Skiing again after a long pause and skiing alone

[NotJustACigar]

When I was in my twenties and early thirties I used to love skiing. I was pretty decent as in able to ski red runs and some easy blacks. Then I met DH who doesn't ski, and somehow I haven't skied in 15 years.

I'm wondering how hard it will be to pick back up. I'm also wondering about skiing alone. Has anyone done either and can advise please? The thought is a little scary but the thought of never skiing again is worse!

I had a 15 year gap and was really nervous. I had a go at an indoor ski slope and was instantly absolutely fine. It really is like riding a bike. I now go skiing every year. My DH had only been skiing once but learned really quickly and now it's something we enjoy together.

I wouldn't ski alone though. I did try a black run alone when DH wasn't good enough to join me. I did it a few times and once thought I'd broken my knee and or ankle. I was fine, a passer by collected my lost equipment and got me back on my skis but it was scary.

I had a big break and just booked into ski school when I went back which really helped my confidence. There are several companies that organise ski holidays for solo travellers, I did a ski and yoga one last year which was great fun and am off skiing at the end of the month on my own, but with a group of other solo travellers too, am hoping this will be just as good! Why not go on a short solo ski trip first, then if it’s awful, you’re only away for a few night. Good luck and enjoy!

I stopped for about 15 years too, never really got to go and also had a non skiing boyfriend. Then when I got with my current DP, who was a skier and used to compete as a child, and my DD was small he decided she needed to learn how to ski from tiny like he did so we started going again at weekends (we live near the Alps). I put skis on again, I was rigid as hell and a bit scared, but I got to the bottom in one piece (albeit overtaken by my 4yo) and gradually loosened up. I also invested in a private lesson or 2 to remind me of proper technique. Also in the time i’d not been skiing the skis had changed shape and were actually easier to use. I still spot the odd older person in original 80s/90s kit and I wondered how I ever skied on the Uber long thin skis.

Up until the pandemic we did 1 week every year and my technique is a lot better than in my twenties, BUT I now slow down when going too fast, add in unnecessary curves on the reds and just have a general heightened sense of self preservation. None of that devil may care throwing myself down the hill like when I was younger!

Thank you for the reassuring responses so far - and how interesting about skis changing shape, I had no idea!

@HalloumiLooney can you recommend any companies for solo skiers please, especially any with yoga? I looked at Cold Fusion but they aren't offering any trips this year due to Covid.

No yoga, but Skiweekenders might suit. If you book to stay in their main accommodation ( Aravis Lodge) its quite sociable. Or I've heard Colletts recommended here and they have ski guiding days every day for different levels.

Last year I went with soulshine retreats who were fabulous, I’ve also heard that adventure yogi are a good company to go with. It’s really nice having a group of like minded people sharing the chalet and my room mate was the nicest person ever. This year I’m going with single parents on holiday and am looking at a holiday with the ski gathering in the new year.

Look at ski goddess, sounds like it might suit.

DH goes with UCPA when he skis alone.

If I were you I’d book a package in a catered chalet so you have a bit of company and also chance to meet people who might be happy for a casual ski partner. Most chalets I’ve been to people have buddied up.

Booking some group lessons in resort might also help with confidence and getting back into it.

I wouldn't ski alone, particularly after such a long break. I mean, I go and ski a few runs on my own sometimes, because I'm fitter than DH and he's often tired before I am, but I wouldn't go out and ski all day on my own. I'd either book lessons or with a company that offers ski guiding every day. Ski guiding really is wonderful if you're a confident intermediate or better. A few lessons at an indoor slope is a great way to get your ski legs back. Is there one near you?

Have you looked at SnowHeads? They do Bashes throughout the year and welcome both groups and solo skiers of all abilities.

Thanks again for all the encouragement. I did look at bashes but felt I wanted something slightly more structured for me first time back so have booked with The Ski Gathering. They will also arrange my lift passes, ski hire etc and they have a great covid cancellation policy. I've booked my flights now also. The only thing is that the chalet is ski in ski out on a blue run so hopefully my skiing will come back quickly enough to take advantage of that! I will get a few hours of private lessons my first day to bring me up to speed. Can't wait! And if there are any other solo skiers reading this who might want to join the same group for some company please feel free to message me and I'll give you the details.

Yay you booked it! If you can get to an indoor ski slope before you go, i think you'll feel confident about that blue run. Where are you going? We're going to Austria (for the first time) in February.

Never heard of The Ski Gathering so I had a look. Seems fab, I like that they offer single rooms as part of their standard offering- so many places don't.
We've just moved Easyjet flights for the 800th time ( originally meant for going to Gatwick so we could then head to Costa Rica) so we're off to Serre chevalier for half term, but I'll keep it in mind.

Ski lessons are a must. You can find a good ski school that meets your needs. Proper lessons that cater for your ability are recommended. You sound more like a rusty skier than a complete skiing novice however so bear that in mind when booking lessons.

Definitely don’t ski alone. Maybe the ski school have a list of people willing to share an instructor for a morning?

I love skiing alone . Always have 2 phones and a plan to meet friends for lunch or coffee .

Have private instructor in mornings and afternoon alone / couple of runs with friends .

People are always helpful !