I still remember what it was like the first time and that was forty one years ago. I’d listen to friends talking about it. ‘Learn to ski, matey – you’ll love it!’ It was like having that first cigarette but with more potential. If my chums all did it, then skiing was something I had to have a go at.

The first country I ever skied was Norway – freezing and mostly dark but very friendly and a place where the beer and aquavit flowed relentlessly. Headaches and bruises and continually falling over was what I remember. Despite the setbacks we had a great time; it was something to do with being at altitude with people who were determined to have a really good time.

Let me help you down your first slope if you have never tried it till now. If you have been on a winter holiday before and understand the rudiments of how to ski but want to improve, you can join us too in the Austrian Alps and then go to my free ebook about ‘Secrets of Better Skiing’, which will turn a novice skier into an expert.

I’ve chosen Austria, because generaly, they do it best of all. The locals are cheerful, the chalets, hotels and bars are warm and welcoming, and the Austrians know how to have a good time. The entertainment and the partying is good value and you’re happy to pay.

So we have had a good breakfast and ventured on to the beginners’ slope. The kitting out in the shop was an adventure on its own and we are carrying and wearing some interesting stuff but at last we’re here. And isn’t it fine and dandy despite the ski equipment we’ve had to carry and wear from the shop? Blazing sunshine, crisp white snow and a disappearing mist in the valley all promise a wonderful day. It’s cold at the moment but it will quickly warm up and we may even be down to shirtsleeves by lunchtime.

For how to dress functionally when skiing read this really useful article about Ski Clothing.

The slope is really a field but now has a metre of packed snow on it. It’s flat where we are and then rises a bit when we look downhill, but looking upwards to the woods a hundred yards away we notice that it rises a bit; the top of the slope is only ten feet higher than us. Let’s go a bit higher and put our skis on. I’m skipping how to put your skis and boots on here, as I know how eager you are to get going as quickly as possible

Walk up the hill for a short way with your skis on and boots done up – you can use your poles to help you – when you’ve gone far enough carefully turn round and face downhill. Allow the skis slide on their own. As you get to the little slope at the bottom they’ll come to a halt. When you come to rest at the bottom, take the skis off and carry them up a bit higher than before. Just let them run on their own and go a litttle higher up the hill each time. As you start going higher up the hill and therefore faster you can try doing some step turns which involve stepping round in the same direction which will make you come to a halt.

During all this I hope you will be falling over a lot – this is crucial in your development. Learn how to fall in your own way – it’s best to drop, before you need to,on the side up hill of your skis – and you will soon overcome your fear. Really, I know, I’m a ski teacher.

That’s it for now. To progress and for more information on ski equipment as well as ski wear, or maybe even to look for a ski holiday go to Ski Jungle – Ski Clothes, and good skiing!