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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Am I too fat for skiing?

46 replies

Toofatforskiing · 03/02/2022 12:20

I currently weight 158kg or 24st and most of the stone.

I really want to go skiing as I love skiing but I haven’t been for 6 years and I was about 20lbs lighter. I am definitely fitter though, I’ve been going to the gym 3-4 times a week for the past 10 months.

I’m just worried I’m too large for skiing. I don’t want to embarrass myself.

Can anyone reassure me, or should I just forget it?

OP posts:

MrsWooster · 03/02/2022 13:29

I skied perfectly well at 18 stonish. If you were ok 20lbs ago, you should be ok now. Getting up is undoubtedly tougher than for lither /younger people and a hard fall is harder, not easier due to padding ,as two broken shoulders (not the same trip!) can attest.
Still worth it for that ‘top of world’ feeling!

BobMortimersPetOwl · 03/02/2022 13:32

I'm obese, about 125kg. I ski and snowboard and both are fine. I can get up without problem when I fall down (not sure why people assume this would be a barrier) and I'm fit enough to ski all day. I've never not fitted into a chair.

However, I do feel like I'm at the upper end of what would be OK.

PussGirl · 03/02/2022 13:32

You'll be faster than last time - more momentum with more weight

Original poster

Toofatforskiing · 03/02/2022 13:41

[quote Octomore]@redgreenbluehooray does make a good point about the chairlifts as well. The chairlifts at older French resorts can be tiny. Swiss and Austrian are often a bit larger ime.

Where in France were you planning to go OP?[/quote]
La Plagne. I’ve never had a problem with chairlifts before, plus it won’t be school holidays so shouldn’t be heaving.

OP posts:

Original poster

Toofatforskiing · 03/02/2022 13:43

@Procrast

You can get skiwear from the short ski shop.

This is where I got my salopettes from, I already have a jacket that fits. Great choice on there especially for shorter people, and they do have plenty regular length stuff too. I highly recommend them.

OP posts:

Original poster

Toofatforskiing · 03/02/2022 13:44

I can get up if I take my skis off or someone gives me a hand lol.

Thanks guys, I’m just so excited.

OP posts:

AnotherVice · 03/02/2022 13:47

A different viewpoint, probably not popular, but as it's a risky sport I thought I'd mention it. Your weight would make rescue much for difficult in the event you needed to be immobilised/carried off the mountain.

purplesequins · 03/02/2022 13:51

being fit is a good start.
and having adequate insurance just in case

have fun!

Original poster

Toofatforskiing · 03/02/2022 14:04

Or we might go to Austria, as that’s where my dad prefers and he’s paying, I’m just tagging along lol.

OP posts:

Deliaskis · 03/02/2022 14:09

I've skied when at my heaviest. You will be fine if you're fit from the gym... as others have said it's clothing that I struggle with, but sounds like you're sorted there.

What I would advise is that you are really aware of fatigue during the day. Most injuries are done when skiers are tired and I know for sure that when I was at my heaviest, those end of day turns (moving my overweight body around the turns against the pull of gravity, often at speed) were neither pretty nor particularly safe. I started making sure I did a shorter ski day, and started saying no to the inner 'just one more run'. If you're generally fit from the gym though, this might not be an issue for you.

Have a great time!

Butteryflakycrust83 · 03/02/2022 14:55

Girl, I say this as someone who weights close to you - 20 pounds difference isnt much at all, I am sure you will be fine! I am envious, have fun!

CowCat · 03/02/2022 15:12

This is a perfect thread for me as I wondering EXACTLY the same thing. And thank you so much for The Short Ski Shop recommendation. I am struggling to get trousers that are not too long but still a size 20.
I am very nervous about going skiing. It's been nearly 20 years & I am at least 15 kilos heavier. I carry a lot of weight in my calves. I do have ski boots from 20 years ago but I am guessing my legs are quite a bit fatter.

Anyway thank you. No helpful suggestions from me.

CowCat · 03/02/2022 15:16

PS: loving the positive messages too.

CrimbleCrumble1 · 03/02/2022 15:20

My DH just got back from a ski holiday and he did struggle with the actual skiing despite being many times before. His BMI is 36, i think the two year gap and being two years older didn’t help.
OP there are lots of ore ski workouts you can do at home, these may help you.

randomsabreuse · 03/02/2022 15:35

Getting up on the flat is a pig and a half whatever your weight (unless you can get a ski off). I'd practice that and keep doing leg workouts and you'll do better than most.

Can echo the listening to your legs and not the 1 more run voice... and there's no shame in downloading if it's got rutted and slushy and your legs are tired (Austria, not Glenshee - wouldn't try and download on a poma!!!)

On the poma note, they're probably easier when you weigh more, I'm worried that my 6 year old will take off on a Scottish poma - she's fine on the dry ski slope but theirs looks quite gentle!

UpDownRound · 04/02/2022 21:33

On the poma note, they're probably easier when you weigh more, I'm worried that my 6 year old will take off on a Scottish poma - she's fine on the dry ski slope but theirs looks quite gentle! Very true! I'd forgotten about how exhilarating it was to go on them at the Scottish resorts as a skinny child 😂 That initial tug that nearly sends you flying...

UpDownRound · 04/02/2022 21:35

@BobMortimersPetOwl

However, I do feel like I'm at the upper end of what would be OK.

I had mentioned getting back up as a barrier because my husband and his mate, both very fit builders in their 20s at the time, struggled to get a large (and also very fit and competent) skiier up when he went over. It was definitely his size that was the issue.

randomsabreuse · 05/02/2022 07:47

Getting up of the ground on the flat with skis on has always been a bit awkward. I'm relatively strong and fit but often need to remove a ski (if I didn't lose one already) to get up on flatter ground. Was definitely the hardest bit of learning to ski. I am not very flexible though which might have something to do with it.

CowCat · 23/03/2022 11:53

I came back to say thank you for the Short Ski Shop recommendation. My size 20 / 5 foot 4 height was a perfect fit.

Ozanj · 23/03/2022 11:58

Glenshee - fine. I wouldn’t even think about it.

But as someone who was 80Kg when in Europe I prefer Austria and Germany. In France and Italy the problem isn’t just about the ski lifts etc. It’s often about attitudes too. I frequently got negative comments even when ordering food etc.

CatherinedeBourgh · 23/03/2022 11:59

@CowCat

This is a perfect thread for me as I wondering EXACTLY the same thing. And thank you so much for The Short Ski Shop recommendation. I am struggling to get trousers that are not too long but still a size 20. I am very nervous about going skiing. It's been nearly 20 years & I am at least 15 kilos heavier. I carry a lot of weight in my calves. I do have ski boots from 20 years ago but I am guessing my legs are quite a bit fatter.

Anyway thank you. No helpful suggestions from me.

If your boots are that old I recommend you change them anyway. The plastic does deteriorate with age, and you will probably find them much more uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.

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