Sliding on snow on your feet can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Getting a lesson can give you the knowhow quicker than having uncle John teach you, and it will set you up for success.  Here’s a few reasons why.

1. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

When I was going through training to become an instructor I was often reminded that skiing is something

Don’t be this guy

that can be done fairly easily–the learning curve to get going on a pair of sticks isn’t all too high, which is good and bad. It’s good because you can get going on the snow pretty quickly–think pizza/french fry, the

most basic way to get down a hill–bad because poor mechanics can set in in no time. (Back in the day, folks used to tie their legs together while skiing. They thought that was going to be a real good idea. Yikes) The real danger of having bad mechanics is twofold–you may become a missile and destroy other skiers and you also will not be having nearly as much fun as you could have. Once you start to get an idea of what a good turn feels like, you’ll wonder why you ever skied the way you did. The best way to get to that point, though, is to put a set of eyes on you that can give you professional instruction. Almost all ski resorts have a ski and ride school staffed by quality instructors that will set your steeze free.

2. Learn the Mountain

There’s no greater freedom than knowing your own backyard–it’s nooks and crannies, it’s intricacies, but most importantly, where to find good snow. Generally speaking, someone who has been working at a mountain for a while knows it pretty darn well. If you’re a high enough level skier that you’re headed out with your instructor to tour the whole mountain, chances are you’re going to walk out of that lesson with some impressive insights. I followed my friend who is a ski instructor on a powder day and let’s just say it’s the best skiing I’ve ever done in my life. If you don’t want to go through the ski and ride school, get a friend who is an instructor. It will change everything.

3. Babysitting

If you have kids and want to go ski, chances are they’re coming with you whether you like it or not. And I get it, teaching your kids to ski can bring you a lot of joy and home videos down the road will really bring a tear to your eye, but wouldn’t you rather be skiing with honey bunny? Leave it to the professionals to teach your kid how to ski. Give them a few lessons and then they can teach you.

4. Use Less Energy

Have you ever gone out on the hill and been sucking wind all day just trying to keep up with someone else? Okay, you might be severely out of shape and been doing too many 16 oz curls, but chances are you are also using your body (and energy) inefficiently. Taking lessons will highlight movements that waste energy and convert them into subtle body shifts that translate to huge gains in control. You might even make it from first chair to last chair!

5. Because It’s a Freakin’ Blast

If you come to the hill for the first time or the one millionth time, a lesson is a blast. If you’re new, you’re going to see new things, feel new things, meet new people, and overall have one helluva experience. If you’re a seasoned vet, a certified ski instructor is going to show you a whole new world. Even if the instructor doesn’t, you’re going to have a blast skiing with someone who is not only proficient at the sport, but also can give you the occasional pointer. If you walk away with one tip, it’s a success.

To wrap it all, up have fun out there. The best way to have fun is to be proficient at your craft and lessons can help you get there. Head to your favorite hill and sign up! Who knows, I might even be your instructor.