Whether you are a seasoned snow skier or just beginning, taking a lesson can greatly improve your proficiency and enjoyment of the sport. Ski instructors are there to help you learn new skills and get you comfortable out on the snow, but there are a few things you can do to help.

Taking these snow skiing tips to heart will not only maximize your learning potential, but also help your lesson run safely and smoothly.

1. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at the resort at least one hour before your lesson. This gives you plenty of time to get your lift ticket and gear on before your lesson start time. If you arrive late to your lesson, don’t expect instructors to be able to make up the time at the end because lessons are usually scheduled back-to-back. Arrive on time to take full advantage of your time learning on the snow.

2. Dress Appropriately

Check the weather before you leave home and dress to keep warm! Instructors are more than happy to bring you inside to warm up, but that takes away time they could be teaching you new skills. A ski jacket and snow pants with appropriate layers underneath, as well as warm gloves and a helmet, will keep you comfortable throughout your entire lesson. If it is a particularly cold day, consider wearing hand and toe warmers to keep your extremities toasty.

3. Know the Responsibility Code

Skiing can be a dangerous sport and keeping everyone safe requires all skiers and snowboarders to act appropriately on the mountain. The National Ski Areas Association has put together a Responsibility Code for everyone to follow on the slopes. Going into your lesson knowing and following this code will help your instructor keep you safe.

1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

If you have any questions you can find more information at the National Ski Areas Association website or ask your instructor. They are happy to help!

4. Have a Positive Attitude

Skiing, especially if it is your first time trying, is going to be hard! Go into the lesson knowing that you will fall, and do not get discouraged. Falling is part of the process. Getting down on yourself will hinder your learning and make coaching harder for the instructor. On the other hand, maintaining a positive attitude through the frustration will help you and the instructor have an enjoyable and successful lesson.

5. Parents, Let the Instructor Take Over

If you are a parent dropping off your child to a lesson, say goodbye to your child at the lesson area and then let the instructors take over. Instructors know you want to see your child ski — it is exciting to get them out on the snow! Yet, if a parent sticks around for an entire lesson, the child tends to be distracted and not focus on learning. Go enjoy that time to ski for yourself or get a warm drink in the ski lodge. At the end of the lesson, show up a few minutes before pickup time to get feedback from the instructor. They will tell you what your child learned and what they can improve on, as well as give you information on how to book your next lesson. Then, when the lesson is over, ask your child to show you all their new skills!

6. Have Fun!

Last, but most certainly not least, your ski instructor wants you to have fun! Instructors work in that position because they have a passion for sharing the sport that they love. Go out and enjoy the slopes with them!

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Lauren Loria-Corbat is a writer and photographer who skis, rock climbs, hikes and backpacks. She loves introducing people to outdoor sports through journalism as well as hands-on teaching as a ski and climbing instructor.