hello! ski newbie here

Hi guys newbie skier here from uk, heading out for my 1st proper ski trip to Alps du huez in March, very excited, I got the bug when I went to Borovets in 2010 and loved it, sadly the snow had all gone pretty much by Boxing day.

So basically I am going with a mate who ski`s very well, im no pro and have taken to booking some more lessons at Hemel snow centre from November till March so im not like bambi on the slopes when I arrive!.

Iam in the process of buying my ski jacket, I have bought some really comfy ski pants, and am going to hire my ski`s and boots plus poles when I get there.

My main concern is feeling relaxed when I get there as I say I am no pro but confident that I will be able to get to the slopes and enjoy some easy ones to start with.

Any first timers planning to go in March or any advice from previous 1st timers?

Matt

Good for you - probably the best sporting pastime on the planet IMHO. :D

I din't start skiing until April 2010 by which time I was the wrong side of 40. I think I spent my first holiday covered in a sheen of perspiration 95% of the time but, if you work hard at it, you can make excellent progress.

Suggestions:

1. Basic lessons at hemel - excellent idea but I wouldn't overdo it as it doesn't really match up with the real thing. Real skiing - teenagers bombing past you at light speed, carved up slopes with moguls above your knees, icy patches etc etc. All worth it though!

2. Lessons in resort - if you can afford it, I'd try to get in 2 or 3 half day lessons. This should push you along and stop bad habits from setting in. An instructor will also be able to talk you down slopes that would be more daunting if you were on your own.

3. Ski boots - make sure you spend some time in a good hire shop getting the right fit. Others on this forum might be able to point you towards a good shop in the resort.

4. Make sure your pal is 'empathetic' - you don't want him/her taking you up to the top of a blue run on your first day and saying "you'll be alright honest' .

5. Don't try to ski too hard for too long - unless you are uber fit, your muscles will be complaining like mad after 3 days.

I haven't been to Borovets but friends of mine have.......there will be no comparison with Alps D'Huez. You'll have a great time.

Welcome to J2Ski :)

My only piece of advice would be to repeat what Bedrock Barney says about your mate. Don't let him drag you onto a slope which is too difficult for you! If it was me I think I'd have lessons every morning and then ski with him in the afternoons.

Best of luck, and I hope you have a great time :)

Thanks guys, I think James Is aware that I am literally a beginner, I have said id be happy to do some small slopes to start with, if I really feel like I need some further tuition then id happily book some.

I am really looking forward to going.

Look, with you being new to skiing I differ from the others invest in lessons every day normally two hours a day for the six days you are there, Group lessons are fine and are resonably priced ... Lessons every day my friend. :thumbup:

AdH is a brilliant place for beginners or near beginners to gain confidence as it has a central bowl with drag lifts and green runs. If you are ok on chair lifts, there is a somewhat hairy one called Alpauris which is worth doing to get over to Auris-en-Oisans where there are some excellent greens and blues.

One tip I would offer, is to take some Compeed blister plasters with you so that if your hire boots rub on the first day, you can sort out potential blisters straightaway!

jastem wrote:
One tip I would offer, is to take some Compeed blister plasters with you so that if your hire boots rub on the first day, you can sort out potential blisters straightaway!

That's a good point Jastem :)
And if your hire boots do hurt, you can take them back to the shop and change them for some that fit better (free of charge).

As per Ian, for first week I would book full group lessons and plan on seeing your mate in evenings. Other than that get working hard on fitness. Any improvements in this will greatly add to your pleasure and safety.