a mountain might seem insane, but once you learn how to ski, it’s addictive. You will

need Warm, waterproof clothes Ski gloves or mittens Hatt or headband Sunglasses or goggles

Skis and ski poles, boots, and bindings. Step 1. Before you head to the slopes, make sure

you're dressed properly. Wear several layers of warm clothes, thick socks, waterproof pants,

a hat or headband, ski gloves or mittens, and a ski jacket. Wear protective sunglasses

or goggles to protect your eyes from the glare of both the sun and the snow. Step 2. Buy

or rent ski equipment: skis, poles, and boots with bindings. Have a professional ski tuner

select the right length and type of ski for you, and have them adjust the bindings--which

keep your ski boots attached to your skis--for your weight and beginner status. In general,

beginners should rent ski equipment, as your needs will change as you improve. Eventually,

once you’re skiing a lot and know what you want, you can buy. Step 3. Begin on a flat

surface. Get the feel of the skis by slowly walking around, knees slightly bent. Slide

one ski ahead of the other, avoiding the temptation to lean backwards. Step 4. Once you feel comfortable

in your skis, head to the smallest hill, or “bunny slope.” Here you’ll probably

find a “rope tow” to hold onto--or a conveyor belt called a “magic carpet” to stand

on--that will get you to the top of the hill. Keep your skis straight as you’re heading

up! Consider taking lessons; it’s the best way to learn. Step 5. When you reach the top

of the bunny hill, position your skis so they are facing _across_ the slope of the hill,

not down it. You don’t want your skis taking off before you’re ready! Step 6. Practice

the snowplow, or wedge, position. With your legs slightly bent and your weight on the

balls of your feet, bring the tips of your skis together and the tails of your skis apart--like

an upside down “V.” Step 7. Gently point your skis down the hill. Keeping them in the

wedge position will prevent you from picking up too much speed. Let yourself slowly glide

down the hill, widening the angle of your wedge if you need to slow down. If you fall--and

you will!--get up with your skis facing across the slope. Step 8. Once you’re comfortable

snowplowing, you’re ready to start turning. Simply shift your weight onto the ski opposite

the direction you want to turn. For example, to turn right, shift your weight onto your

left ski. Stay in your wedge! Step 9. To avoid coming to a stop, turn in one direction, then

the other. Proceed down the hill in this lazy zigzag fashion. Step 10. Now practice slowing

down and stopping. To slow down, bend your knees and shift your weight forward, widening

your wedge. To stop, initiate a turn and follow through until your skis are perpendicular

to the direction of the slope. You will naturally come to a stop. If you ever feel out of control,

it is always better to squat down and fall on your side than to run into another person

or object. Step 11. Continue gliding, turning, slowing, and stopping in the snowplow position.

Before you know it, you’ll be bidding the bunny slope goodbye forever! Did you know

In 1970, Yuichiro Miura of Japan became the first person to ski on Mt. Everest, and in

2003, when he was 70, became the oldest person to reach its summit.