Falling with Style: Learning to Ski After 40

In my imagination skiing is glamorous and whats more glam than gliding gracefully down a mountain surrounded by breathtaking views, with Glühwein waiting for you at a scenic mountain hut? 

When in reality its probably quite different and involves falling spectacularly multiple times and trying not to cry in front of strangers.

I mean, I’ve been walking on two legs for decades; how hard can it be to slide on some snow? Spoiler alert: Very hard. I quickly realised skiing is a sport for the brave, the crazy, or those who have no shame in embarrassing themselves.

The saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” dates back to the 1500s. And whilst I’d like to think society has come a long way since then, there are plenty of people out there who make me question humanity’s collective sanity.

Is “Young and fearless” really a thing? Or does everything just seem easier in your 20s? 

Personally, I feel braver now than I ever did in my twenties. Although, I do not bounce back from a fall or the aftermath of a few drinks quite as easily as I did back then.

Nothing better than an Apres Ski Gluwein

I didn’t grow up skiing. We didn’t take family holidays in the Alps every year. But I have skied on and off for the past few years. I always envisioned myself swooping down a mountain ending the day with a warming glass of mulled wine and a plate full of melted cheese and potatoes.

Now that I’m in my 40s though, I’m never entirely convinced I’m having a good time when im on a ski slope.  Don’t get me wrong I love the snow, I love being in the mountains, but skiing itself? It scares me. And, as I get older that fear grows. The knowledge that one wrong fall could leave me broken and unable to bounce back like I did in my twenties is a constant reminder of my mortality.

So, the question is: Are you really too old to learn a new skill? Or is it just the fears we accumulate as we age that hold us back?

Let’s find out.

One of the most beautiful views in the World. Val D'isere

I’ve booked three consecutive weeks of skiing in France and Italy. I’ve emptied my bank account to splurge on a week of lessons, bought some Carv insoles, and dusted off my ski boots. Okay, I might not be a pro but I do love to shop. And now, I’m officially ready to hit the slopes.

I am expecting shin pain and for every muscle in my body to hurt. But I also hope that this blitz will end in me being able to confidently ski down a blue or maybe even a red. Because lets me honest, what I lack is confidence. I have never been full of self esteem. And after many years of peoples actions making me feel like I’m not good enough both mentally and physically, I need to do this for myself. Secretly I hope that this confidence will spread to the rest of my life. In april i am leaving the office job world in which I have lived for the last 20 years and I am taking a leap to do what I have been dreaming about for years. Check out my YouTube channel to see how its going.

I will be leaving from my parents, who so happen to live in in France. I can get a train via Paris to Bourge Saint Maurice, from there Tignes is either a short taxi ride or a rather long bus ride. Me being on a newly enforced budget opted for the bus.

I will be skiing for 3 weeks and then heading straight to Turin for 6 weeks to start an Italian course, so have a lot of stuff. So much stuff in fact that my dad looked utterly befuddled and slightly scared for my safety. He was muttering things about driving to Tignes when I was leaving to pick up my ski gear and something that sounded like bonkers. I suggested that if this was an option he may as well take me there directly… but I am on the train so that obviously didn’t go down well.

After dragging my ski bag that is akin to lugging a body around behind you from Gare Montparnasse to Gare Du Lyon, by the time I was sat in my seat on my second train of the day I thought I may have broken something other than my spirit. I'm not even within a sniff of a mountain yet and I'm already exhausted.

The Tignes & Val D'isere

 The First Challenge: Gear Up

Putting on ski equipment might be the most humbling part. Boots so tight I questioned whether they were designed by sadists. Snow pants that somehow transformed me into a marshmallow, and a helmet that made me feel like I was about to launch into space. I looked more like a dumpy confused alien than a sleek winter athlete.

How do people look so effortlessly chic on skis? It’s a skill I apparently do not possess.

The Glorious Fall and the Struggle to Get Up

My first lesson? How to balance, stop, and most importantly fall without breaking something. My initial fall was a masterpiece. I couldn’t tell you what happened for a million pounds, one moment I’m skiing, the next I’m eating snow. Losing all control, flailing laterally across the slope, and ending up in a perfect spread-eagle. 

The best part? I couldn’t get myself up. Left sitting there, exhausted, pondering the universe and questioning my life choices. Luckily I was rescued by a kind stranger who offered a helping hand. 

All the gear, no idea

Private Lessons: The Game-Changer

I’ve had some truly terrible ski lessons before, lots of follow-the-leader and trying to keep up rather than actually learning. But I can’t recommend private lessons enough Having the safety blanket of an instructor but not being held back by others in a group is where you find that sweet spot of being challenged but not being scared. Also i found not being able to get up without help a great motivation to stay standing!

A big shoutout to Neil Hillier from Zen Ski Coaching and Mr. Go Go from Prosneige both in Val D'Isere. Those private afternoon lessons pushed me outside my comfort zone, and in just four hours, I finally believed that I could ski. I was doing parallel turns, feeling a flicker of control and maybe even a glimmer of confidence.

Skiing is as much a mental game as physical. Learning to trust yourself, let go of the fear, and accept that falling is part of the process. Honestly, therapy on skis should be a thing. Its interesting to be both cold and sweating at the same time.

Location Matters

Some pistes are better suited to beginners and some ski resorts are just better suited to my personality. Confidence comes from feeling comfortable. I loved skiing in Val d’Isère, despite some green runs being surprisingly difficult. But I did not enjoy skiing in Sestriere the runs felt poorly maintained, and the crowds and bumps made it a nightmare. After one day, I was dreaming of Val again.

My Advice for Anyone Over 40 Thinking About Skiing

If you’re over 40 and thinking about learning to ski, my advice is: do it.

You’ll learn patience, humility, and how to laugh at yourself. Because every fall, every graceless slide, and every snow covered face is a badge of honour. 

The sense of accomplishment the first time you do a run without falling, do a run at a speed that feels like 100mph was totally worth my bruised ego. Plus, you get to workout muscles you haven't used in years (the pain gets better after day 3).

Just make sure you have good insurance. I'm not sure about you but I don’t bounce like I did in my 20s.