Skiing in Moscow: My Honest Review
 - Diệu Linh Hoàng.jpg "Skiing in Moscow: My Honest Review")
For someone from a tropical country who had never seen snow before, the idea of skiing always felt like an unattainable dream. Social media made it look effortless - gliding gracefully down pristine slopes with stylish outfits and wide smiles. When I finally found myself on the snowy hills of Moscow, reality hit hard. The day was perfect: a sunny Sunday with light snowfall, and the temperature was pleasantly mild. It was filled with laughter, falls, and lessons learned the hard way.
Gearing Up
Renting ski gear was a process in itself. Pro tip: always try boots half a size larger to avoid painful pinching. Goggles, while great for photos, proved unnecessary in the clear Moscow weather. Layering was key—a thick pair of tights, warm socks, and thermal shirts were enough to stay comfortable. The equipment felt heavy and awkward at first, but after a few adjustments, I was ready to face the slopes.
I quickly realized that preparing for a ski trip takes much more time than expected. From renting equipment to commuting and buying slope tickets, the entire process can take hours. I left home at 9:00 AM but didn't actually start skiing until 1:00 PM. If you're planning a trip, I highly recommend waking up early to maximize your time on the slopes and avoid unnecessary delays. Also, keep in mind that sports in cold weather drain energy quickly, so it's wise to carry some candy in your pocket for a quick energy boost and pack sandwiches in your backpack to enjoy once you finish skiing.
I rented all my gear - skiing equipment, helmet, goggles, and clothing at Miklouho-Maclay 18k3, which cost 2840 rubles per day for skiing equipment and 2260 rubles per day for snowboarding equipment, helmet, and clothing. The rental process was straightforward, and the staff helped me choose the right sizes for a comfortable fit.
After picking up my rental gear, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability compared to on-site rentals. The shop staff were helpful in selecting the right equipment, and their advice on layering effectively proved invaluable.
First Impressions
The most challenging part of skiing? Fear control. When you lose confidence mid-slope, panic takes over, and falling becomes inevitable. The first fall was both painful and exhilarating. Lying in the snow, staring up at the vast sky, I realized skiing is about embracing the falls, not avoiding them. By the end of the day, I was falling less and enjoying more.
One regret? Not hiring an instructor from the start. Learning from friends was fun, but a professional's guidance could have accelerated my progress and reduced the number of tumbles. In hindsight, investing in a lesson early on would have provided a better understanding of techniques and improved my confidence.
One thing that surprised me was the kindness of fellow skiers. Whether it was picking up my fallen poles or offering words of encouragement, the atmosphere was welcoming and supportive. It reminded me of a gym everyone starts somewhere, and no one judges a beginner's struggles.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Skiing demands endurance. Initially, the thrill kept me going, but after two hours, exhaustion crept in. A word of advice: bring energy snacks to keep up stamina in the cold. Emotionally, the journey was a mix of excitement, frustration, and eventual pride. Each small victory whether it was successfully maneuvering around a corner or managing to stop without falling boosted my confidence.
A highlight of the experience was the breathtaking views from the top of the slopes. The panoramic scenery of snow-covered trees and distant city lights made the effort worthwhile and gave me a newfound appreciation for winter landscapes.
The soreness the next day was a reminder of how intense skiing can be. My legs felt like they had been through a rigorous workout session, but the sense of achievement outweighed the discomfort.
The Social Aspect
Skiing with friends transformed the experience from a mere sport into a bonding session. From the moment we struggled into our gear, exchanging laughs over clumsy attempts to fasten boots and adjust helmets, to the thrill of racing each other down the gentle slopes, the day was filled with unforgettable moments. We laughed at our clumsy falls—mine being the most spectacular, as I managed to tumble headfirst into a soft pile of snow, leaving only my legs sticking out.
There was a genuine sense of camaraderie as we exchanged tips on maintaining balance, stopping without crashing into barriers, and even mastering the art of getting up after a fall without looking too ridiculous. Trying both skiing and snowboarding added an extra layer of fun and challenge—switching between the two, we realized that both sports required completely different skill sets, leading to even more shared laughs and mutual encouragement.
The après-ski hot tea break was well-earned. Sitting in a cozy lodge, sipping steaming mugs of tea, and sharing stories about our minor victories and epic wipeouts made the experience feel even more special. Despite our different skill levels, the support we gave each other made the whole experience less intimidating and more enjoyable. Skiing became less about performance and more about creating shared memories—ones that we would talk about long after the snow had melted.
Unexpected Challenges
My ski resort only had button lifts, which turned out to be a major challenge for me as a beginner. Unlike chairlifts or conveyor belts, button lifts require you to position yourself correctly, hold onto the pole, and balance while being pulled uphill. It sounds simple, but in reality, I found myself struggling to stay upright as the lift yanked me forward unexpectedly. More than once, I ended up falling off midway, which was both embarrassing and exhausting, as I had to trudge back down to the start and try again. My friends fared slightly better, but they, too, admitted it was tougher than it looked. The steep incline made it even harder to maintain stability, and the pressure of keeping up with others added to the stress. The heavier snowfall during the night changed the texture of the slopes, making the surface softer but also trickier to maneuver.
Eventually, I found the lift to be entirely unusable in the heavy snow conditions. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't maintain my balance as the lift pulled me, and each attempt ended in me slipping and falling back down. After several frustrating tries, I had no choice but to take off my skis and walk up the slope manually. It was a grueling process, with each step sinking deep into the fresh snow, adding to the exhaustion. Dragging my skis behind me, I trudged upwards while watching more experienced skiers glide effortlessly to the top.
Practical Lessons and Recommendations
- Renting equipment from city shops is cheaper than at the resort but requires carrying heavy gear.
- Start with beginner-friendly areas to build confidence gradually.
- Be prepared—some lifts are challenging for first-timers, and walking uphill with skis is no joke.
- Essential gear includes a helmet, proper ski clothing, and gloves to stay protected and comfortable. However, ski goggles are not always necessary, especially in clear weather conditions.
- Even a single lesson with a professional can make a huge difference in building confidence and technique.
Where I Skied
If you're in Moscow and looking for a beginner-friendly ski spot, I highly recommend Elektrolitnyy Proyezd 7B. The slopes here are suitable for all skill levels, and the facilities make it a comfortable experience for first-timers. You can easily visit and return within a day using the metro and taxi, making it a convenient option for those with a busy schedule.
Final Thoughts
Skiing in Moscow was an unforgettable experience. Despite the initial struggles, the sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the snowy landscapes made it all worthwhile. Would I do it again? Absolutely. My advice to first-timers: embrace the falls, pace yourself, and most importantly, have fun.
The experience has also left me with a newfound appreciation for winter sports and the resilience required to master them. If you're considering skiing for the first time, take the plunge you might discover a new passion!
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