Do I need lessons to start skiing?

I've been skiing in the Poconos, and I'd recommend either Jack Frost or Shawnee to learn how to ski. These areas have beginner areas separate from the masses that are skiing all over the place, so it's a little less intimidating to the beginner. You can rent skis at the mountain, most places have an all inclusive beginner package with lift ticket, rental and lessons, so ask. Take the lesson first, they'll go through the basics, stopping, falling, and basic turns. Then you can practice on your own. Skiing is not hard once you get it, it's a matter of getting used to sliding downhill, and being coordinated enough to control your speed by weighting and un-weighting your legs to control turning and stopping. Yes, please take lessons to learn, the instructors will have you skiing before your friends can figure out how to explain it to you. You'll have a one hour lesson then go off on your own, so pay attention, then practice what you learn. Don't venture out on the intermediate or expert slopes until you get the hang of it on the beginner slopes, it's not only risking you getting hurt, but you might smash into someone else and hurt them too. My friend was plowed into by an out of control skier on an intermediate trail and the impact tore his calf muscle.

I have a theory that people who get addicted to skiing went for a few days on their first time. In two days, unless you are particularly athletic, you do not learn enough to appreciate why standing (and falling) around in the cold feeling like a gumby can be fun. After 4 or 5 days you develop enough skills to understand why it can be so much fun. My advice, given that you are only going for 2 days at first, is not to give up and at least give the sport a few days. But also, without doubt, have lessons. The other advice you have been given here is good.