Advice needed for Nervous Novice & Best Resort for Nursery Slopes & Red/Blue runs

Dear all, having just arrived home from a lovely holiday to Andorra, I find myself itching to try skiing again! I did not ski this time - just longingly watched my husband and friends launch off confidently onto the numerous red and blue runs! I sat alone, Billy no mates!
I have skied three times before; eight years ago and vowed never to do so again. I am a control freak and can't seem to let go enough to do turns! Instead, I spent hours, painfully coming down green/blue runs in a never ending slow plough! Not ideal.
I stupidly trusted some 'Male' friends years ago and came down the Axamer Olympic ski run on ice snow, eventually coming down, crawling on my backside for 4.5 hours! Needless to say, I gave up for years. However, my husband has started skiing again, with me as spectator in tow. He loves it and I adore the snow and the beauty of it all. Having been to Andorra this year, I now have the strong desire to try again, but, here is my question to you all..............

Austria: Where is the best ski resort, close to the shops in Innsbruck (up to an hour drive), where I can find great 'powder snow' nursery slopes, with an instructor that will get me through this fear of letting go and get me turning and skiing confidently? They will need to be good!! Also, I need a resort that will keep hubby and friends happy with lots of blue and red runs to ski on. Other activities too would be great. Any ideas that would help, would be greatly appreciated, many thanks - Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,
Steinplatte is a good place to build confidence it's around 1-1.5 hours from Innsbruck even quicker from Salzburg.
Steinplatte has 46 km of piste, set high above the town of Waidring. It's an open flat area with all the blue runs on one side which are wide gentle cruising runs.
The reds & blacks are over on the righthand side from where you start skiing.
If you have a car the others could visit St Johann, Feiberbrunn in 20 mins or just a little further Kitzbühel or the Skiwelt. They'd need the right lift pass.
I've often stayed in Kirchdorf in Tirol, which is a small sleepy town 12 min drive or bus away. The reason I mention this is, quicker transfer for the others to the alternative resorts & also there's a great ski school there. The resort has a small piste which is ideal for practising in mainly peace & quiet.
There are regular ski buses to get you around if req'd.
The ski school is http://ski-total.at They are a mixed group of Austrian & English coaches.
What they offer is a special price, weeks lessons & lift pass package for just over €300.
Usually you spend 1 to 2 days on the local slope, then get the bus to Steinplatte.
There's a really good community spirit there, with usually 1 night apre, a themed ski show & prize night. Don't expect full on Apre ski.
The times we've stay in Kirchdorf, we've used Ski-total & the bus services to get to the other resorts.
All the mentioned resorts are different & great areas, some think they are a little low, but they back the areas with snow cannons,best period Jan/Feb,but I be even skied good pistes end of March.
Staying in Elmau in the Skiwelt is a good option, a really nice town, separate nursery slopes on the way to the main area which has over 280km of skiing.
Hope this helps.
Phil

Thanks Phil that is really helpfull xx

Hello Sarah
I am English and I work for the Furstauer Ski School in Saalbach as I am qualified in the Austrian ski instructor system.
I certainly understand your fear for skiing as it is something I suffered with myself. I can say that I specialise in people who are nervous learners. I am extremely patient and teach in small logical progressive steps. I do not ask people to move on to the next step until they can do the previous one. I love helping people to learn the fantastic sport of skiing and I have successfully taught numerous nervous novices. I always make sure they are happy to do the slope we are intending to do. So much so, I can confidently guarantee that together we will be successful. One of the main reasons I work in Saalbach is because it has very good slopes for learning and for progressing.
If the above interests you then feel free to PM me or reply to this message.
Whether you contact me or not I really do wish you success in learning to ski.

Thank you for your reply. My husband's family have now book for January in St Anton for a week and i will attempt ski school there. However, it will be my choice of destination the following year, so i may well take you up on that teaching offer. I will keep your contact with me and let you know then, thanks xx

Ok Sarah. I don't think I would have chosen St Anton for you but not to worry it will be fine and I wish you good luck.

If you want my direct contact details just PM me on here.

Hi Sarah
Good on you for giving skiing a go once more. I am a ski instructor in Austria too. As for your trip to St Anton, I will suggest that upon booking, you make it VERY clear to the ski school staff that you have those fears.

If you don't speak German, request an English speaking instructor so you are sure to be able to communicate clearly - remember you are paying, and you will not progress if you are scared!
As for classes, I would suggest you get 2 hours every morning - preferably private classes. That gives you every afternoon to go practice/repeat what you learned in the morning in your own time and pace.

I wish you all the best and St Anton is amazing in itself, make sure you go up to the very top of Valluga - with the tiny 2 person gondola to enjoy the view!
(you can only bring ski up there with a guide) But it's available to everyone for sightseeing :)

Cheers Tina