Skier development: step by step

Learning to ski is an exciting adventure that builds gradually. Whether for a child or an adult, developing as a skier is based on confidence, technique, and enjoyment.

Here are the key steps to progress safely and fully enjoy the mountains at Mont-Orford.

1 - Start with the right equipment

Good learning starts with well-fitting equipment: skis, boots, poles, and helmet. Take the time to get to know your equipment and understand how it works. Comfortable and safe equipment makes learning easier and increases the enjoyment of skiing.

2 - Become familiar with your equipment

Before you even start sliding, it is important to get used to walking with the equipment. This step helps you develop your balance, feel in control, and gain confidence. Walk, stand up, and move around on flat ground.

3 - Explore the learning area

The learning zone is the ideal place to take your first steps on skis. The learning areas on the practice slope, such as rollers, inclined turns, and even the pool, help develop balance, coordination, and technique in a fun way.

4 - The Magic Carpet

Once comfortable with the magic carpet, skiers develop their independence. It is often at this stage that confidence sets in and the desire to explore the mountain further emerges.

5 - Discover the mountains and ski lifts

When you feel confident, it's time to explore the big mountain. Taking the chair for the first time can be challenging. It is essential to understand how to get on and, above all, how to get off.

6 - Choose the right track for your level

Once at the top, choosing the right trail is essential. Signs clearly indicate the level of difficulty. Respecting your level allows you to progress safely and have fun.

Green circle: Easy

Blue square: Difficult

Black diamond: Very difficult

7 - A first descent at the Giroux summit

At Giroux summit, we recommend taking the Familiale slope, which is a straight line from the chairlifts. This beautiful beginner-level trail is perfect for a first experience at altitude.

A fun tip: watch the animals perched in the trees as you descend. They serve as visual landmarks and make the descent even more enjoyable, especially for younger children!

Once you have mastered the Familiale trail, try the Petite Coulée and Gagnon trails, two other green alternative trails for descending Giroux Peak. When you feel more comfortable on your skis, discover our various blue square trails across the mountain: Magog, Slalom, Grande Coulée, and Grande-Allée.

8 - Snow school

The best way to learn how to ski or snowboard is to try the sport for the first time with an experienced instructor. Various programs and packages are available at the Snow School to suit your needs: private lesson packages or the beginner package, which includes equipment rental and a day pass.

Regardless of your skiing level, booking a lesson with an instructor can always be beneficial. It allows you to adapt to changes in equipment, improve your technique, and better cope with different snow conditions, which can vary throughout the season.

The advantage of taking a lesson is that you receive personalized support tailored to your needs and advice on how to improve your skiing. Contact the ski school now to book your lesson with an instructor: 819-843-6548, ext. 8356.

Skiers develop one step at a time, at their own pace. From the learning area to their first descents in the mountains, every step forward is a victory. The important thing is to gain confidence, have fun, and enjoy the mountain experience to the fullest.