I'm thinking of learning how to ski.....?

Question

A few of my mates are good skiers, and have offered to teach me. I'm really looking forward to it, but scared incase i make a complete t*t of myself in the process. Is it really difficult and what should i be able to do after one lesson? Will i be able to stand up even, without falling?!!!

Answer 1

The basics are really easy to grasp, after one lesson you will probably be able to balance yourself whilst skiing down the beginners slope without falling over. It took me three lessons to master stopping, turning and general beginners skiing. Make sure you also stick to snow plowing and not parallel skiing yet.

Also don't be afraid of falling over, its almost impossible to avoid it, and everyone does it. So don't let it make you nervous as no one can avoid making a t*t out of themselves sometimes.

Answer 2

First of all, skiing is really a great sport. I have skied all my life, and was a ski instructor for a few years also.

ALL beginners make a complete "t*t" out of themselves, as you call it. That part is natural.

Learning to ski isn't all that difficult. You will spend some time rolling around in the snow trying to get up, but once you get the basics, you will love it!!

CAUTION:

DO NOT LET YOUR MATES "TEACH" YOU, unless they are certified instructors.

This will be the one huge mistake you could make. Just because somebody knows how to ski, DOES NOT mean that they know how to teach the basics to someone else.

There is a good chance you will hate skiing after 1 hour if you try this...also, you could end up in the first aid shack, if you are not taught properly the basics in how to stop, turn, etc.

Go with your mates to the hill, but encourage them to go on up the mountain while you go ahead and sign up for ski school lessons.

Have fun!!

Answer 3

I've been teaching skiing for 44 years, a great sport, every bit as much a social sport as a snow sport. After the first 2 hour lesson, you should be able to turn both ways, stop, get up when you fall, which happens to everyone, ride the beginners lift, and have a great time.

  If you value your friendship with your mates, take a lesson from a professional, listen to your mates and your instructor. When it conflicts, trust the instructor.

  Your boots are critical, they should fit TIGHT around your foot, and ankle, wear one pair of socks in your boots.  Get in shape, jump rope, swim, general body conditioning. Allow one night at altitude to avoid nausea, drink water, ice your muscles after skiing for 20 minutes.  Keep hydrated, go dancing and enjoy yourself. Get a good nights sleep.

Answer 4

Remarkably I learnt to ski on a golf course in Dartford!!! Yes a Golf course!

The course was covered in snow and I went with a EX for a go! I skied on skis 20cm to big, and loved it! 2 days later I went to a Dry ski slope had a 2hr lesson and then 3 weeks later I went on holiday to the Alps! I managed blues and reds and by the end of the week was trying black runs! Go for it! You'll love it and will never give it up! I see my self as an 70yr old on skis!!! lol Good Luck!

Answer 5

Go for it Vikki.

It's a great social skill to have.  Once you are able to ski you can accept unexpected invitations to holiday.

I learned, many years ago, on a dry ski slope (fell down a few times and had some very interesting bruises - so my husband said!).

You probably will fall over, but so does everyone else and nobody will think you a t*t; they are more likely to feel sympathetic and concerned.

Glad I did it (about 1968)