Learning to ski ahead of an expensive holiday

[Lorey]

I’ve always avoided ski trips as I don’t like to make a fool of myself. But having turned 30, I’m adopting a more just go for it mentality. I did have lessons at a dry slope as a kid but was totally useless.

Dh often goes skiing. I like the vibes and would like to do more than shop and eat.

My plan is to book lesson at an indoor snow ski centre. With current availability I will be able to have 4 x 7.5 hour day sessions before a planned trip next year.

My only question is will this be enough to not have a shit time? The place our friends want to rent is bloody expensive in one of the more posh resorts. If I won’t be able to even stand I would rather not go due to the cost.

I would definitely book lessons if I were to go on the trip.

thanks for any responses.

Oh I don’t plan to ski with the rest of the group. I just would like to actually ski. I’ve accompanied dh on a few trips and just end up shopping/ wandering around on my own during the day. And it’s very boring. Just being on the slopes at all would make a nice change

I learned to ski aged 28. I went for the first time with a large group (think 40 of us hiring a private chalet) and therefore there was a range of abilities going. Are there any other beginners going on the trip?
If not I’d personally consider going somewhere cheaper with my partner to try it out. We went to Ruka in Finland last year - freezing but fantastic for beginners/intermediates (much much better than French resorts with only red runs going into the resort and inpatient ski instructors) and much much better value than the alps (£1200 all in for flights/ski hire/lessons/food etc).
I think you need to think of it as a long-term investment. The first time you go on a ski holiday won’t be amazing - you just won’t be able to ski with everyone else and that’s fact. But once you get your ski-legs then you’ll have a great time on subsequent holidays.

I think you’ve got a fantastically positive attitude to the holiday. Full day lesson in the snow some would horrify me, but I’m sure it will be beneficial. As you’re fit - and will be fitter - you’ll be able to enjoy yourself when you’re in the resort. Definitely morning lessons, private if you can stretch to it. Then skiing with friends in the afternoon. Hopefully you’ll get to see a bit of the resort. Nb think about what ski pass you need… in 3V you may not want the full area.

I'm doing this face right now as a skier. But have you considered snowboarding? It's supposed to be quicker to pick up once you've got the basics (which takes a little work). If you won't be with them anyway and you just want to have fun.

I ski and wouldn't SB but I'm always jealous of them in their more comfortable boots, carrying a teeny board rather than bloody skis.

It really helps. But nothing helps more than having spot on fitness re: muscle groups required for skiing.

I did ski dome lessons and it really helped but by the third day my legs were like jelly and it stopped me doing as much as I wanted.

squats, burpees etc.

I couldn’t imagine 7.5 lessons as a beginner.

if your dh and friends ski then I would say ski don’t snowboard. I remember being the only boarder in a group of skiers and it becomes an issue repeatedly.

definitely focus on ski exercises, wall sits, etc. have lessons here. Book in for a weeks worth of morning lessons there. You’ll be happy in a group of similar abilities, meet your friends for lunch. Potentially ski a bit in the afternoon with them depending how you feel but don’t be under pressure if knackered. I’d always knock off early afternoon and either read in the chalet or explore the town, go swimming, do a snowy walk, etc.

The one day learn to ski wil be fine to start as lots of waiting in line.
Then book series of one on one shorter sessions
That way you can join the group one up from total beginners in resort and won't spend time out there faffing learning to put boots on but can go straight to beginner slope and blues and greens by day 2 or 3