J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by David Easton

I would agree that a dry slope is no substitute for the real thing. However, the basic fundementals learnt on a dry slope are exactly the same as on snow - there is no difference to the techniques learnt, it's just easier on snow!!

As an experienced dry slope ski instructor I can confirm that skiing on snow is much easier than on a dry slope. However, all the fundemental skills that are learnt on a dry slope apply on snow and progress is rapid! When I started I did a dry slope beginners course and on holiday for the first time was amazed that the instructor took us up the mountain on a chair lift on the second day! By the end of the week we were skiing all over the mountain - I was hooked!!

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. :)