First time Skiing at Kokusai ski resort

Nantise
Dec 18, 2017
2 min read

The cool mountain air blowing into your face as you speed down a snow-covered mountain is one of the most fun and exhilarating experiences out there. However, skiing for the first time can be a scary and daunting experience, but when getting it right you’ll soon fall in love with it.

When skiing for the first time, it is highly recommended to take some lessons, usually half a day. However, my time was limited to take a serious course so I relied on my experienced friend whom I found was very enduring to accompany me through my first time.

I’ve learned pretty much of basic skills from wearing ski boots, how to turn, slow down and stop. It’s not the easiest to walk in the ski boots and I found myself walking like a penguin. One fact you need to realize before used to skiing is that you’re going to lose your balance and fall. This situation is going to happen so you just have to laugh and get straight back up fast.

My first time skiing happened at Sapporo Kokusai resort. At first, we planned to ski at Niseko. However, during mid-November, not many ski resorts are open yet because snow is not totally covered the field as by consulting with the hostel officer, she suggested this place. Kokusai’s location makes it easy to get to from our stay. The ski resort operating since 1978 is a trendy spot for the local Sapporo and Otaru ski player, thus, although the place is unknown to international skiers, it’s definitely not off the beaten track.

The run at Kokusai is on the eastern side of Asahidage, the tallest mountain on the island, which usually gets a lot of good quality snow. This ski resort features 7 different courses with a length of 3.6 km for skiers in accordance with their varying levels such as the Downhill course for advanced skiers, Swing course for intermediate skiers and Woody course for beginners. The Sky Cabin gondolas each capable of carrying eight skiers to the hill sites is available too.

Last but not least, if you have a desire to play ski, just go for it. Do not be afraid and underestimate your own power. Many times of falling nearly stop me from achieving a goal, but I choose not to settle down that why today you can ask me out for skiing.