Level 1 ยท Beginner
Learn to ski, from the very first step.
Level 1 Beginner Ski Training for students, including first-time skiers. Calm, patient instruction focused on the fundamentals.
Who it's for
Students new to skiing.
- First-time skiers with no prior experience.
- Students who have tried skiing briefly and want a solid foundation.
- Anyone who prefers a measured, unhurried introduction.
What you'll learn
The fundamentals, introduced with care.
- 01
Equipment familiarity
Boots, skis and poles: how they fit, how to carry them, and how to get in and out of bindings.
- 02
Balance & movement
A stable athletic stance, sliding on gentle terrain, and moving with control.
- 03
Wedge stopping
Using a wedge shape to slow down and come to a stop.
- 04
Introduction to turns
First linked direction changes, introduced when each student is ready.
- 05
Lifts
An introduction to beginner lifts.
Every student progresses at their own pace; specific outcomes aren't guaranteed.
From real sessions
On snow with Ski Free Collective.
Photos and videos from real beginner training sessions now have their own page.
Meet your instructor
Meet Ebony.
Founder of Ski Free Collective
Ebony is the founder of Ski Free Collective and a PSIA-AASI Level 1 Certified Ski Instructor with over a decade of skiing experience and three years of teaching.
A licensed K-12 teacher, she brings a clear, patient, and safety-first approach to ski instruction.
She has skied across California, Nevada, Utah, and Canada, and as a world traveler, she loves helping others build confidence on the snow.
Her goal is simple: make sure every skier has the skills to stay safe, progress, and have fun in the sport.
Teaching approach
Safety on the mountain
Helmets on, control is the name of the game, and wipeouts happen to all of us.
Mountain responsibility codeCredentials
- PSIA-AASI Level 1 Certified Ski Instructor
- Licensed K-12 teacher
- Over a decade of skiing experience
- Three years of teaching
PSIA-AASI Course for New Instructors.
How training works
Intake
A short beginner survey helps us understand each student before training.
Foundations
We start on flat or gentle terrain, focusing on comfort and basics.
Progression
Skills are introduced step by step, at a pace set by the student.
Equipment: bring your own skis, boots and helmet, or rent from the resort. Schedule and location: details coming soon.
Private lessons: half-day 3 hours or full-day 6 hours. Group bookings: half-day 2.5 hours.
Payment: all payments go through Zelle. Bookings are not confirmed until payment is received.
Special event pricing: Email skifreecollective@gmail.com.
Beginner student intake
Complete your intake survey.
Before your first lesson, we ask every student to complete a short intake survey. Your answers help us prepare a safe, supportive beginner lesson.
- Your skiing experience and confidence level.
- The equipment you will bring or rent from the resort.
- Your goals and any concerns about learning to ski.
- Any accommodations we should plan around.
The survey is completed before your lesson and is used for lesson planning only. It is not a booking confirmation, a medical clearance, or a waiver.
FAQ
Questions.
Do I need any prior experience?
No. Level 1 is designed for students who are new to skiing, including complete first-timers.
What equipment do I need?
You'll need your own skis, boots and helmet, or you can rent equipment from the resort. Arriving with properly fitted equipment is part of preparing for your first lesson.
Do lessons happen on beginner terrain?
Yes. Training starts on flat or gentle terrain, including beginner areas, the magic carpet, and the beginner chairlift.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is shown when you book. After your intake survey is accepted, you will receive a booking link with available days and prices.
How do I pay?
All payments are made through Zelle. Bookings are not confirmed until payment is received.
How do I sign up?
Every student completes a short beginner intake survey before the lesson. You can complete it online on our intake page.