LEARNING TO SKI AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Ever since we saw snow for the first time in New Zealand a few years ago we have become obsessed. After moving from the sunny beaches of Australia to the chilly mountains of Canada we were on the hunt for our next snow fix. When we were invited by Discover Canada Tours to spend a weekend in Whistler we jumped at the opportunity. Finally, we could ski once more.
Now, we have only ever skied twice during our lifetime. Once being in New Zealand which failed miserably as could not afford a ski lesson and tried to teach ourselves (which was a complete fail) and the second time was in a shopping center in Dubai (yes, it is an unusual place to experience your second snow encounter). Again, we did not take any lessons in the Dubai mall, however a kind instructor saw us struggle and came over to give us a pointer or two.
Whistler Blackcomb
Now here we were in Whistler, the largest ski resort in North America and we had one mission - we were going to learn to ski! Once we arrived in Whistler Village we threw on our snow gear and headed to the ski equipment center to get sized up for our ski shoes and skies. After meeting some friendly fellow Aussies working behind the counter (and being a little jealous that they get to work in the beautiful surroundings of Whistler) we were ready to meet our instructor and hit the slopes!
Whistler Blackcom
Whistler Blackcomb
We were greeted by a friendly Irishman named Steve who was to be our instructor for the day. We jumped on a gondola and made our way to the beginners slopes. He first taught us the basics of how to take your skis on and off and how to simply slide around on a flat surface. Once we all started to get the hang of things it was time to learn and very important skill - how to stop. We nervously headed a few metres up the slope (which looking back on it was nothing to be scared about) and practiced plowing down the small slope, stopping not-so-graciously at the bottom. After many practices and a lot of fellow learners gaining more and more bruises we could finally plow and stop.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb
After a quick bite to eat, skiing is exhausting, we jumped on the magic carpet and made our way to the top of the beginners slop (scary stuff)! This is when Stephen and I started to get the hang of it, we zoomed down the slope as our confidence began to grow. Not long after we were learning how to turn left and right as we practiced going down the slope over and over.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb
Once it hit 4pm we were exhausted and it was time to head back to the village. We felt so accomplished after only one day. I am sure next time we are faced with snow we will be graduating from the beginners slope and on to something a little more challenging. Thanks to Whistler Blackcomb Snow School for such an amazing ski experience.
Whistler Blackcomb
We highly suggest if you are novices like us to have proper lessons before trying to hit the slopes yourself. We learnt the hard way as trying to ski in New Zealand before having any lessons made our first ski experience less enjoyable. Skiing isn't something you can really teach yourself, you need to ensure you have some lessons first to make sure you and others around you stay safe.
If you want to see some footage from our experience learning to ski at Blackcomb Whistler, simply click play below.
https://youtu.be/MapQikIMkj8
Where did you learn to ski?
Thanks to Discover Canada Tours & Whistler Blackcomb for hosting our ski experience. As always, all opinions are our own.
READ NEXT: A WEEKEND IN WHISTLER
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