Novice Skier – Learning to Ski in the Dolomites (Part 1)
Author : Lara Ehmler
12th September 2024
Join Collett's guest Kelly as she navigates the Dolomiti Superski as a beginner.
In this first part of the ‘Novice Skier’ series, Kelly takes her first ski lessons, overcomes her initial scepticism towards chairlifts and experiences the unique atmosphere of Dolomiti Superski.
Preparation, Ski Equipment & My First Skiing Lessons
So, with 6 weeks to get myself sorted I had to find all of the ski gear, squeeze some lessons in and juggle a new temporary job in order to afford to get myself back to the mountains.
It couldn’t have been a better for of a job I was working with an on-line outdoor retailer and subsequently collected bits of ski gear with a very generous discount. Leaving early every Thursday, I jumped on 2 tube trains, one overground and drove 1 hour each way for my 2 hour dry-slope ski lesson – phew!
6 hours of lessons later, a 6 week London experience under my belt and all of the gear packed, I really had no idea what to expect for the next 4 months ahead. Corvara here I come…
Learning how to ski in the Dolomites
My first day on snow was definitely one to remember. I’m pretty sure my first words as I clipped onto my ski’s were “This snow is pretty slippery!” and as I stared down the (what felt like a steep) long, white and intimidating slope I questioned what the hell I had signed myself up for.
Crashing my way through the barrier and gripping nervously onto the button lift I also started questioning who had named this the Nursery Slope – it looked huge and steep from where I was standing! Remembering everything I was taught, my snow plough was strong and I got down with only 1 or 2 (perhaps 3) graceful falls to the bottom. And so the process repeated for 3 hours as I slowly became more and more comfortable. However, there was a clear difference to the dry slopes in London and trying to ski in the Dolomites. I knew I needed help!
Me vs. the chairlift
After a much needed rest and calf muscle stretch, I was met by the lovely Mario who whisked me away for my very own private lesson. We headed to Colfosco to try out the long blue run which offers a wide slope and an extended time to practise turning.
It was also a good lesson in how the chairlifts work, a scary experience in itself when you’re unsure of what to do as you zoom towards a snow mound which drops down the other side. But never fear, with Mario in one hand and my poles in the other, I successfully avoided an embarrassing moment… this time.
The techniques he showed me were great and I really felt a significant improvement throughout the day. That was until tiredness kicked in and boy, did it come from nowhere! One minute I was happily doing my thing and the next my legs refused to turn. Being only halfway down the slope I had to carry on before I could call it a day. Many falls and a fed up grumble later, we were back on the chairlift and a big grin spread across my face – could I now officially call myself a skier?! The warm applause I received from the lift men upon my return suggested that yes, I jolly well could.
Read Part 2 – Ski Lessons & Slow Progress
In part 2 of our series on learning of to ski in the Dolomites, Kelly venture onto the slopes of Dolomiti Superski, learns some much needed stretches and continues to fall in love with the spectacular area. Read part 2 here.
The Dolomiti Superski is European skiing at its finest. We are ‘the experts’ when it comes to skiing this fabulous region, having taken holiday makers to the Dolomites since 1998. Discover our skiing holidays to Arabba and Corvara.
