Latest posts for the topic "hello! ski newbie here "

hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 16:07:47 GMT

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

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 16:32:46 GMT

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.

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 16:43:21 GMT

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 :)

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:05:34 GMT

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.

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:31:15 GMT

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:

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:49:51 GMT

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!

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:06:55 GMT

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).

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 04:49:52 GMT

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.

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 09:48:34 GMT

Matt, good choice on where you are going by the way, ive been twice and its a super ski area.

I think first of all its important for you to appreciate what level you are at before you go. Having some time at Hemel will help you gain confidence, but I think you need to assess yourself or perhaps better still be assessed as to what level you are at. If you are linking parallel turns then there is no reason why you cant go out with your mate, provided he/she is patient and prepared to wait around for you and show you a few basics as well. However, if you're still at beginner level and cant turn without snowploughing you could be a danger to yourself and others by heading out alone or with your mate, and if thats the case you really must book lessons to benefit from the trip and get anything out of it.

Re:hello! ski newbie here

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 08:33:54 GMT

ALL GOOD COMMENTS WE ARE SOMETIMES A SURPRISINGLY INTELLIGENT BUNCH WE SKIERS, I AM 64 AND SKIED FOR 42 YEARS AND THEY ARE RIGHT HAVE THE LESSONS EVERY DAY LET MATEY WORK OFF HIS ADRENALINE IN THE MORNINGS SO IT DOES NOT AFFECT YOU. WHAT'S MORE YOU WILL FIND GREAT FRIENDS IN BEGINNERS CLASSES BECAUSE YOU SHARE SOMETHING BEING 1ST TIMERS AND REMEBER ITS NOT AN ENDURANCE WEEK FOR THE COMMANDO'S ITS A HOLIDAY THAT IS MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE WENT SPENT ON THE SLOPES AND NOT THE CLINIC - WHICH HAPPENS TO BE MILES AWAY, HAVE FUN, STAY SAFE