructor until you’re confident.

 

Snowmobiling for the first time, kia sorento, tahoe
2017 Kia Sorento #SorentoFamily

 

The Kia Sorento Winter Adventure Ski Trip

 

As a proud Kia owner and influencer, I wouldn’t choose any other car for a winter adventure like this. The Kia Sorento has everything you could ask for whenit comes to winter adventure.

 

Check out all my favorite things about the Kia Sorento.

 

  • Super huge panoramic sunroof which extends from front to rear for ultimate scenic drive views
  • Seat warmers in front and back
  • Steering wheel warmer
  • Built in navigation so you don’t get lost in the mountains
  • Equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so you can use your driving apps on the screen
  • Space, space and more space – third row offers extra human hauling, lay-flat seats offer extra cargo hauling (for those skis when you become a pro)
  • Smart cruise control with braking – yeah it sets the pace between you and the car in front of you and brakes for YOU
  • Auto hold so you don’t roll when you’re stopped in gear
  • 360 camera for complete camera views of the vehicle
  • Center lock differential button for extra traction (when to use)
  • Electronic parking brake

 

Kia had my Sorento outfitted with Michelin winter/snow tires which really came in handy on those icy roads without the need for chains.

 

skiing for the first time, kia sorento dashboard

 

At the end of it all, skiing is a lot of fun. And while you may not be doing epic flips when skiing for the first time, you’re going to have an adventure.

 

Don’t give up if your first time wasn’t graceful like a gazelle. It takes time to get the muscle memory required for skiing, but with patience and determination, you’ll find it’s very rewarding.

 

Skiing for the first time, Northstar Tahoe
Northstar at Tahoe
Special thanks to Kia for giving me the opportunity to share this with you. It in no way shaped my opinions in this post.
Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

48 Comments

  1. That’s super cool! I have never been skiing either, although my older daughter learned with a school group and loves it!

  2. I’ve never skied in my life…probably never will. I’m a total klutz and would end up with broken legs and arms. It sounds and looks like you all had a wonderful time! Go KIA – We are a Kia family. Right now we have 3:-)

  3. I have not gone skiing in years!! This is a great reminder of what I need to bring along when I go skiing next time! The most important thing I think is a wick away clothes!

  4. I have never been skiing before so I can somewhat relate to this post! I’ll have to learn eventually because my husband’s side of the family love to ski.

  5. Claudia Krusch Reply

    The Kia Sorento would be a great vehicle for a road trip. It has been years since we got away and went skiing. I should set up a trip before the warm weather hits.

  6. The Kia is awesome!! I tried skiing and had a blast although I was put on the kids bunny trail, I realized that it was still difficult for me!!

  7. I haven’t been skiing in years! I had a lot of fun when I did though. I would love to bring my whole family skiing too. I think it would be fun for all of us.

  8. I haven’t been skiing since I was a child. It was fun and I wish that I could do it again. Now I am unable to since I have health problems. 🙁

  9. Skiing is one thing I have never done. I would love to try. I would want to wear a gopro so I could laugh at myself after.
    The Kia sure looks comfy!

  10. Nancy @ whispered inspirations Reply

    Love skiing! My daughter and hubby are snowboarders. The new Kia looks very comfy!

  11. natalielovesbeauty Reply

    I have never skied in my life, and I live in Canada! I’m glad I know how to ice skate though. Maybe one day I will give it a try!

  12. These are such awesome tips! We have never been skiing before, so I am sure we would be on our butts and backs 97% of the time!

  13. Karissa WithOurBest Reply

    I learned how to ski last year, and now I am loving it! Takes a lot of practice! SO much fun!

  14. As a family, we love to ski! From the looks of it, it seems like a wonderful time was had!

  15. This sounds like so much fun! I haven’t ever been skiing, but I’ve always wanted to try it. I’m afraid I won’t be good at it haha!

  16. alisonrost Reply

    I remember the first time we took our kids skiing. It was such a blast and something they still talk about to this day!

  17. Karlyn Cruz Reply

    I’ve tried skiing and it was fun experience. I thought that I can’t do skiing but I did.

  18. I have spent many winters skiing out West and these are definitely some great tips. I wish I would have had something like a GO Pro years ago when my kids were learning to ski.

  19. skiing is quite fun I must say, glad you guys gave it a try fro the first time… loved your gear, you really looked the part : ) Oh, and it looks like a great place you were at!

  20. Thank you for this advice! We have never gone skiing with our family members so we are total newbs here, and need this advice to get us started!

  21. Mrs. Emma Spellman Reply

    I went skiing for the first time when I was around 7 years old. I went down the mountain so fast and curved to the right and stopped. I thought my dad was going to have a heart attack. I did it over and over again several times. I think if I did it now I wouldn’t be so brave. lol

  22. Victoria Heckstall Reply

    what an amazing advice! I’m pretty sure that skiing is fun and exciting! Sometimes I really want to try it

  23. The benefits of skiing and snowboarding are numerous. These are healthy, outdoor winter activities that lift the spirit and exercise the body.

  24. Do you know I have never been skiing ever! It seems like such a fun activity though and something everyone can get involved in.

  25. Looks like learning to ski was a really fun experience. The Sorrento looks like it would drive well in the snow.

  26. I have never been skiing, but it’s definitely on my to-do list of things I want to try. These are great tips for a newbie skiier. Thanks for sharing.

  27. Well now I want to go skiing haha. It is great that you started, skiing is amazing, because it makes you spend time outdoors, with clean air and pretty mountain views. I remember when I first started skiing, there were this tiny humans passing me so fast and confidently. That was a good motivation to improve myself.

  28. Whether you take winter vacations to the snow-covered mountains or live near an area where you can easily hit the slopes, you can always get some exercise during the cold winter months with skiing. All ages and skill levels can benefit from a day out on the snow, as skiing can be considered both good for the body and good for the mind.

  29. What a fun time you had! I have also never tried skiing. I do love Kia cars though. We test drove two Kias and we were so impressed with them!

  30. It has been years since I went skiing. These photos look like so much fun. I need to arrange a trip before it warms up to much.

  31. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun. In my head I want to ski but my body is afraid. Thank you for sharing. I may work up the confidence. – yolonda

  32. I have only downhilled a few times, but grew up cross country skiing and loved it. It’s a great way to keep your love of the outdoors going in the winter.

  33. I’ve always been so scared to go skiing lol I have horrible coordination so I just know that I would spend the whole time on my face,

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