Did my first trip to Tamworth today!

[LolliChopsVioletsWithAChainsaw]

And I am HOOKED on snow! OK, I know it's not the same as a mountain, but it beats a nylon slope by 1000 miles!

Had a 2 hour lesson (£38.50 thanks to uni discount- included hire). Instructor was lovely, really understanding about my sight, but not to the point of being overbearing and worrying about it.

Got there to find there were only 3 of us in the lesson, which was wicked as we got loads of practice in, and advanced really quickly. If anyone knows Tamworth, we got up to the first flat area, using the rope tow, and were doing controlled descents using the snowplough brake. Next lesson will cover turning and things.

Only fell once and sort of, nearly, took out a snowboarder waiting to use the rope tow. Luckily she was a lovely lady and was more concerned that I was OK, rather than shouting at me or anything (I think she'd seen I was in a lesson...) Andy, the instructor, was next to me within seconds, helped me up, told me to take a breather to make sure I was absolutely, 150% OK, made me laugh about it by saying it was a pretty spectacular example of a fall, and then I carried on after a short break, first getting my confidence back at the height where I fell, then going a bit higher!

I can honestly say it was money well spent for me, and I look forward to my next lesson! I must admit, the speed of the rope tow shocked me the first time, it looks so innocently slow when you watch it go past, then you grab it and it's like "WAAAAARGH!" as it yanks you up the hill!

But I am proud, I went from not being able to get off the thing without help (kept sliding downhill!) to being able to do a completely unassisted run, so felt my confidence grow.

Only complaint, is my ski boots were awfully uncomfortable, but I think that means I need to go up a size next time (wide feet me!). Also, the group I went with were really nice, made me feel welcome (Uni Snowsports society) and gave me lots of advice, like if offered a helmet, take it, which I will do when the height factor increases.

Overall, I highly recommend it if you don't want to spend time learning while on holiday. Lesson was 2 hours btw, and I will be requesting Andy as an instructor again, seeing as I trust him lol, try and get him if you can, he's very good

glad you enjoyed yourself. Personally I consider the dome to be my home slope and whilst I recognise it's limitations, it is terrific for beginners as it is a controlled environment.
Definatly wear a helmet and try a bigger shoe with 2 pairs of socks.
Also consider the learn to ski in a day if you can manage it as it really boosts confidence (according to DH).
Enjoy your new found obsession sport

Just to update you all. I went and got kitted out at TKMaxx, salopettes, ski jacket and gloves, and had my 2nd lesson on Wednesday. Had Andy as the instructor again, and he remembered me So anyway, there were only 2 of us in the class, and we learnt to turn, then went onto Level 3 stuff, and went from the very top of the slope. So basically, I don't need any more lessons, I am a recreational standard skier. I should've had to have another lesson but small class sizes have saved me money!

Although I may do some more lessons so I can parallel ski, instead of being stuck in a snowplough all the time!

Only had a couple of mishaps with the rope tow, my gloves weren't grippy enough, and the rope was icy so I kept slipping! So I ditched the gloves. Size 7 boots were worse than the 6's! I have red marks on my legs where my socks didn't reach

Have you got large calves? Did they def give you ladies boots? Can you extend the clips out? You may be better off getting your own boots - they make all the difference - but go and get them properly fitted - they can heat and expand the shell to make them fit you better - look on snowheads.co.uk forums for more advice regarding anything skiing - is a great, friendly site (and I have just been and seen the "foot" man recommended on there as my feet are awful).

Do a few practice sessions on your own, and then go back for more lessons to continue to improve. You won't improve much on your own and are liable to develop bad habits. Also the longer you delay learning more, the harder it will be to get better.

Ideally want you need to do is get to the stage where you can ski without haven't to think about it too much, and reasonably efficiently to so you can ski for much longer: mountains are much bigger than artifical slopes!

Oh, and smaller boots and thinner socks are better.

Lollipop - about boots.....I have mahoosive calves and wide feet (shall never be blown over in a stiff wind ). I got fitted for my first ski boots yesterday. It took 2 hours and about 6 pairs of boots to find the perfect pair. The ones I have are Atomic here from Ellis Brigham (but they aren't on their site hence link to another). Apparently they are excellent for wider calves and feet.

I have also gone for heat moulded soles. I am trying them out on Saturday at the indoor snow dome near us so shall let you know. However, they are definitely the most comfortable brand I have ever tried on!