Dry Ski/ Snow Dome

[WeWillRockyou]

We are planning a family ski trip but all but DH have never skied before. To get the most out of it I assume we will need to do some practice before going. I’ve looked at local places who require a block of lessons before you can ski unaccompanied. The prices are very different though between dry slopes and indoor ‘real snow’ places. To ski unaccompanied for an entire year at the dry slope costs the same as one month at a snow dome.
Obviously real snow is going to be more comparable to our experience on holiday but if we could only afford either a year at a dry slope or a month at a snow dome which would prepare us better?

You really don’t want to launch yourself down an old mat (dry ski slope) with no lessons. It’s easy to break a finger or thumb (voice of bitter experience at Rossendale). Are they offering ad hoc lessons or are you just going to wing it? Your DH can’t teach you all!

TBH if it’s a first time family ski holiday you’re better going into ski school when you are there. There will be loads of other first time skiers. Your DH can meet you after the lesson.

”I’ve looked at local places who require a block of lessons before you can ski unaccompanied”

We would obviously have lessons whilst on holiday too, I just thought it would be good to do some before we go as well.

Oh and our local dry slopes are not the old style with holes so hopefully not such a high risk.

I learnt on dry ski slope years ago. I actually think it's harder to ski on dry ski slope which I feel is a bit of a positive.

You can't just wing it by 'sliding' to turn. You need to actually make a conscious effort to do it. Which will make it feel easier when you get on snow.

Obviously it hurts more when you fall but if your slope doesn't have the hideous hexagonal thumb destroyer mat then it won't be quite as bad!

Also, dry slopes tend to be outside which is so much nicer than the slightly claustrophobic indoor slopes.

I might go once and have a lesson, but wouldn’t get too worried about it. 40 odd years ago I was taken to a dry slope and almost wrote my thumb off. I’m not a fan!

I learnt in 6 hour and a half lessons on a dry slope and when I went onto snow on holiday it was so much easier. I was already almost doing parallel on the dry so switched to parallel turns easily once I hit the snow. I would recommend dry slope with some lessons.

Same experience as @Iamthewombat at Rossendale

Personally, I think snow dome is much better than dry slope. If this is your first trip, you want everyone to love it. Because its harder to learn on the dry slope, it hursts more when you fall, slightly increased risk of injury, your children might not enjoy it.

Skiing is all about confidence / enjoyment - if they've been to the snow dome, felt the cold already, had a couple of tumbles and know it doesn't hurt, you're much more likely to have a great week on your actual holiday than with reluctant skiers remembering their dry slope experience.

My DD did a refresher at a snow dome last weekend to brush up her confidence before we go away at half term, and she said it was very like the real thing.

But it's really common for people to rock up on day one in the resort and be total beginners. Also, depending on when you're going away, you might struggle at this point to book lessons; I had to book her Saturday ones over a month ago to get them in before half term and the private ones were already totally booked up.

Unless you can do a "Ski In A Day" session at the local snowdome, I'd concentrate on getting fit for your ski holiday. I've never been a fan of dry ski slopes and the people I instruct on real snow find it completely different to the dry slope and often have to un-learn some of the things they learned on the dry slope.

If you are sporty and fit, you're already ahead of many of those who turn up on Sunday morning for their first beginner class.

pp above makes a good point. Where are you gong, and when? If you are going at half term or any time in February, you need to get on the phone or email the ski schools today if you want lessons.

Ah, I was talking about lessons at the snow dome! But I assume what I said would go double for the actual resort lessons. I would hope OP already has that sorted though.

I don't see the point of booking a whole year's pass when you've never done it before - you might hate it!
I would say book a couple of lessons at the snow dome so you at least know the basics of getting the boots and skis on and how to use fall off a button lift - but do bear in mind the snow at the snow dome is slightly "stickier" so easier to control your speed than on the real deal (depending on the conditions)