The 5 most common mistakes made by beginners... and how to avoid them with the ESF
Published on 10/12/2025 - Written by Coline
Every winter, Courchevel 1850 attracts a multitude of visitors, many of whom are skiing for the first time. Taking to the slopes as a beginner is often an exciting experience, but one that requires patience and guidance.
Many novices make the same mistakes, which can hinder their progress and even spoil their holiday. The esf has compiled a list of the most common mistakes made by budding skiers, with tips on how to avoid them!
Many novices make the same mistakes, which can hinder their progress and even spoil their holiday. The esf has compiled a list of the most common mistakes made by budding skiers, with tips on how to avoid them!
1/ Neglecting your equipment
Good equipment will always be a skier's ally. But when you're just starting out, it's easy to overlook its importance. Ski clothing must be sufficiently warm, breathable and waterproof to make your day on the slopes enjoyable. Boots that are too big, gloves that don't provide enough insulation or unsuitable skis can ruin your first experience.
So don't hesitate to opt for equipment hire: the professionals on site will be able to offer you equipment perfectly suited to your needs and your level.
So don't hesitate to opt for equipment hire: the professionals on site will be able to offer you equipment perfectly suited to your needs and your level.
2/ Going too fast
The excitement of discovering skiing can easily push beginner skiers to want to quickly follow the slopes. However, by rushing through the stages, they increase the risk of injury and limit their progress.
That's why it's essential to take things one step at a time, with the right exercises and personalised advice, as suggested by our instructors. In this way, you can progress at your own pace and quickly see the results.
Ski lessons for all levels with esf!3/ Ignoring safety rules
On the ski slopes, safety is of paramount importance. Respecting priorities, modulating speed, safe distances... Because they are discovering the slopes for the first time, novices are not always familiar with these rules, which can lead to a few scares at the best of times.
With ski lessons, beginners are taught the basics. They learn the reflexes they need to adopt in order to ski with complete peace of mind and guarantee their own safety, as well as that of other sportspeople!
4/ Not listening to your body
Skiing is a physical activity that requires a lot of muscle power. So it's essential to be in good shape when you hit the slopes. Some over-enthusiastic beginners can tend to overlook injury or fatigue and end up skiing in poor conditions.
So, to guarantee a good experience on the slopes, it's a good idea to listen to your body, before, during and after each skiing session.
5/ Wanting to learn alone
With family or friends, some holidaymakers who have never skied before may think that skiing with friends and family is enough for a successful introduction. However, to ensure that you learn in a safe environment, we recommend that you take beginner ski lessons with an instructor.
You'll benefit from advice tailored to your needs, while enjoying a friendly atmosphere: a good way to progress with complete peace of mind!
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Private lessons: the best way to learn to ski!