If you are new to the mountain environment, the first thing to do is to become familiar with your surroundings. This involves becoming at ease with the mountain and its conditions and finding out where everything is in other words, the toilets, the cafe, the nursery slope, the staff etc. as well as getting used to the slippery sensation of being on skis. The workers at ski resorts are normally very obvious and extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They will almost certainly be more than happy to help with any questions you may have.

At high altitudes, the air is colder, exists more UV rays, which cause damage of skin tissue and the sensitive parts of eyes, a good protection is essential, use sun block and sun glasses always.

In your skiing, Your boots must be your size this is very important. They need to fit you well, and if they do not you may find yourself in a great deal of pain later. Usually the people you are buying or renting off are normally very knowledgeable and helpful in this area. The poles and skis are not as important but should be appropriately assigned by the staff.

Rent boots, skis, poles and other equipment from a reliable ski shop rather than purchasing it. By renting, you have the possibility to try a variety of products before deciding which is best for you. Also, as you progress, you will undoubtedly want skis and boots better suited for intermediate skiing and your investment will serve you better if you wait until you are able to ski the intermediate runs on the mountain.

Side slipping or side sliding is one of the most beneficial maneuvers you can learn, for once you start to ski the runs on the mountain you are sure at some point to encounter a pitch on a slope that you feel is too steep to ski safely or too narrow, or too icy to confidently make turns. If you know how to 'sideslip' you can get sideslip down these runs safely. So, no matter how advanced a skier you become, you will always encounter places where you must sideslip. Therefore learn to sideslip confidently and you will have a safety maneuver to use when needed.

Find a steep pitch on a hill and stand across the hill (so that your skis are on a vertical to the fall-line). Assume a proper traverse position with your arms held in front of your chest (as though you are carrying a dinner tray or riding a horse). Keep your weight on the instep of your downhill ski boot and roll your feet and ankles downhill. Your skis will begin to slide down the fall-line.

Try to control the slide so that the skis remain perpendicular to the fall-line as they are sliding. When you decide to stop, roll your feet and ankles uphill again and your edges will begin to dig into the snow. Repeat these movements until you descend the hill. Then repeat in the other direction.

The keys to this maneuver are to constantly maintain contact with your shins against the front of your boots, and be sure to not over roll your feet and ankles down the fall-line - you don’t want to put the skis totally flat on the snow or you might fall over the downhill ski.