Is Your Fear Holding You Back?

Smiles, skis, and sisterhood - just another day with SisterSki!

You’ve booked the trip. The mountains are calling. But somewhere between excitement and reality, fear sneaks in.

What if I’m not good enough?

What if I can’t keep up?

What if everyone’s watching me?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Fear around skiing, and even solo travel, is far more common than most women admit. The good news? You can work with it, not against it.

I sat down with SisterSki to answer some of the biggest questions women have when it comes to fear, confidence, and finally saying yes to the ski trip of their dreams.

What are some of the most common mindset blocks you see in women learning to ski?

The biggest one? “I’m not good enough.”

That belief shows up as comparison - watching everyone else glide down while you freeze at the top. It also shows up as perfectionism, thinking you have to ski flawlessly or not at all. Fear of failure is huge too, especially if you’ve had a bad fall or time away from the slopes.

The truth is, confidence comes from doing, not from waiting until you “feel ready.”

How does fear typically show up on the slopes - and how can we reframe it?

It often appears physically first - tight chest, shaky legs, overthinking every turn. Fear is your body trying to keep you safe, but it doesn’t always tell the truth.

Try reframing it: instead of “I’m scared,” say “I’m alert and learning.”

That simple shift reminds your brain this is growth, not danger.

Why do you think more women hesitate to book solo ski trips?

Because it’s vulnerable! There’s the fear of being the odd one out, of “not being good enough,” and the worry about safety or logistics.

But, and I know this personally, travelling solo is also where women often find their strength. You’re proving to yourself that you can handle it, and you meet incredible people along the way (an added bonus if it’s the Sister Ski community!).

What advice would you give to someone who’s always wanted to go on a ski trip but doesn’t feel ‘good enough’ yet?

Book it anyway. Absolutely. Confidence doesn’t magically appear before you go, it’s built because you go. Choose a trip where you’ll be supported, not judged. And remember, skiing isn’t a competition; it’s about enjoying the mountains in your own way.

What’s the first thing someone should do if panic hits mid-run?

Stop where you’re safe, take three slow breaths, and drop your shoulders.

Name what’s happening - “This is fear, not danger.”

Then use a grounding technique (like tapping the top of your head or placing a hand on your heart) to calm your nervous system. Once you feel steady, make a plan: side-slip down, call a friend, or take a break. There’s no shame in stepping out and resetting.

What small wins should we celebrate to build ski confidence over time?

All of them! Linking two turns without stopping. Saying yes to a steeper run. Laughing when you fall. Even just clicking into your skis when you didn’t feel like it. These wins stack up, and before you know it, you’ve shifted from “I can’t” to “I did.”

What’s one thing every woman should repeat to herself before a big ski day?

"I belong here."

Simple, but powerful. Say it until you believe it.

Your Fear Isn’t the End of the Story

Fear is normal. It means you care. But it doesn’t have to hold you back from the experiences you dream about. With the right tools, support, and a little courage, the mountain becomes yours.

So if you’ve ever said, “I wish I could ski”… this is your sign.

The trip you’re dreaming of? It’s waiting for you.