Bonjour, and welcome to my table!

Want to know something crazy? I was born and raised only 2 hours from one of the most beautiful mountains in France, Chamonix, in the Rhône region. And yet, I did not ski for the first time until 2023, in Canada, of all places.

For a long time I told myself it was because I didn't like the cold. But honestly? My family was never introduced to ski culture. And skiing is expensive: the gear, the passes, the lessons. My mother had a simple philosophy that every child of African parents will recognize: there's food at home. Skiing was expensive, unfamiliar, and a bit “unnecessary” when there were free (or cheaper) things to do. So we just didn't.

How It All Started

The real turning point came from scrolling through social media. My friend Deb had been posting about her ski journey, and something about seeing a Black girl skiing effortlessly down a mountain made me think: wait, I want to do that too! Representation truly matters, even on the slopes.

Fast forward to the winter of 2023. I was living in Vancouver, Canada, and my coworker Kelvin mentioned he wanted to try skiing. I said yes before I could talk myself out of it. I borrowed ski clothes from friends, rented my gear, bought a lesson pass, and headed to Grouse Mountain for an evening session.

I'll be honest with you: it did not go well.

I was freezing. My wool gloves did absolutely nothing against the cold. I had layered two pairs of socks and could still barely feel my toes. Between the unfamiliar equipment, the dropping temperature, and trying to process what my instructor was telling me, it was a lot. My instructor had me practicing on the flat area the entire lesson, never even making it to the bunny hill. My $230 felt like it had gone straight into the snow.

But then Kelvin stepped in. He spent about 30 minutes giving me tips, and together we took the ski lift and made it down a green slope. I was thrilled. That one run changed everything, and that's when the real ski journey began.

Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Here are the things I wish someone had told me before I ever clipped into a pair of skis.

Take a Lesson. Then Go Back.

Invest in a lesson and then go at least 2 to 3 more times right after. Having a friend teach you is fun, but a certified instructor will teach you the fundamentals correctly from day one: proper stance, how to stop, how to fall safely, and how to read the mountain. The difference between learning with good technique and learning with bad habits is huge. Book the lesson. Then commit to going back at least 2 to 3 more times to actually let it sink in.

Skip the Weekend Crowds.

Go during the week if you can. Weekends on the mountain are crowded, which means more anxiety for a beginner who's still figuring out how to stop. Weekday slopes are quieter, the lift lines are shorter, and if you're taking a group lesson, there's a real chance you'll practically have the instructor to yourself, a private lesson at a fraction of the price. Who doesn't like a good deal?

Do the Math on a Ski Pass.

Look into an Epic or Ikon pass if you plan to go more than a few times. These passes can seem like a big upfront investment, but they typically pay for themselves after three or four visits depending on the mountain. They also come with great perks like discounts on food, rentals, and lodging. Do the math before you buy day tickets, it adds up faster than you think.

Pack Snacks. Skip the Lodge.

Skiing is more physically demanding than it looks. One minute you feel completely fine and the next your body is urgently demanding fuel. Throw some snacks in your bag before you head out: a granola bar, some nuts, whatever keeps you going. Lodge food is expensive and honestly not worth it until you've earned a proper après-ski moment at the end of the day.

Find Your People on the Mountain.

After my first lesson, I found ski communities that completely changed my experience. I skied in Bulgaria with Mount Noire, hit the slopes at Whistler with Colour The Trails, and joined EDGE Outdoors for some skiing in Washington. These groups vary in price and location, but if you're part of a minority community, they're incredible resources: spaces where you can ski alongside people who look like you, often at a much more accessible price point than doing it alone.

Gear Tips

Warmth is Non-Negotiable.

Being warm and comfortable on the mountain is not optional. When you're a beginner, your brain is already managing so much: heavy unfamiliar equipment, changing weather, the awareness of other skiers around you. The last thing you need is to be distracted by cold fingers or frozen toes. Do yourself a favor and get this part right before you go.

Layer up.

A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof outer shell will take you much further than a single thick jacket. And please, invest in proper ski gloves. Wool gloves are not it. I learned this the hard way.

Size Down on Your Skis.

I'm 5 feet tall and the standard recommendation for my height is 152cm. But I ski on 140cm and it makes a noticeable difference in how well I can control my turns and stops. Shorter skis are more forgiving for beginners. Don't let anyone make you feel like you need to size up before you're ready.

Bev's Beginner Ski Checklist

I've linked everything below for easy shopping, and most of it can also be found secondhand on Facebook Marketplace if you're working with a budget. Whether you're buying, renting, or piecing things together, here's everything you need before you hit the mountain.

Save the graphic above for easy reference, and shop everything directly through the links below

Clothing & Warmth

Base layers (top and bottom)
Ski socks, tall, wool or synthetic, never cotton
Liner gloves, thin inner gloves worn under your ski gloves
Waterproof ski gloves or mittens
Face mask / balaclava
Ski suit or jacket + ski pants

Gear

Apps to Download Before You Go

A little prep goes a long way when you're new to the mountain.

Epic or Ikon Pass app — if you have a pass, this is your hub for everything: resort maps, lift status, and pass perks.
Your phone's weather app — always check conditions before you head out. Fresh powder and icy conditions are very different days on the mountain.
Slopes app — this one is just fun. It tracks your runs, speed, and vertical feet, and lets you compare stats with friends. Great motivation to keep going back.
The resort's trail map — most mountains have an app or a downloadable PDF. Study the green runs before your first day so you're not figuring it out at the top of a lift.

If you've been on the fence about trying skiing, maybe because of the cost, the intimidation factor, or just not seeing yourself in that world, I get it. But I'm so glad I said yes to that first cold, chaotic, $230 lesson at Grouse Mountain, because it opened a door I didn't even know I wanted to walk through.

Start small. Stay warm. Go back more than once. And if you can, find your people on the mountain. It makes all the difference.

Have you ever tried skiing, or is it on your list? Drop your questions or your own first-timer stories in the comments. I'd love to hear them. And if this post was helpful, save it for when you're ready to book that first trip.

This is the first post in a new adventures series here on the blog. More to come… on and off the slopes.

As always, À bientôt. — Bonjour It's Bev

The Only Ski 101 Guide You Need as a Beginner