Should I try snow skiing?

Question

My wife wants to go to Wyoming or Colorado this winter. She wants us to try snow skiing.

Here's the problem: I'm 40 years old. I've tried water skiing twice, and both times, despite repeated and determined attempts, all I did was get face planted into the lake over and over. I also could not roller skate. I'm apparently not good at things that require balance.

If we spend 5 days and nights somewhere there is a lot do do other than ski, how much time do you think I would have to spend taking lessons before I could actually manage to ski? Would I be better off just sight seeing, etc since we'll only be there for 5 days?

Also is it true that short skis are much better for beginners? Do many instructors use them?

Answer 1

In my opinion, age isn't a barrier in skiing. It's a sport everyone can do.

The one thing you have to know, is that water skiing and snow skiing are very different.

If you decide to take lessons, the instructor will show you the basics and you will be able to ski, but you won't be able to go on the steeper slopes.

So I suggest that you go skiing and take lessons.

About the skis: as a beginner, you won't feel the difference between long and short skis, but once you get the fell of skiing, you will see that shorter skis are bit easier to ski with than the long ones, but you will be more fatigued after skiing with the short skis because you need to have stronger legs in order to make the turns.

Answer 2

Hi!

Gosh...where to start. Well here in the UK there is no skiing so as a result I didn't have my first ski lesson until I was 42 - and that was on those horrible straight skis. It was the most fun I ever had and I always look back on that week and I envy anyone who is on their learn to ski week as I have never laughed so much in my life. I was learning in Austria, it was minus 20 and a blizzard and yet we still kept going in spite of the conditions. On day 6 the storm left and we then could see the little slope that we had been struggling down all week and then had a ball.

I am now 55, have done a ski season running a ski chalet at age 50, I'm an advanced skier and I'm keen to ski until I drop. I have skied in Colorado - wow - if you are planning to go there then this is the best ever and what a start to life on skis - you'll have such a wonderful time. Yes you'll fall over a lot but it is a very steep learning curve and you will get a great feeling of progress very quickly - and yes short skis are easier but you'll be provided with the right skis for your height/build so don't worry. Instructors, are fantastic in the US (you lucky lot) so you will have the best start. If all else fails then places like Vail have snow shoeing, wild life walks and stacks more.

Go on - go and have some fun in the snow - you won't regret it!

Answer 3

stay off the slopes ya old f**t.

Answer 4

yes yes yes!!!!   try it is is great!!!

most important--take a lesson before you try it on your own.  this will make all the difference in the world and you will enjoy it so much more!  they will teach you the basics in the beginner class.

water skiing is completely different.

i had a terrible time learning to water ski but finally did it and eventually learned to slalom.  also, i could never roller skate (and still can't).

but i can ski!!!

however, i usually fall in the parking lot on the ice!!!

have fun and give it a try.  at least you can sit in the lodge and enjoy some nice drinks after your adventure!

Answer 5

First off, TRY IT!  Water skiing, despite most of these answers, is similar to snow skiing, however the balance is much different.  While snow skiing, your weight should be forward rather than backward like in water skiing.  Try it.  It sounds like it may be a better choice for you.

Second: Depending on your instructor, you should be able to be standing and skiing on green runs within 2 hours.  To be honest, you actually could become a pretty strong beginner skiier in roughly a full day or two.

NO.  Instructors DO NOT use shorter-than-normal skis.  They are inadequate in performance.  As a beginner, you will not notice a big difference other than short skis turn more easily.  As you progress, you will begin to understand that even a few cm's of ski under your feet make a huge difference.  I own 7 pairs of skis ranging in size.  I am 6 feet tall and i am typically riding 170cm skis.  Many beginner's my height use 150-160cm skis.

Answer 6

Ive never attempted skiing but have friends who go on trips twice a year for nearly a month to ski. It definitely took them quite a bit of time to learn. Its sometimes a lot harder for someone older to learn then someone younger. Really it all depends on your will to learn. Im sure you could learn in two days and hit the small/beginner slopes without face planting as much but I dont think anything beyond that unless you really take to it. Dont stop trying to learn something you really want to learn because you havent been able to do it yet, go for it. Even if you do keep face planting Im sure itll be a whole lotta fun! About the short skis, why dont you ask an instructor up there, they will know...

good luck!

Answer 7

Skiing is soooo much fun. I have only ski-ed once in my life(utah) an i loved it. I went on 2 half-day lessons and for the next 3 days i was skiing on my own. I don't know about shorter skis for beginners. They pick the size of your skis according to your height. Good luck! I hope you have fun

Answer 8

I tried skiing for the first time when I was about 40. I was prepared to be no good at it because I had always found ice-skating, rollerskating, etc, difficult and a bit scary. I thought I was no good on anything unstable :). I started with a short ski lesson from my brother (who was a ski instructor). I didn't find it too hard at all and I really enjoyed it. I took to it pretty quickly and my bro said I was a bit of a natural! The good thing about skiing is that the skis prevent you falling forward or backwards in the way you can on ice skates. I took skiing up as a sport about three years ago at the age of 48 and have made good progress. So you're certainly not too old for it. It's fun to do with my kids. It's a blast.

You've got to have a go man. One day is probably enough to let you know if it's for you. One day was enough for me.

About the skis: the ski rental place will give you the right length skis if you tell them you're a beginner. Shorter is easier but they don't need to be ultra short. If they stand between your chin and eyes you'll be fine. Good luck.

Answer 9

Skiing is for most ages, at 40 you would be about the average age for one of my adult students who have never skied before. I teach full time near Seattle, I teach all levels and 40 is not a problem for age. Condition of your body and trust of your balance are more important.  Sign up for a series of lessons in a beginners package at the resort you attend.  do some exercises before you go.

1. Jump rope for 15 minutes every day.

2. Get a soccer ball and do a touch step drill for the same amount of time.

3. Go dancing with your wife, waltz, 2 step and fox trot to improve your coordination and balance.  It's also fun.

With a good instructor and 5 days of lessons you should be a fairly accomplished skier at the end of that time.  My classes with just some balance and conditioning can ride and ski down a beginners chair in about 4 hours of class lessons.  The critical piece of equipment is your ski boots. They must fit tight around your foot and ankle. And rent your skiis and boots at the resort.  Short skiis are much easier for beginners to learn on, each day use a longer and slightly stiffer ski until you are in your correct size and type.  If you start with a good boot fit, and a set of lessons for 4-5 days, you should be fairly good at that time.

If you are larger than average size, you will need a stiffer ski to support your weight, a lighter person needs a softer ski to learn and enjoy skiing.

Most skiers now use skiis that are about head high or shorter. A typical length for a first time man is a 155 cm ski, I'm 6' and 200# and use a 170 cm, the range of length is not that much with modern equipment.

When renting your equipment, try to be in the rental shop very early and be sure your boots fit correctly, ask the shop management for help if you do not know what you are doing.

  Come join us on the snow it's a great sport, and a great social life also.