Get Inspired: How to get into skiing

19 December 2017

How do I start?

Find your local centre in England,, external Wales, external or Scotland, external to get yourself on the slopes. The Ski Club of Northern Ireland has a useful Facebook page, external too. There's also loads of information at Disability Snowsport, external for anyone looking for inclusive skiing.

What is skiing?

You fix on a pair of skis to your feet, whilst wearing special boots, and glide down a slope. Many people in the United Kingdom learn the basics of alpine skiing on dry ski slopes or at indoor snow centres, which offer lessons and equipment rental.

Is it for me?

There are beginners classes all over the country, and you can pick up the basics quickly. So if you like the cold, the rush of speed and adrenaline then give it a go.

What to expect when I get there?

Skiing is a great workout - you can burn up to 500 calories an hour.
Your knees take on the weight of your body when you turn downhill, strengthening your bones and joints.
As you go down the slope, your body is in a squat position, which improves your balance and builds your stomach and leg muscles.
Snowsport centres and dry ski slopes around the country offer lessons to children as young as three.
Skiing is open to all and anyone with a disability can compete. Disability Snowsport UK, external has loads of advice about getting involved. They offer lessons,, external recreational adaptive skiing with local groups, external and a race league, external which is open to people with or without a disability.

To get you in the mood ...

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Snowsport England's programme to encourage people to take up snowsports

All clubs need a chair, secretary and treasurer to help things run smoothly as well as officials, coaches and judges. Whatever role you're interested in, Join In, external has opportunities to volunteer in your area.

Are you inspired to try skiing? Or maybe you are a keen enthusiast already? Get in touch and tell us your experience of the activity by tweeting us on @bbcgetinspired,, external visiting us on Facebook, external or email us on [email protected]., external