skiing 1st time

[mmm-five]

I go as part of a group - but there's always room for one more.

Don't tempt me, I can't afford it.

Used to go all the time using my AirMiles/BA Points for the flights and Hilton/Marriott points for the hotel. Used to stay at the Village or the Great Divide.

 

[tjlazer]

s please wear a helmet, my girlfriend's mum had a very close shave a couple of years ago when someone hit her and ended up in intensive care 50/50. it's now the rules to wear a helmet for both our families...

Read this - http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Movies/story?id=7109531&page=1

Mate it was exactly the same injury the difference was that she was immediately airlifted off the slope and they induced a coma to reduce the swelling on the brain, very very scary, the recovery took over 2 years hence my enthusiasm for a helmet at all times! So sad for liam neeson and his family and completely avoidable...

 

[a11y]

Colorado sounds brilliant but I've already turned down a holiday offer for a couple of weeks time - not got the annual leave or funds for additional holidays this year due to planned hols, stag do's, weddings, trips away lol.

On the helmet side, I won't go without a helmet on my mountain-bike and don't see snowboarding as less risk. Snow can be surprisingly hard, particularly in Scotland where it's bloody icey a lot of the time. One of my friend's wives was also hit on the back of the head by a swinging puma tow but luckily was wearing her helmet - it left some dent in the helmet. I use a Pro-Tec one which doesn't look that bad (not that that's an issue).

 

[Jambo]

Skiing is my favorite type of holiday by far. loads of fun on the slopes in the day, and post skiing the social is great! as many have said, lessons are a must! correct clothing a biggie!. when i first went i was dressed like a michelin man! within 10 mis of the 1st lesson i was sweating like hell. so my choice of attire is now, sallopetts, long sleeved compression top with a t-shirt over the top of that (not cotten, football top material, as cotten will get damp and make you cold when you stop) ski jacket, gortex gloves, helmut, goggles/sunglases. a camel back is handy for a quick slirp! tho i just take cash and stop as and when i feel the need. mobile phone is also handy, we used to have some walkeytalkeys. and dont forget suncream!
Be prepared to ache! especially shin area for first time, but that soon goes!
last thing id say is dont be british! by that i mean, we are well mannered in general and que politely etc. the europeans on the other hand are not! so you got to do what they do and dont be afraid to push in, or you will be waiting for that lift a lot longer!
enjoy!

 

[CoupeChief]

Helmet is a must no matter how good/bad you are. My mate is an expert boarder but was nearly killed by someone else crashing and hitting him on the head directly with their ski. It's generally other people you need to watch out for.

Layers definitely best way forward. I went out and bought a really warm thick (expensive) jacket and never wear it as I'm always too warm in it. Complete waste of money. Best to layer up to start and take some off if too warm.

If you have a camelback or similar then use it. You will get thirsty and its much easier than mucking around taking off your bag etc. Easiest way of losing gloves is taking them off and on when trying to get a drink etc. Especially if it's windy.

A cheap pair goggles with orange lens are a must in flat light - helps you see the terrain. As others have mentioned TK MAXX have them. Also a must in windy conditions.

Ski school is a good idea. The instructor will teach and take you places to build up your confidence quickly but most importantly safely. He'll only go on runs he is sure you are capable of but will you'll still feel like u are pushing yourself.

I went for first time a few years ago and have been every year since. I'd gladly give up my summer holiday every year if I had to choose between skiing or a beach. But being Ginger and pale you can probably understand why I do!

 

[PaulN]

.....................and hoping to get up north in the UK soon.
.

Stuff the up north bit.
I've got a room with 2 queen size beds all to myself for two weeks in April at Lake Dillon Lodge in Colorado.
My granddaughter couldn't come this year - she's doing her Highers.
The hotel is smack in the middle of some great skiing country - Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland.
http://www.breckenridge.com/
http://www.vail.com/
http://www.beavercreek.com/
http://www.coppercolorado.com/winter/index.html
http://www.keystoneresort.com/
http://www.arapahoebasin.com/abasin/Default.aspx
http://www.skiloveland.com/
I go as part of a group - but there's always room for one more.

While i agree Up north is not worth it, save and dont have the weekly sessions in the uk and spend it on a nice holiday in Europe!

 

[CoupeChief]

[/quote]While i agree Up north is not worth it, save and dont have the weekly sessions in the uk and spend it on a nice holiday in Europe![/quote]

Depends where u live but if you can do a day trip up north then IMO it's definitely worth it. I live in Glasgow and can be on the slopes in under 2 hours from my house. Gives a good opportunity to improve the skills so that when you are away on your holiday you can really enjoy it rather than spending the first day or so getting back to where you left off.

I do agree though that it's relatively expensive given the quality of uplift / facilities on offer in comparison to the continent.

 

[Anonymous]

it's relatively expensive given the quality of uplift / facilities on offer in comparison to the continent.

I can be at the slopes in Glenshee in under 1 hour - but just can't be bothered.

At the weekend it's overcrowded, it's badly organised, at a couple of places you have to climb uphill to reach the bottom of the tow, the snow is usually shite and when they do have good snow they don't know what to do with it!
Oh! and then the tows are broken or even worse - they refuse to operate all the tows on weekdays, because they want to save the snow for the week-enders.

 

[jonnyfive]

Picture of me on top of mountain at les Carroz with Mt Blanc in the back ground.

One week of ski School and managed to complete a small red run ,two Blue runs And Loads of green with out killing my self.
Manage to achieve a silver medal which i am really pleased with.
Thanks for all the great advise which was all spot on .
The views and the ride just takes ya breath away

No funny comments about the hat lost mine on a fast run and borrowed this one but hey if you haven't got a silly hat on then you look like you dont know what you are doing.

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like you had some good blue sky days.

Is that you hooked now?

 

[jonnyfive]

The weather was just great with only one slightly overcast day.
Hooked jury out but i must say the best advice i had was dont get despondent and hang in there , half way through the week and after my first blue run which i was told was border line red i thought this is not for me but i carried on, got my confidence up and on the last day blue skies top of mountain -10 deg Red ,blue on to green run then into bar for cold well deserved beer.
Will i go again ................Yes !

 

[pvr]

Full of envy, love it. Good to see you had a good time.

 

[Anonymous]

The weather was just great with only one slightly overcast day.
Hooked jury out but i must say the best advice i had was dont get despondent and hang in there , half way through the week :

There is a phenomenon known as "mid week blues" which quite a lot of seasoned skiers get.
I usually go for a fortnight - so I get it twice.

 

[Anonymous]

If ever I needed a reason to go abroad for my annual skiing fix - this is it.
Glenshee in January - make you sick!