I came up with this idea to make a thread for each category - Beginner, Advanced, and Expert, I'm not to knowledgeble to fullfill these, but I think they would be great things for any newcomers to see and read, so maybe someone can fill in the needed information.

I think the best thing a beginner ca do is actually get a good teacher!

The importance of a good teacher to teach you the basics should never be underestimated! Ask around and see who everyone recommends - you wont regret getting a sound understanding of the basics!

Indeed, you should defiently take a lesson before you attempt. I wouldnt reccomend reading a guide on the internet and then going out and trying it yourself. You should defiently take a class.

Take a lesson you wont regret it

Lessons are definitely a great avenue. I've never taken one other than taking advice from senior skiers. As long as the instructor is a good one and has the patience to teach and not just rush you down the mountain to say, there see you did it.

I think taking your time and learning about your skis and how to they move and how they interact with snow is the basic fundamental.

I remember my favorite exercise when learning to ski was this..

Face the side of the hill (not uphill or downhill) and make sure your not on a trail where you could be in the way. Now when you are standing make sure you have both edges on both skis engaged. This is usually easy for first day skiers.

Now disengage your skis slightly. More or less, release your edges from the snowpack. As you do this you should start sliding down the hill a little. Start with small movements facing sideways at all times. This is a great exercise to learn about edge control and controling your body. Keep doing this exercise at different intensities and distances. Eventually point yourself downhill (slowly) then back to the sideways direction.

The faster you can understand your skis edges, the sooner you'll be parallel skiing and really enjoying your day.

Whoops forgot...If your on the East Coast, DONT WEAR JEANS unless you're from NJ.

the fastest way iv"e found to step up from beginner to intermediate is to get the concept of turning. if you go to a ski class, they will tell you to turn with your body and keep pizzaing(?) through the turn. once you get comfortable with that you need to learn how to actually turn.
When you turn, you'll always want your shoulders flat. you also need to remember to not turn with you body, turn with your knees. your knees should bend and your shoulders straight.
And one more thing, contrary to what everyone above me has said, dont take a lesson, its is a waste of time and money. all you need to know is pizza\/ and french fries ii. all of my friends that have gone skiing with me for the first time left their lessons early, because they told you more about putting your boots in you bindings than actually useful information

i think lessons are important but they dont have to be from a ski instructeer if you have a friend or someone else who is a good skier then you usually learn better from someone you no and are more comfortable around. after you have tried a couple times if you want to gget an instructor to see if you have it right then you can do that and it will help you out. but i dont think it is best to start out with an instructor.

Take soem lessons.. Friends will help too.. I'm planning to take some lessons as well

1. Ski within your means. Wedging down a black and destroying the mogels for everyone else is NOT skiing it.
2. Learn the basics VERY WELL. My grandfather gave me the foundation that I continue to build on to this day.
3. Look behind you. Just like in a car, crazies come out of nowhere. Don't be a crazy.
4. Remember that you're in the beautiful mountains and just enjoy the air, the experience, and the friends you'll make.

never bothered to take leasons.. i went first time and landed a bit on ass specialy when i didnt get the plowing to work i some weird way found the plowing harder then skidding to brake.. i also started in some slalom skis from 1980s and small shoes took me 5 days to manage to ride em without falling and getting control then i bought brand new skis and i stopped falling instantly :) I have friends that know how to ski good and gotten some tips every now and then.. I have skied less then a month but theres a small hill 5mins away so I get some practice, right now im working on getting the carving part good it's not 100% controlled when i try carving but it's getting there :)

Learning to ski is one of the best decisions a person can make. It should be made deliberately and planned. Learn as much as possible about the sport before you go the first time. Learning about clothing, headgear, and traveling (driving) in winter conditions should be first. Become familiar with skis, boots and bindings by visiting a retail shop or better yet go to a winter ski and sports show in the fall. Get trail maps or brochures for the areas near where you live that may be possible sites to learn. Familiarize yourself with mountain weather. Mountain weather is far more varied than in lower elevations and changes in weather can be sudden, violent and potentially dangerous to those who are under prepared. Watch videos of skiing featuring a primer showing beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing. Go to a ski area and watch people learning. Once you are familiar with clothing, equipment, travel, weather and the mountain environment go to the ski school of you choice where you can get Lesson, Lift and Rental package and you will have a memorable day learning to ski.