Not really enjoying skiing, any tips?

[itsnotrocketscience]

On our first skiing holiday, I've skied once before as a teenager. Kids (teens) are loving it. I'm doing fine in terms of ability within my class, but not enjoying steep bits at all. At the bottom of a blue run, I feel tearful and shaky, even though I haven't fallen or anything.

Quite like a gentle undulating slope, but they never last! Even when I'm doing well, don't get a buzz from it.

I'm taking this afternoon off as needed a break, but any tips to actually enjoy the last 2 days of our trip rather than dreading getting back out there again tomorrow? Currently just looking forward to getting home, which seems a shame.

No help but I would love to be in your shoes (skis) right now. Tried it once before, was really rubbish and scared, but weirdly I want to give it another go to improve. I fell down loads 🤣

deep breath, big girl knickers on and congratulate yourself for doing it at all! Xx

Irish coffee!

I hate it too. Go to the spa or do some ice skating.

Is there any Cross country skiing available? Different boots and bindings, much gentler pace and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Takes a few minutes to get the hang of these skis.

throughly recommend it.

Take a coffee and a book and sit by the slope, go for a hike, get a 1-1 lesson that is tailored around what you want to do.

Maybe it would help to fall over a bit, realise it’s actually fine (especially with current v snowy conditions) and then the fear goes away because you’re not afraid of falling anymore and you can laugh about it?! I was skiing with DD, my niece and nephew today and we all fell over at least once (DNephew who snowboards more times than I could count) and we were all dying with laughter.

On a similar note, my tip is hot chocolate with a shot of dark rum. I always enjoyed the afternoons more than the mornings.

Perhaps a Small mulled wine? I assume it’s pretty snowy out there now with good cover…. Hopefully no ice! Trust yourself and if it’s steeper, do longer turns…. Going across piste will take longer and won’t be as steep. Pressure on downhill ski!

It’s really marmite. Just take it easy, do what you feel comfortable with. If you feel like it you could get a private lesson to see if it boosts your confidence, gives you tips etc.

I love skiing, more than any other holiday, But I hate beach/sea hols. Which probably puts me in the minority.

If you can afford, then a day off in a spa. A day off, at any rate.

Skiing really is the weirdest thing - even being on the lift is scary - then wanging yourself down an “easy blue” (translation: vertical precipice) on two pieces of heavy plastic and metal, while everyone around you, including toddlers, speeds past at ease. It really is utterly bizarre as a leisure activity, never mind paying thousands to do it day after day for a week!

The thing is, after a few goes, your brain will adjust and what at first seemed scary will seem fine.

Ive been skiing for decades but I still don’t enjoy steep slopes, poor conditions or idiots whizzing past me. I’ve found my level and that’s just fine.

Enjoy what you can and sod the rest. Remember - it’s meant to be a holiday!

Thanks so much all of you, can't imagine skiing after alcohol, but maybe should give it a try! Really appreciate all your replies.

Not sure cross country realistic on this trip, but maybe in the future if we go again.

Will combine the various tips and meanwhile this afternoon enjoy chilling out for a few hours.

I’ve skied loads, experienced and enthusiastic skier and having a less than stellar week myself.
sometimes skiing is just like that particularly if you learned as an adult (and I think many women are naturally more cautious too).
this is a tough week to learn. Visibility is poor in many places and the heaps of fresh snow turn quickly into moguls on busy runs. Also it’s one of the busiest half terms in several years and many lifts are closed for avalanche work so people are consolidated on fewer lower runs.
Don’t beat yourself up! Come back another time in different conditions and you could have a much better experience!

Only a nip! If you wouldn't drive, don't ski.

I’d swap places with you if I could! I’m dog sitting for friends who are skiing. He’s lovely but I’d rather be in the mountains! I’ve got another friend who is a terrible skier but keeps trying as she loves seeing her kids having fun. My kids got better than me when they were about 10, but a decade later we all love skiing together…. It’s a fun family thing (imho). Please don’t give up. X

True facts. Saw some utterly rat-arsed people skiing down in the dark a couple of nights ago. Surprised if they made it home in one piece!

Oh god I feel for you. I went once as a child and loved it, the next time I went as an adult I cried! I have persevered because I know from experience with other activities that I will love it once I am competent and that’s what has kept me going, the knowledge that when I am comfortable I can enjoy it with my family and friends. Fake it ‘till you make it. Ensure you’ve got snacks (hypoglycaemia or hunger makes everything worse), take regular breaks.
I like the fun park bits aimed at kids to build confidence, silly as I feel going in there as an adult!

You’re probably tired. You’re doing the right thing. Take a break and do some easy slopes that you actually enjoy, with scenic route via a hot drink on the slopes.

any spas nearby?

Have a private lesson with a really sexy instructor. Always works.

No, don't drink and ski!!

Can I ask how old you are op? The reason I ask is that many of my friends mid 40's - mid 50s are hitting the point that they are finding it hard work even though they have been keen skiers all their lives. I just think women can find things tougher physically at that time. I think it is a case of "glass half full" reasoning: don't look at the days you don't make it up, the runs that frighten you etc; look at the runs/classes you DID do and enjoyed.

If you remind yourself it is entirely optional and not easy for adult skiers, you might feel more positive about it. As I say, even the lifetime skiers I know are starting to allow themselves half days etc. Don't push it: it's for fun not obligation.

Same here op, I love a long, wide, easy green run but they don't seem to exist

😆

Well sometimes. Falling over with your butt in the air and unable to get up elegantly can also be mortifying with a 20-something looking like he's privately thinking it's worse than helping Gran out of the bath ...

Stick to the baby slopes or just hang up your skis and go and find a bar/spa/toboggan run to enjoy instead. No point carrying on if you’re not enjoying it.

I would really recommend private lessons over group sessions. I didn't enjoy my first proper ski holiday since my school trip. I did 3 days of ski school, I was ok but didn't feel remotely confident. The lessons seemed relentless, group changed constantly and I didn't feel I was on holiday more school trip! After the lessons I only felt confident on the smaller runs near the bottom of mountain or went to the spa. I gave it another go years later and after a 2 hour private lesson I learnt much more than 3 days of ski school. I could then confidently get down the mountain with my husband afterwards and had so much fun! Have a nice long lunch at the top mountain and enjoy it rather than dreading the lessons. Good luck 🍀

I just went on my first ski trip, it is VERY hard and I'm pretty active generally. I would definitely recommend a 1:1 lesson (mine was 1:2 as DP and I did private lessons together). It's so tailored and helpful. Plus they catch you if you feel scared or fall lol.

😂brilliant

I also found your pp really interesting. I’m 48 and had wondered if some of my extra muscle fatigue and lack of confidence creeping back could be age- related.