Learning to ski after 40 is possible!
Learning to ski after 40: mission impossible? (Spoiler: no)
Published on 12/12/2025 - Written by Nadège
In Méribel, 72 ski runs await you all season long. From green to black, there's something for everyone. Whether you're 6, 20 or 40, you can find a playground to suit you.
But what happens when you want to learn to ski at an older age? Are the risks greater? Is it an (im)possible mission? Should you opt for cross-country skiing? To help you see things more clearly, let's analyse your objective together!
But what happens when you want to learn to ski at an older age? Are the risks greater? Is it an (im)possible mission? Should you opt for cross-country skiing? To help you see things more clearly, let's analyse your objective together!
Can you really learn to ski after 40?
In reality, there is no real age for learning to ski. You can start when you're 18, 30, 50 or older. However, it's worth noting that learning to ski is often easier at a young age, because we're generally less afraid of falling or injuring ourselves during childhood or adolescence.
Whether you want to start skiing when you're over 40, or return to the sport after several years off, there's nothing to stop you. With the right amount of motivation, desire and perseverance, skiing is accessible to almost everyone, as long as you follow the recommendations of the professionals.
Whether you want to start skiing when you're over 40, or return to the sport after several years off, there's nothing to stop you. With the right amount of motivation, desire and perseverance, skiing is accessible to almost everyone, as long as you follow the recommendations of the professionals.
Learn to ski in the best conditionsTeaching adapted to beginnersSkiing: what precautions should you take after the age of 40?
Even so, it's important to remember that at 50, 60 or more, the body is more sensitive. This means that injuries are more likely to occur at these ages, for a number of reasons (osteoarthritis, etc.). In the event of a nasty fall, fractures are more common.
To avoid this, it's best to take a few precautions before hitting the slopes. First of all, we advise you to warm up properly. This good habit will help you stretch and loosen your muscles to prevent pain.
You can also wear some extra protection, apart from a ski helmet. These include back protectors, knee pads and protective shorts. These accessories absorb shocks—so don’t hesitate to use them during your sessions on the snow! Think of them as a safety net that allows you to focus fully on the pleasure of skiing, rather than on the fear of injury.
To avoid this, it's best to take a few precautions before hitting the slopes. First of all, we advise you to warm up properly. This good habit will help you stretch and loosen your muscles to prevent pain.
You can also wear some extra protection, apart from a ski helmet. These include back protectors, knee pads and protective shorts. These accessories absorb shocks—so don’t hesitate to use them during your sessions on the snow! Think of them as a safety net that allows you to focus fully on the pleasure of skiing, rather than on the fear of injury.
Ski lessons: learn to ski safely
Warm-up: OK. Ski protection : OK. Ski lessons ? If you're over 40 and want to start or resume skiing, it's best to be accompanied by a qualified instructor. These patient, attentive professionals are perfectly aware of the risks involved and know how to advise beginners of all ages: perfect for learning to ski without risking injury.
What's more, the personalised advice of a ski instructor means you can progress more quickly on the slopes, and with complete peace of mind. He'll be able to put you at ease and help you gain confidence in yourself and your abilities. With him or her at your side, learning will be that much easier and more enjoyable!
There are two options available with esf Méribel: group ski lessons and private ski lessons. The choice is yours, but for our part, we'd recommend private lessons, as the support is personalised.
What's more, the personalised advice of a ski instructor means you can progress more quickly on the slopes, and with complete peace of mind. He'll be able to put you at ease and help you gain confidence in yourself and your abilities. With him or her at your side, learning will be that much easier and more enjoyable!
There are two options available with esf Méribel: group ski lessons and private ski lessons. The choice is yours, but for our part, we'd recommend private lessons, as the support is personalised.
A dedicated instructor to guide youEnjoy personalised courses!