I'm a professional skier. Here are 4 mistakes I tell first-timers to avoid making on the slopes.

• As a professional skier, there are a few big mistakes I'd tell first-timers to avoid on the slopes.
• Don't skip out on the ski lessons, as instructors teach important skills.
• I recommend avoiding expert-level trails and remembering that it's OK to fall.

There's something magical about being on the slopes for the first time — the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and the rush of trying something new. However, skiing for the first time can also be a nerve-racking experience.

As a professional skier who's spent more time in ski boots than regular shoes, I can tell you that your first skiing experience doesn't have to involve frozen fingers, bruised egos, or moments of sheer panic.

Here are four mistakes I see people make when skiing for the first time — and how I'd avoid them.

Wearing the wrong gear

Being properly dressed can be the difference between enjoying the slopes and sprinting to the lodge for hot chocolate after one run.

After all, skiing isn't about looking runway-ready — it's about being warm, dry, and comfortable.

For example, poor-fitting ski boots can be a recipe for pain, and non-waterproof clothing will likely make you feel like a soggy marshmallow.

Instead, choose gear that feels snug without being too tight. I also recommend layering up with moisture-wicking base clothing, waterproof outerwear, and gloves designed for subfreezing temperatures.

Thinking you're too cool for skiing lessons

To a first-time skier, lessons may seem boring or unnecessary. However, lessons don't just teach you how to ski — they help you learn how to become a skier.

Instructors show their students essential skills like how to put skis on and take them off, the proper way to carry skis without knocking someone out, and — most importantly — how to get back up after a fall.

Many instructors will even help you navigate the chairlift, which can feel like an extreme sport the first time you use it.

Think of lessons as an investment in your future self. You'll progress faster and with fewer tears — I promise.

Taking on difficult terrain too soon

It's easy to get overexcited when you click into your skis and see all the awaiting trails. However, starting with an expert-level black-diamond trail just because it looks fun can be a one-way ticket to disaster (and possibly a starring role in a viral ski-fail video).

If it's your first time skiing, I recommend sticking to beginner-level green hills. These have gentler slopes and wider trails than expert-level terrain, so you have more space to figure out turning and stopping without obstacles.

Groomed runs (slopes a machine has smoothed over) are also predictable and perfect for practicing your "pizza" position — aka bringing the tips of your skis together for more stability.

Remember: The mountain will still be there when you're ready to level up. For now, though, take it slow and enjoy the learning process.

Being scared to fall

Beginners often see falling as failing, but in reality, it's just part of the process. Every tumble is a chance to figure out your balance, refine your movements, and — let's be real — collect a funny story to tell later.

So, don't be afraid to take a spill or two. Laugh it off, dust off the snow, and get back up. Falling is how you learn what does and doesn't work and, more importantly, how to enjoy the journey.