Are we too old to start skiing?!

[ThrowAway987654321]

I'm 41 and DH is 60, and neither of us have ever skiied before. We are both fit and healthy (DH ran marathon at easter!). Its not the cheapest holiday, and I wonder whether we've missed the boat and it'll end up being a waste of time and money! Any thoughts?

Nope definitely not too old!
I would however as beginners make sure you book into 3 hours of lessons a day and also pick a resort with other things to do as well as more beginners friendly runs.

Frankly as beginners there is no point going for some of the big alps places you are unlikely to explore a large area this year and hence do not need a £300+ ski pass!

Pick a resort that has a swimming pool/orher activities. Would also look at accommodation options a hot tub or sauna can really help muscles each day.

I came to skiing late. I really enjoy it, but I'm not as brave as the young whippersnappers! My top tip would be to go to a resort with wide slopes without drops off one side (you often get quite narrow runs with drops on the higher resorts) as I find these stressful. But if you're braver than me it might not be an issue - I just worry about going straight off the edge!

Dh and I started skiing when he was 44 and I was 40 and both loved it, so no I don’t think you’re too old. Your dh sounds fit enough to do it.

Definitely not. I started at 42 and the friends we ski with started at 50.

Echo advice to book lessons in and don't go anywhere too challenging. We like Austria - look for somewhere with predominantly blue and red runs rather than lots of blacks. You need a good nursery slope in your first few days!

YES @Sillysoggyspaniel I totally get this - DH now goes down reds before me and reports back because of my fear of narrow runs. I just don't find them pleasurable at all.

Oh this is so lovely to hear! Can anyone recommend some good resorts?

Pools, hot tubs and saunas are basically my ideal holiday anywhere! Do you have any ideas of where might fit the bill?

Definitely have lessons on a dry slope/snowdome before hand. My husband learnt in his late 30s and it took a few holidays for the look of grim determination on his face to disappear whilst skiing. I think it's better to get some of the pain of the initial learning curve over with before you spend a fortune going abroad.

When you do go abroad choose somewhere with lots of non-skiing things to do. Probably don't bother with the huge French resorts - I love Tignes, for example, but there's no point paying a fortune for a ski pass to give access to 300km+ runs initially. Go for smaller, prettier, less purpose built.

Not too young if you like a bit of a challenge. My advice is...

1. Find a resort when you can easily ski in and out from without requiring a long walk, as walking in ski-boots takes a bit of getting used also plenty of easy green/blue wide runs. (I re-started skiing at Niederau in Austria, and stayed in a Hotel across the road from the lifts and piste, it was perfect and beautiful.)
2. Avoid high altitude resorts, for your first trip.
3. Airport transfers can be long, so be aware when booking.
4. Take at least two pairs of gloves, be prepared to be thoroughly hacked off on day 3 and want to take a taxi to the airport.
5. Day 4 is usually better, as you overcome the fear and get on with it.
6. Book classes
7. Hire skis, boots and a helmet is a must.
8. Get winter sports insurance.

I think my skiing days are over, but still miss it every year! Hope you update this post on your return.

If you want scenic look at Austria or Switzerland, or some of the traditional Italian resorts. Bear in mind Olympics in February will push prices up in Italy. You might prefer private tuition together and then progress at your pace and find less busy pistes with your instructor.

Something else to consider might be cross country skiing. I’ve not done it, but you tend to get fit looking older people on the trails. I’m mid 50s and considering giving it a go. There’s obviously technique to it but perhaps less intimidating than skiing down a mountain as you’re likely to be in the valley. Good luck and have fun!

La Clusaz in France nice resort not too expensive for the ski pass lovely village some of the hotels there have pool/spa facilities. Very chilled atmosphere. Not too long a transfer from Geneva.

Alp du Huez - outdoor and indoor pool much bigger night life but wide open runs and quite a few beginner runs. Some chalets have hot tubs as well. Bit more expensive on the ski pass.

Andorra - Soldue or El Tarter beginner friendly and nice atmosphere. The bigger hotels have spas and pools (you do usually pay extra for). You fly into Barcelona and get a transfer. They also have WiFi on the mountain (not in the EU so data prices can creep if not careful).

Norway - not skied here since I was 19 but it's beginner friendly due to shorter slopes. They also don't hike the price for February!
Bit more of a DIY so you fly to Bergen and can get trains to Voss. Few hotel options there with pool or saunas.

I wasn't a fan of Austria but I have only been to Innsbruck and Schruns with Innsbruck being a bit mental and Schruns the slopes all ended with horrible ice regardless of snow dumps!

my aunty went on her first ski trip age 58!

the easiest way to do a ski holiday is to book a package that includes everything you need - equipment, boots, pools, skis, helmet, lift pass and lessons. Half board hotels usually work out good value.

check Vinted for ski gear

i’d personally avoid anywhere with a very long transfer from the airport. Max 2 hours for me.

Niederau in Austria is a good shout from a PP. charming little place.

some places offer ski in ski out. Others you need to get a bus to the lift.
avoid anywhere that requires too much walking too / from accommodation as that can be exhausting after a long day on the slopes!

My DH started at 38 when we took our DC age 6 so they learned together.

Not too late but just be aware that after 45 or so you're more likely to injure yourself, I've skied for years and I managed to fracture my knee last year and now I'm scared to go back!

I think you need to be fit, coordinated, good balance, and brave. My PIL learned at 60, but I’m not convinced they got beyond a cruisey blue. If you want to progress have a week of lessons and be prepared to go every year, year 3 should be good. I think the willingness to let your skis ‘run’ is the hardest thing for many people. It is hard to be a good skier, but competent enough to have fun is doable with a few weeks under your belt.

Some absolutely brilliant tips here - thank you all! DH is actually a native Polish speaker, does anyone know if there would be any suitable places in Poland/Slovakia Tatra mountains?

At your age(s) the key, for me, would be a lead up of suitable strengthening exercises and stretches, long before you get to a ski slope.

Snapping a ligament is not fun. That's generally why you see older people hobbling around in those big surgical boots - they snapped a ligament.

I hope not, we are going next year and are mid 40’s. I’m planning on a day at the snowdome ahead of time (which I’ve already done and passed once) plus lessons there. I have no intention of skiing all day every day. The kids will, I’m sure.

My biggest concern is supervising the kids outside of lessons but we are going with a large group so it will work itself out with those who can actually ski.

Definitely not too old. Second the advice to go somewhere with other things to do- my experience as a novice is that it’s exhausting even if you are fit- it’s a particular sort of fitness- and you may find full days on the slopes every day a bit much.

Fitness is a great point. I run, so I can ski.

Yes lots of skiing in Poland

I’m in my 50’s, not a great skier but have skied since my early 20’s. If I’m honest I wouldn’t start now.. I don’t have that fearless streak I had when I was younger and learning is hard work. If you’re both really fit though and happy to prep with squats etc then go for it, why not. I would definitely book a private instructor if you can, will make it easier. It really is the best holiday and one that kids are usually happy to join even as adults.

Here's how to do it...
It also has a basket for your handbag.

Also squats, sideways jumps, cardio for those who don't run.

Indeed.

Wall sits, lunges, press ups (so you can get up and also pole).

Yep, best be in good condition. If you spend most of your time sat at a desk, a week of physical activity is almost impossible.

We both run a lot (I was very impressed -jealous- with DH’s 4h marathon) but strength exercises would be important. I’m terrible at committing to them, but doing them with a purpose would be great for me!