My ski Lesson at Vail Mountain combined expert instruction with a supportive group setting
Skiing has always been one of those activities that fascinates me—something I’ve long wanted to try but never quite felt confident or skilled enough to fully embrace. So, when I started planning a trip to Vail, Colorado, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and finally give it a proper try.
Vail, after all, is famed for its world-class skiing and stunning vistas. I had taken a lesson years ago at Mammoth Mountain in California, but my main fear—the possibility of hitting trees—always held me back. This time, I decided to face that fear head-on by signing up for a ski lesson. It felt like the best way to ease my nerves, especially since I’d be staying at The Four Seasons Vail, a place known for its comfort and luxury.
Every element of the trip seemed to align perfectly, giving me the ideal setting to embrace this new challenge in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Looking back, I’ve done my fair share of questionable things just to see how they’d turn out. Before this, I had even done the Evening Snowshoeing Tour with the Walking Mountains Nature Discovery Center, so I figured, “I’ve played around on Vail Mountain before. This time should be easier!”
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
Vail Mountain towers at 8,022 feet, and it was *freezing*. After picking up my ski rental from Ski Base Vail, I headed to the lift, questioning what exactly I had gotten myself into.
Thankfully, once I reached the gondola summit, I easily spotted my instructor, which gave me a bit of reassurance.
At the time, I had no idea that I was anemic, which made everything at this altitude an unexpected challenge. Still, I gave it my all during the two-hour lesson. I focused on mastering the basics—the classic pizza and French fries techniques—until the combination of fatigue and the frigid, below-zero temperatures caught up with me. Despite the struggle, it was a memorable experience and one I’m proud to have checked off my life’s bucket list. After all, it sounds nice to say, “Yeah, I skied Vail.”
In fact, when I was in Switzerland and decided to take on the Glacier Peak walk at Glacier 3000, I faced a similar moment of reckoning. The trek was as stunning as it was challenging, with breathtaking views and icy conditions that pushed my limits. I felt like my fingers were going to freeze in my gloves from the wind chill. But in both experiences, I recognized the importance of listening to my body and knowing when it was in my best interest to call it a day – no matter how much money you paid for the experience.
There’s no point in screwing yourself over just to satisfy your ego. My ski lesson at Vail taught me that. I allowed myself the grace to pause, enjoy a warm beverage back at the hotel, and soak in the surroundings without letting my ego dictate my actions. It’s was lesson in balance – in knowing when to push myself and when to step back and simply savor the moment.
And what a moment it was.
Beginner Half Day Group Ski Lesson at Vail Mountain
Vail, Colorado
