Lots of people like the idea of going skiing but are put off by the business of learning how to ski. They think it involves falling over until you’re bruised black and blue – and the fear of making an absolute fool of yourself is the biggest turn-off.

Well, a sense of self-humour certainly helps, but the rest just isn’t true. Advances in equipment have taken the sting out of the whole learning process and progress is rapid. If you’re moderately fit and have a bearable sense of balance you can be skiing the whole mountain on easy runs within just a few days.

But the quality of the first lessons is vitally important. Nothing is more off-putting than an overcrowded ski class, where the instructor is unable to remember their pupils’ names and may not notice when the last link in the 12-person snake comes a cropper.

Before you go, take a few lessons on an artificial slope at home. This will save you valuable holiday time – and you’ll be delighted to discover that it is so much easier on real snow.
 

Welove2ski Classic Collection: Our Best How to Ski Advice

Whether you're a complete novice or already a mountain guru, we're here to help you. We've compiled the absolutely essential advice on technique, with the explicit aim of getting you carving like Bode Miller... or at least demolishing your A-frame. Even decent skiers can still learn a thing or two.

If you're new here, or even if you're not, make sure you start your family skiing holiday research with our absolute best articles on the subject. The following articles are designed to make sure your family skiing trip is the success it should be. Remember: if the kids are happy, then you’ll be happy too.