Anyone learned to ski later in life?

I was 30. I’m still rubbish 10 years on but I’m like that with all sport and always have been. I enjoy it though.

The thing that makes a HUGE difference is how strong your thighs are. The years that I do a load of prep I enjoy it so much more because it’s less demanding both physically and mentally (when my legs are strong, I’m more relaxed because I trust them to do as my brain asks).

Someone I know said ‘first ski holidays, no one has a nice time, it’s an investment in future enjoyment’ and I think there’s a lot of truth in that. It’s hard and an emotional rollercoaster, but so worth it. It’s my favourite holiday of the year by a long way and I’m not a sporty person.

I learned in my 20s. Never really become a natural at it but I do okay.

My parents both learned in their early 60s when they came on a holiday with us. They were planning to just watch the kids ski and spend time with them. But they both really fancied learning and booked themselves into lessons. My mum did a few green runs each morning then went to the cafe, my dad is still skiing 10 years later and loving it.

Omg yes dont go on a ski holiday with very experienced people as you’ll end up on tricky slopes that they think are easy. Def learn in the uk first to see if you even like it

I think you need a buddy at the same level as you. I am very lucky my DH and my DS are similar to me and we have a lovely time skiing together (we are not amazing skiers). If you don’t have this then I have just discovered the joys of all day ski school where they get you in the right level group and it is great socially. Lots of people there on their own who’s partners were either non skiers or more advanced skiers than them.

I learnt when I was in my early 30s, does that count as later in life? I was not fit though so possibly nearer 40 in real age😁. This was also a long time ago ( I'm 60 now) so some things will probably be very different now

Anyway my experience

1 it was definitely easier to lean on snow than on a dry slope

2 Book private or small group lessons with adults only if you can. My first ski holiday I booked standard lessons with French speaking man child in a large grouo. I almost gave up and was in tears quite a lot and hadn't learnt by the end of the week. I went again the following year ( must have been a masochist) and had a much better experience with lessons and was skiing, albeit not on difficult runs, by the end of the week

3. I quite enjoyed the next ski holiday but was never good enough to keep up with my then husband and his friends all of whom learnt as children so that probably coloured my view

4. Then broke my collar bone on the next holiday when someone skied into me on day 2

I just decided it wasn't worth it after my divorce since I'd only really learnt to be able to go with ex, and my DH is like me,from a very working class background and never learnt to ski .

I never really learnt to love it and didn't go again after my fourth trip but that is just my experience and tied in with my feelings of inadequacy learning as an unsporty adult around a group of adults who had all learnt as children. Most of them were kind enough about my struggles to learn and beginner status but I was obviously holding them back if i joined them on runs. Most of them didn't really want to ski the easier runs I was comfortable with and I wasn't really confident enough to ski alone much. My ex wa very much of the same mind on ski holidays.

I am sure there will be many more positive experiences. I can say that despite being very unsporty, with the right teacher and patience I did learn and I do still remember the rush of skiing my first easy run without panicking too much

Get fit beforehand. Nothing worse than trying to walk upstairs day three with heavy legs. The more flexible you are the more forgiving your body. Beginners lessons are available in groups or privately. If you book via a uk tour operator they will normally offer a ski hire and lesson package.

Treat yourself to some 1-2-1 lessons at Hemel or wherever there is a real snow slope near you. Makes a world of difference

Just back from a great week skiing in Austria aged 47. (Ok I learned when I was young so not 100% relevant). But my in laws learned in their 50s and enjoyed it. My DD (aged 13) was brand new to it and did really well. Austrian ski school is 2 hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. In France it is mornings only. Plenty of adults at all levels. Go for it. It makes a brilliant family holiday.

I was 40. No problem to arrange beginners’ ski school at the Austrian resort. The whole family (including dds of 9 and 12 plus a friend of dd 12) were new to it - we had an instructor all to ourselves
I’m not a very sporty type and never became very confident, but could enjoy pottering up and down the easy slopes.

Are you the outdoorsy, althetic or exercise keen type? Do you cycle? I learnt in my forties. It was hard work. Injuries are plentiful. I stopped 10 years ago after knackering my knee.
You can go on holiday to a ski resort and give it a go. If you need to abort skiing then just walk and lounge in the sun outside the mountain restaurants.
Austria and Switzerland have plenty of low ish level resorts where you can walk in beautiful scenery if the skiing doesn’t work out. Go in late Feb/early March for warmer, sunnier weather.

I've done beginners lessons 4 times. There are loads if adults of your age (and older) trying to learn.
Your DD can go to teen lessons while you are at yours.

ETA... I did the beginners lessons 4 times as I'm a rubbish skier. But I can also trip over thin air and have a knack of injuring myself in bizarre ways. Everyone else learnt fine!)

Me! I learned at 42. Had lessons in resort and was predictably terrible at first but by the end of the week I could ski (ish!).

I’m reasonably, but not overly, fit and active and not particularly co-ordinated!