For adults over 40 who have never skied before, starting the sport requires extra caution. That guidance comes from Olympic figure skating medalist Alexander Zhulin, who discussed learning to ski in a conversation with Pravda.Ru. He emphasizes that taking up skiing at this age carries substantial risk, especially for beginners who have not yet built up balance and control on snow. He notes that protective gear becomes essential because falls are common when piecing together new skills on the slope. Zhulin stresses a practical limit: if someone has never skied and is pushing into their 40s or beyond, it is prudent to reassess the level of risk and to avoid pushing through injuries that could affect essential joints. The key message is clear—protective equipment and a cautious approach are vital, and in many cases, those who’ve never skied should consider alternative activities that suit their comfort zone and physical condition better than a high-risk initiation on ice or hard-packed snow.