Ready, set, ski: How to prepare for your ski trip in Singapore

Who says you need snow to prepare for your next ski adventure? While Singapore is notorious for its unpredictable weather, we don’t exactly have the opportunity to experience what snow is like in our tropical climate, let alone try our hands at different winter sports like skiing and snowboarding without leaving the country.

However, that doesn’t mean we can’t hit the slopes fully ready. As a matter of fact, there are a few indoor training spots in Singapore that are now offering guided sessions on skiing and snowboarding to help you fine-tune your technique, build strength, and get your body slope-ready so you can avoid those embarrassing tumbles.

One of these cool spots that’s worth checking out is the Singapore Ski and Snowboarding Academy (SSSA). With two outlets for you to choose from – Suntec City and Marina Square – the SSSA is Singapore’s leading ski and snowboard academy for amateurs and experts alike. On top of that, the outlets boast state-of-the-art facilities, including two additional ski simulators, which allow the academy to offer lessons on a larger scale.

Ahead of my ski trip in Japan, I decided to attend a ski session at the Marina Square outlet which was located on the ground floor of the mall. Much to my surprise, the outlet was spacious and it could even fit two simulators – one dedicated to skiing and the other for snowboarding. Based on first impressions, it truly felt like I was on a winter holiday – sans the cold blistering winds. So you don’t have to worry about bundling up in layers for your session; it’s surprisingly not as chilly as you might think. And no, it’s nothing like Snow City.

Some might think that the prices for each session are a little steep, but I would say it’s pretty reasonable considering the fact that it also covers the rental for a pair of skis, boots, a helmet and of course, the guided lesson itself.

My instructor was Coach Guo Ming. Given that she has attained many accolades over the last few years, it goes without saying that she made skiing on the simulator a breeze. Of course, while I had my sights set on learning snowboarding, I quickly realised that skiing was a little more approachable than the latter with many claiming that it has an easier learning curve.

In a small group of four, Coach Guo Ming introduced us to the simulator and taught us a few basics about skiing. From your posture to leg movements, she guided us through the different ski techniques that we should know, all while holding a bar in front of us, so we wouldn’t slip away from the simulator. Coach Guo made sure to break down each step clearly, offering personalised tips to improve my balance and control. By the end of the session, I was eager to give the real slopes a go – but with a bit more practice of course.

That being said, ski simulators like the ones at SSSA are definitely one of the few things I’d highly recommend trying especially if it’s your first time hitting the slopes. While it may not be the real deal, the simulator was a great way to ease into the movements and get used to the different techniques you would need to know before skiing overseas.

However, if you’re interested to check out some of the other spots in Singapore to practice your skills, there are other places that you can visit like the Ski & Snowboarding Academy at Suntec City or Trifecta Singapore which offers lessons starting from $80 or open sessions starting from $40.