The first precipitation in autumn usually already gives the Val Senales Glacier a white winter coat. Numerous winter sports enthusiasts have been waiting for this all summer: as soon as our slopes and lifts open, they swarm out into the snow and whizz down the slopes. Perhaps you would like to be one of them this year, but are wondering what the right age is to (learn to) ski? Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

At what age can you start skiing?

There is no general answer to this question. When your children are ready for their first pair of skis depends on their physical and mental maturity: a certain level of stamina, strength and coordination are necessary to learn the correct skiing technique. Children who are already on skis before the age of three are the exception. At the Val Senales ski school, kids aged 4 to 13 are taught. All ski courses in Val Senales focus on safety and fun. The duration of our ski lessons in Italy can be flexibly chosen between two and six days and the children are divided into groups according to their level.

How old can you be to ski?

There is no strict upper age limit for skiing either. Many people wrongly give up sporting activities after a certain age - but that’s precisely what keeps the body fit and young. Skiing at an advanced age helps to maintain or improve balance, strength, endurance, dexterity and coordination. A day's skiing is the perfect opportunity to get out into nature even in the cold season. And last but not least, there is hardly anything better for younger and older children than spending a fun-filled day in the snow with mum and dad or grandma and grandpa. These memories are sure to stay with everyone for a long time to come!

What's the best way to learn to ski with children?

In most sports, children find it easier to learn than adults. This has to do with their lower weight and better mobility, but also their fearlessness and willingness to experiment. If you can, use this valuable phase to learn to ski with your own children. When learning to ski on holiday, everyone is generally more relaxed, and a new environment can help promote development. If you are a good skier yourself, you can also practise with your children. The children’s area and practice slopes are ideal for beginners. Putting on skis, standing up, gliding on a level surface as well as parallel skiing and the snowplough position are the first important basics. However, if you are not confident on skis yourself, it is better to leave the teaching to a trained ski instructor. Various ski courses are available in Val Senales for this purpose.

Can you learn to ski as an adult?

Of course, you can also learn to ski as an adult – even well and even if you have never skied before. Around a third of beginner skiers today are adults and they often make up for their ‘disadvantage’ compared to children with motivation and experience in other sports. How to learn to ski quickly as an adult? It is advisable to take a few hours of lessons. But how long does it take to learn to ski? Group courses are cheaper, while you will usually make faster progress with a private instructor. After a week, you should be able to ski a blue slope safely. Of course, a good basic level of fitness (strength, endurance, coordination...) is an advantage.

Is skiing for older people as well?

Yes, especially if you were a keen skier when you were younger, you don't have to stop as long as your body is not telling you to. To stay safe on the slopes at an older age, it is advisable to get enough exercise (e.g. walking or cycling) even in the warmer months. In addition, regular strengthening exercises can help to maintain your muscles. A good warm-up, easy and wide slopes, a careful skiing style and regular breaks help to minimise the risk of fatigue or falls. And finally, the day is not over when you leave the slope: back at the hotel, a sauna session or a hot bath work wonders when it comes to recovery and regeneration. And don't forget a nutritious dinner at the end of a successful day of skiing!

As you can see, skiing is a joy from (almost) 0 to 99! At Alpin Arena Senales, it's not just the many slopes and lifts that contribute to this, but also the group and private ski lessons in Italy offered by the Val Senales ski school, the practical ski rental and the many inviting huts where you can take a break. A learn to ski holiday is the perfect opportunity to improve your technique, whether you are 4, 16, 35 or 70. We wish you lots of fun and good luck!