Beginners skiing

As a Dry Slope Ski Instructor I would suggest that anyone thinking of going skiing for the first time do a course on a dry slope here before you go. Obviously I am biased but I speak from experience. When I first started skiing (many years ago) I did a beginners course on a dry slope and in no time at all, when on holiday, I was away and up the mountain. The beginners who hadn't done a course were still, after three days, still side stepping and doing schussing excercises in the village. What a waste! Also on a dry slope course here you will be introduced to the equipment and, again on holiday, know what to look out for so that you will know that ill fitting boots are not the norm. Hire shops abroad are so busy that they often palm you off just to get you out of the shop. Happy skiing to all that read this. :)

I think opinions vary on this. I have been skiing twice and going for the third time in Feb 09. Before I went the first time I visited the local dry slope in Telford, was a family group lesson. I only really wanted to see what it was like to wear skis and boots, I think we managed to snow plow just about.

We had lessons in the resort and after the first one we could easily make our way down the nursery slopes and even ventured further up the mountain as the week went on. Last year I progressed further to some reds, again had lessons, and I hope to progress again this year, lessons booked, and also my own boots purchased which I hope will help. Hired boots before and didn't have any probs.

My own opinion is that I wouldn't spend my money on skiing lessons on a dry slope, it is nothing at all like skiing on snow, but I would recommend a one off trip to try out skis and boots if you havent worn them before.

Hi all,


Off with the family on 22nd of Feb, have 2 young children.
Just turned 5 & 3 at the end of last year.

We take them to the dry ski slope at Telford every Saturday, and I have to say after just a few weeks both are progressing very nicely. (Both skiing from the top now) Sorry proud dad moment.

Think that dry slopes serve a purpose, when other slopes are not easy accessible and are great for children to learn on. It gives them the confidence on the basics of not just skiing but getting on the drag lifts too.

Only my opinion, but I agree and disagree with comments so far. I always advise people that they will progress quicker on real snow.

However having said that, the dry slope experience as a familiarisation exercise before venturing onto snow is invaluable.

Spending the first hour on snow learning how to stand, clip one's boots, click in and out of bindings is wasting sliding time!!!!

Dry slopes serve a purpose, but are no substitute for the real thing!!! :D

I taught myself to snowboard on a dry slope. It isn't much fun but it is a good way of getting started IMO.

Are we allowed opinions here any more? :twisted:

I think dry slopes are a good way of learning to ski, if you learn to snowplough on a dry slope it makes starting off on actual a hell of a lot easier!

However they do hurt when you fall on them and break your thumb,,, twice!

I had a one hour lesson on a dry slope before going on my first ski holiday. I found it very useful as when I arrived in resort I was happy moving around on skis, could snowplough stop and could just about manage a shaky turn. This helped my confidence a lot as when I tried what I'd learnt on snow it was so much easier (and more enjoyable.)

IMO, one lesson is very helpful before you go, even if only to show you how to put skis and boots on and move around in them - more than this, well I'd say probably not, but as always it's down to personal opinion. :D

swskier wrote:
However they do hurt when you fall on them and break your thumb,,, twice!

Ouch...!! Fortunately, I managed to stay in one piece )

Never used a dry slope, never intend to either. However, I would have welcomed some basic advice on standing up, equipment, and a general feel of things before I went for the first time, so maybe its a good idea to go and have an intro on one.