As a beginner it is better to rent materials. Purchasing ski equipment can be quite expensive. At most indoor ski slopes in the Netherlands there is a possibility to rent equipment. This is also a good way to try out different materials!
The stronger your leg muscles are, the better you can control the body while skiing or snowboarding. In addition, it may be advisable to do stability exercises, this reduces the risk of falling more quickly and the risk of injury.
How quickly you learn to ski is very different. The younger you start skiing, the easier it is generally to learn. Your personal success depends on your motivation and your fitness. Usually beginners can make their first turns on the slopes after 3 days. They often have to practice for 1 or 2 days before they can ski independently on the blue slopes.
If you want to rent everything (shoes, skis/snowboard and helmet) you pay 16.50 euros per day at Snowworld. Keep in mind that this is relatively cheap compared to winter sports countries such as Austria. Of course it is also possible to rent only skis or boots, in some cases it is better to rent only skis.
As a base layer it is advisable to wear thermal underwear, this ensures that it keeps you dry and warm. A fleece vest or pullover can be worn over this, which provides an extra layer against the cold. The outer layer must not let water through and therefore consists of ski pants and a ski jacket. Even if you go skiing for the first time on an indoor ski slope with real snow, always wear ski pants and a ski jacket and, for example, no training pants or jeans.
Learning to ski can be done in many ways and locations. On Whado.com you will find both indoor and outdoor ski slopes, but also locations where you can learn to ski on a conveyor belt. Learning to ski on a conveyor belt is often much cheaper than on an outdoor brush track or indoor ski hall with real snow.
On average, experienced winter sports enthusiasts consider skiing easier to learn and start, but more difficult to master properly. On average, snowboarding is experienced exactly the other way around: harder to learn, but ultimately easier to master the technique.
Count on about 15-20 centimeters shorter than your height. If you prefer to ski hard with long turns, choose skis around your body length. For other off-piste terrain you need even more buoyancy. So a ski at body length or even longer is definitely recommended in that case.