skiing for absolute beginners!?
skiing for absolute beginners!?
Hello,
Me and my bf would like to try out skiiing, preferably around my birthday (November). Neither of us have done it before so i was wondering if anyone knew of any like...'courses' or adventure type holidays where you can start from the very beginning and hire all the kit etc?
And also, where to go in November, is this skiiing season??
Thanks for any advice x
Answers:
I started by taking some lessons at a dry ski slop in the UK, but skiing on snow is different, it's easier but lots faster. If you're going for two weeks I would hire an instructor at the resort, if you're going for a week get lessons here.
I have only been skiing for two years so do not know much about it.
I am discovering November is a bit early in the season for Europe and many resorts will not have decent snow, although its possible to go skiing in France, Austria, Switzerland and so on and some resorts open as early as September. I think its possible to ski all year round in Sweden. Finland and Norway (I have read it is) but yet to find a ski resort that is open all year in Europe.
Skiing on ice is not nice and really hurts when you fall! Neither is it pleasant when your a beginner and it is packed so go off season. I went early March this year and it was reasonably quiet.
I think skiing in the USA and Canada in November will be fine
You need to be quite fit, as it is hell on your legs. I jog regularly and work out on machines yet found I had to take day off after two days of skiing.
First time I went was to a little resort in France (the name escapes me), got board of the little slop after a few days and ventured on a longer slop, found myself flying down the mountain when I came to a sharp turn around which was a little bridge with which i collided. Ended up being helped of the slop with a twisted ankle that took months to heel, lots of bruising and scratches.
but be prepared to fall down a lot
i am hoping to go in November this year and February next, if i find any good info one skiing in November I will let you know
Answers:
Skiing in November is probalby a no-no for a beginner as the beginner's slopes tend to be at the bottom of the mountain... and where of course is the last place to get snow? :)
I'd say at least xmas for europe and mid-dec for canada/us.
Answers:
I've only been skiing twice, once 8 years ago when I wasn't keen, and then again this year (so may as well have been a beginner as my first time was so long ago!), and loved it, so I think I'm in a position to comment as a beginner!
If you go with any of the reputable ski package holiday companies (eg Neilson, Crystal, Panorama) you can learn from scratch in the resort - if you look in the brochures/websites there is always the option to prebook lessons in ski school at the resort. Ski schools cater for complete beginners as well as people who have been before. It won't eat up all of your holiday to be in school - usually the lessons are in the morning and you get your afternoons free to either practice what you've learned, or chill out if you're too tired.
Not sure I entirely agree with Bonfire about taking lessons here beforehand. While I do agree it can be a good introduction to get you used to the feel of wearing skis, especially if you go to one of the real snow domes (in Leeds, Milton Keynes and Tamworth), it's unlikely that you'll learn everything you need. This year my friend was a complete beginner and went to the snowdome in Leeds for a day's practice before the holiday, and she hated it there yet loved the ski lessons on holiday.
You can hire your skis, poles and boots in the resort too - again, if you book a package you can book a 'ski pack' which includes your equipment and the lift pass. As a first timer it's easier if it's all prebooked, and the reps will help and advise you.
As for the clothes, you can try to borrow things like salopettes/trousers and jacket if you don't want to buy before you know you're going to like it. Otherwise, places like TK Maxx and Decathlon usually have ski clothes at a fairly decent price.
One thing I really would recommend is to try and make sure that the resort you go to is close to the ski lifts, preferably 'ski in, ski out' as it's known in the brochures, for an easier life. Try to avoid anywhere that says it's a few km from the lifts. That was one of the things I hated about my first ski holiday - whilst carrying the skis isn't heavy, it takes a bit of getting used to and it's really hard work to tramp along in ski boots through the snow or icy streets while carrying your gear (more knackering than actually skiing!!!). Ski buses are ok but they can get really crowded.
For fitness, try to build your thighs up a bit with squats and lunges, body pump classes are ideal but you can do those at home too.
I also think November is a bit early for skiing in Europe, in most places the season starts at Christmas. Both times I've been to Italy in late January, which is not a bad time to go as it's a bit cheaper and you avoid the half term crowds, it can be cold but I've been lucky with the weather ie lots of snow but sunny days. I don't know much about skiing in the US/Canada but I'm sure someone else could advise.
Hope that helps a bit, have a great time wherever you go!
Answers:
Not sure I entirely agree with Bonfire about taking lessons here beforehand. While I do agree it can be a good introduction to get you used to the feel of wearing skis, especially if you go to one of the real snow domes (in Leeds, Milton Keynes and Tamworth), it's unlikely that you'll learn everything you need. This year my friend was a complete beginner and went to the snowdome in Leeds for a day's practice before the holiday, and she hated it there yet loved the ski lessons on holiday.
You get taught the basics and whether its on snow or rubber/plastic they are the same. I agree its better on snow, its a lot more hard work on the dry stuff but saying that you'll learn anything you need I think is is just rubbish. I note you have not been!
I have had no lessons on snow.
Hello,
Me and my bf would like to try out skiiing, preferably around my birthday (November). Neither of us have done it before so i was wondering if anyone knew of any like...'courses' or adventure type holidays where you can start from the very beginning and hire all the kit etc?
And also, where to go in November, is this skiiing season??
Thanks for any advice x
Answers:
I started by taking some lessons at a dry ski slop in the UK, but skiing on snow is different, it's easier but lots faster. If you're going for two weeks I would hire an instructor at the resort, if you're going for a week get lessons here.
I have only been skiing for two years so do not know much about it.
I am discovering November is a bit early in the season for Europe and many resorts will not have decent snow, although its possible to go skiing in France, Austria, Switzerland and so on and some resorts open as early as September. I think its possible to ski all year round in Sweden. Finland and Norway (I have read it is) but yet to find a ski resort that is open all year in Europe.
Skiing on ice is not nice and really hurts when you fall! Neither is it pleasant when your a beginner and it is packed so go off season. I went early March this year and it was reasonably quiet.
I think skiing in the USA and Canada in November will be fine
You need to be quite fit, as it is hell on your legs. I jog regularly and work out on machines yet found I had to take day off after two days of skiing.
First time I went was to a little resort in France (the name escapes me), got board of the little slop after a few days and ventured on a longer slop, found myself flying down the mountain when I came to a sharp turn around which was a little bridge with which i collided. Ended up being helped of the slop with a twisted ankle that took months to heel, lots of bruising and scratches.
but be prepared to fall down a lot
i am hoping to go in November this year and February next, if i find any good info one skiing in November I will let you know
Answers:
Skiing in November is probalby a no-no for a beginner as the beginner's slopes tend to be at the bottom of the mountain... and where of course is the last place to get snow? :)
I'd say at least xmas for europe and mid-dec for canada/us.
Answers:
I've only been skiing twice, once 8 years ago when I wasn't keen, and then again this year (so may as well have been a beginner as my first time was so long ago!), and loved it, so I think I'm in a position to comment as a beginner!
If you go with any of the reputable ski package holiday companies (eg Neilson, Crystal, Panorama) you can learn from scratch in the resort - if you look in the brochures/websites there is always the option to prebook lessons in ski school at the resort. Ski schools cater for complete beginners as well as people who have been before. It won't eat up all of your holiday to be in school - usually the lessons are in the morning and you get your afternoons free to either practice what you've learned, or chill out if you're too tired.
Not sure I entirely agree with Bonfire about taking lessons here beforehand. While I do agree it can be a good introduction to get you used to the feel of wearing skis, especially if you go to one of the real snow domes (in Leeds, Milton Keynes and Tamworth), it's unlikely that you'll learn everything you need. This year my friend was a complete beginner and went to the snowdome in Leeds for a day's practice before the holiday, and she hated it there yet loved the ski lessons on holiday.
You can hire your skis, poles and boots in the resort too - again, if you book a package you can book a 'ski pack' which includes your equipment and the lift pass. As a first timer it's easier if it's all prebooked, and the reps will help and advise you.
As for the clothes, you can try to borrow things like salopettes/trousers and jacket if you don't want to buy before you know you're going to like it. Otherwise, places like TK Maxx and Decathlon usually have ski clothes at a fairly decent price.
One thing I really would recommend is to try and make sure that the resort you go to is close to the ski lifts, preferably 'ski in, ski out' as it's known in the brochures, for an easier life. Try to avoid anywhere that says it's a few km from the lifts. That was one of the things I hated about my first ski holiday - whilst carrying the skis isn't heavy, it takes a bit of getting used to and it's really hard work to tramp along in ski boots through the snow or icy streets while carrying your gear (more knackering than actually skiing!!!). Ski buses are ok but they can get really crowded.
For fitness, try to build your thighs up a bit with squats and lunges, body pump classes are ideal but you can do those at home too.
I also think November is a bit early for skiing in Europe, in most places the season starts at Christmas. Both times I've been to Italy in late January, which is not a bad time to go as it's a bit cheaper and you avoid the half term crowds, it can be cold but I've been lucky with the weather ie lots of snow but sunny days. I don't know much about skiing in the US/Canada but I'm sure someone else could advise.
Hope that helps a bit, have a great time wherever you go!
Answers:
Not sure I entirely agree with Bonfire about taking lessons here beforehand. While I do agree it can be a good introduction to get you used to the feel of wearing skis, especially if you go to one of the real snow domes (in Leeds, Milton Keynes and Tamworth), it's unlikely that you'll learn everything you need. This year my friend was a complete beginner and went to the snowdome in Leeds for a day's practice before the holiday, and she hated it there yet loved the ski lessons on holiday.
You get taught the basics and whether its on snow or rubber/plastic they are the same. I agree its better on snow, its a lot more hard work on the dry stuff but saying that you'll learn anything you need I think is is just rubbish. I note you have not been!
I have had no lessons on snow.