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Original poster

Any experienced skiers around?

22 replies

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 20/02/2022 13:56

DS(8) has been begging to go for a while so DH booked them both in for a couple of private lessons at a nearby slope. DS took to it like a duck to water but DH at 50 is a bit more cautious. DS is keen to go onto a bigger slope but I'm not sure I'm ready for that, and I'm not even there. So I have some questions I hope someone knowledgeable can help with.

Their instructor says they don't need a second lesson as they've both got the technique so now just need to practise. Is this normal? I see places that run week long courses, are they really good to go after just one lesson?

They've hired all their equipment but they don't have sticks. The instructor says they don't need them and it's easier without. But I've never seen anyone skiing without sticks before. Again, is this normal?

They're currently on the green beginners slopes but DS is mithering to go up to the family one. How do you know when they're ready and would you allow an 8 year old to go alone? DH says he doesn't feel ready yet but DS thinks he's invinsible.

Anything else I really need to know?

OP posts:
user1477249785 · 20/02/2022 13:59

Skiing without poles is pretty normal at the beginning. But I find the suggestion that one lesson is enough to be pretty unusual...

Original poster
BringBackCoffeeCreams · 20/02/2022 14:05

Initially the instructor said 2 lesson but after the first didn't think he needed another. He's been doing icehockey since he could walk which the guy said has helped with his control. I'm just worried about him being safe and not a danger to others. He's 8 and autistic and has ADHD so is utterly fearless, which can be good but also terrifying at the same time. I'm not so worried about DH as he's aware of his own limitations and the risks.

OP posts:
Original poster
BringBackCoffeeCreams · 20/02/2022 14:07

I don't know if it makes a difference that it was a private lesson rather than a group one.

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Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/02/2022 14:12

Is this indoor, dry slope or up a mountain?

No poles... normal. DH even choses to ski without poles sometimes when out with DDs so he has his hands free.

By basic technique I'm guessing snowplough, turning and stopping? A quiet blue slope will probably be fine. But more lessons refine technique.

RunningFromInsanity · 20/02/2022 14:13

It’s common to teach without poles now.

Most of skiing is just about practice so although I would think that another couple of lessons might help fine tune technique, if the instructor doesn’t think it’s necessary then he is trying to save you money.

Are these actual slopes or dry ski slopes? I wouldn’t let anyone of any age ski in the mountains alone, so I wouldn’t let an 8year old. Unless it’s a training piste and all in the same area where you can see him at al times?

Kinsters · 20/02/2022 14:14

I wouldn't let my child go on the slope by themselves after only one lesson. And realistically he would be by himself if your DH is not confident.

SunnySomer · 20/02/2022 14:16

I’d agree with PP, it’s unusual to only have one lesson, and agree that no poles at the start is very normal.
I would be very cautious about letting my own 8 year old go off alone. They do sometimes fall over, go off course, even whizz off the edge of the piste and if no one around knows he’s alone/knows to keep an eye on him I would be worried. Why not book your DH and DS into separate lessons where they can go in a group at their own pace?

SunnySomer · 20/02/2022 14:19

In fact, just think about it: if you live near a slope, presumably you’re in a mountainous area. Would you send your 8 year old alone mountain biking in summer? Hiking alone? I can’t imagine you’d even ask the question.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/02/2022 14:22

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

Is this indoor, dry slope or up a mountain?

No poles... normal. DH even choses to ski without poles sometimes when out with DDs so he has his hands free.

By basic technique I'm guessing snowplough, turning and stopping? A quiet blue slope will probably be fine. But more lessons refine technique.

My answer was presuming accompanied by an adult BTW. Not alone!
Cluelessasacucumber · 20/02/2022 14:30

No poles is completely normal. If hes picked up the technique fast then he probably is at the stage of just needing some practice to consolidate his learning, but crucially this must be accompanied by a competent adult skier, which your DH is not. It would be completely unsafe for your DH to be accompany him at this stage as he isnt yet in control of himself let alone being able to manage your son, and someone could get seriously hurt. Camacasy kids and wobbly adults on the slopes are a very dangerous combination. I would suggest now is the time to book them both into seperate, group lessons where they will have a chance to practice in a managed setting with people of the same size and skill. I'm really surprised the instructor said one lesson was enough. Be aware that dry slope instructors sometimes have a different (lower) level of qualification and may be significantly less experienced.

QuizzicalEyebrows · 20/02/2022 15:00

You only need a day or a morning on nursery slopes to get the technique

After that as a total beginner you'd either join a group to ski with for the week or practice on the green slopes. The choice is yours. A group is often quite fun and you'll find you probably advance quicker to blue slopes etc

Mylittlepixie · 20/02/2022 15:12

The week long courses are usually more child care than anything else, so the parents can ski by themselves. Kids at that age really do pick it up quickly and then its all about practise and getting more confident for a while. When they are very confident then sometimes another few classes to improve technique is useful, but at the beginning its all about practise and its definitely cheaper if he practises with you.

Original poster
BringBackCoffeeCreams · 20/02/2022 15:30

Thank you for all your advice, it's really helpful. I wasn't happy about the idea of him going to the next slope alone but was worried I was being over protective.

We're in Sweden so they're using proper ski slopes. There's 2 green ones, they're both currently on the bigger one, although DH gets off the lift part way up as he's not confident enough to do the whole thing yet. DS is going from the top. There's a blue family one, 2 red ones and a black.

OP posts:
Toomuchleopard · 20/02/2022 15:32

I’ve just been skiing this week with my 3 children. The two younger ones have been skiing about 6-7 times for a week each time and I still put them in a week of lessons this time and they both massively benefitted and improved loads.

Probably after one lesson he might be able to ski ok but will find it hard work and will improve so much more with lessons.

The poles thing is because if you’re a beginner you tend to wave your arms around more which throws balance off if you have poles.

Original poster
BringBackCoffeeCreams · 20/02/2022 15:49

I wonder if one private lesson is the same as a week of group lessons. If so I think I might just book him in for one at the start of each 'holiday'. The season finishes here in the next week or two, so something for next time. There's only the weekends left now and they came home earlier today as it was very busy and DS couldn't cope with the queuing.

OP posts:
CatherinedeBourgh · 20/02/2022 15:56

In a small local resort like that it should be fine, I think. It makes sense to practice what he has learned a few times then take another lesson.

It’s very different popping up to the local slope for the weekend vs. skiing a solid week, likely to be the only one in the year, in some mega resort. If the instructor, who knows the resort and your ds, thinks it’s reasonable, I would be ok with it.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/02/2022 16:01

With that scenario, as long as DH can see him and can get to him if he has an accident (I.e take his skis off and walk up to him!) it should be ok.

bigTillyMint · 20/02/2022 16:04

Your DS sounds well coordinated and confident - he’s doing well! I can’t believe he hasn’t been skiing before if you live out there

I taught both mine to ski without poles on their first ski holiday - they were 5 and 4 at the time, and I’m no expert Grin Teaching 1:1 is so much faster than lessons. They have never had proper lessons but DH is a good skier and they picked it up easily.

LIZS · 20/02/2022 16:12

I would not let a child that age try a run they have not tackled with an instructor or experienced adult. Even then the conditions can change how it feels and they need to learn how to read the piste and pick a safe line within their capabilities. Group lessons might be the next step once he is tired of the green ones. Can you see the full extent of it from the bottom? Can he manage the lift alone?

UnbeatenMum · 20/02/2022 16:28

Could DH go on his own a few times to practice or have another lesson by himself so he can catch up DS a bit? It sounds like you live nearby rather than being on holiday?

MadrigalCorp · 20/02/2022 17:33

I wouldn't let DS go on his own yet particularly if he's fearless. I'd be worried about him going far too fast if he has no sense of what's safe or normal - that can put him and others at risk and we've all seen someone barrelling down the hill and crashing into someone who turned into their way, lift queue etc.

Also can he handle the lifts he'd use? Does he know the runs? Is there ice / rocks / trees to cope with? What if he loses his pass/ gloves etc? I'd put him in a stronger group if possible.

TheOccupier · 09/03/2022 22:45

I'd book DS into ski school with kids his own age and let him get on with it, personally!

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