Hi, ladies!
This is my first time joining a discussion group for skiing, as I've just recently became interested in it. I think it's wonderful that there is a forum specifically for women interested in skiing and I'm so excited to be a part of it!
The very first discussion I browsed for was beginning skiing since this is what I can relate to most right now. Every tip and piece of advice given here was RIGHT ON.
I truly enjoyed reading everyone's experiences and so, wanted to share mine! Here's my background story on how I "learned" to ski (or rather, roll down a mountain screaming for "help!"):
I grew up in a male dominated skiing family. My father, grandfather, uncle and cousins were all avid and experienced skiers who frequented Sugar Bush, Jackson Hole, Tahoe, etc. I was introduced to skiing at the ripe young age of 5, being held up between my father's legs as he seamlessly glided down and I was just along for the ride. I thought it was fun! After all, I was "skiing!", right?
Every year after that, I would tag along with my father once a year. With each year that I grew older, my father would truly try to teach me on the bunny slopes himself. With each year passing, I would become more fearful of our annual "ski day," as all I could really look forward to was lots and lots of falling and crying in frustration, since I didn't quite understand exactly what to do. I remember asking my father, "Why can't I take a lesson?" and he would respond: "You have the hang of it, just lean from side to side." In my head, I thought, "Easy enough!" However, when putting those words into action... not so much.
Around middle school, I refused to go any more with him, as I knew exactly what I could expect. It wasn't like any other sport I participated in, where it came naturally. This sport was HARD and I figured to myself, "I never grew up by the mountains, no point in learning how to ski!" My skiing days, I thought, were just a fond childhood memory.
One day, two years ago, fresh out of college, I actually accepted my father's invitation to go for a day of skiing. I figured, eh, why not, it'll be good exercise... and maybe, just maybe, after all of these times going, it may actually click!
So, off to Mountain Creek, we go. He brings me up to one of the green trails for our very first run: "This is green, you'll be fine, just lean side to side... and if you're going too fast, just fall down and I'll help you up." I'm sure you can anticipate what came next, but just in case: spinning wildly out of control, poles flying, screaming, crying, FRIGHT. I was angry with my father and angry with the sport for failing me. And there, I declared, my skiing days are done. Never. Ever. Again.
On a side note, I managed to pizza wedge it all the way down, but I won't lie: That was the scariest experience of my entire life. And you can bet where I ended up the rest of the time (hot chocolate and snow lodge)
Fast forward to now: one of my closest girlfriends texts me and asks me I'd be interested in snowboarding. No, I told her, but I'd give skiing a shot if you don't mind letting me take lessons for a day. Go right ahead, she said... if you feel like tackling a green after the lessons, I'll go down with you!
While this first experience was much more pleasant (the lessons were great fun and certainly gave me some beginner's confidence that I needed to give the sport another go), I learned yet another lesson: try to find another skier to go with.
I was in a group of 2 girls and 5 guys who were AMAZING snowboarders! While most of them used to be skiers and tried to give me some pointers, it just wasn't working for me. They zoomed past me and I looked (and felt) again like the scared girl, while a little more in control this time around, that I was a few years ago.
As they basically lapped me and tried to yell words of encouragement in my ear as they pointed out how "tense I looked" (thanks, guys, as if I don't already know), I would take lots of rests here and there and just observe the skiers going down. I took in their moves and how effortlessly they made it look. What I'd GIVE to be at their level- wait, I am going to get there, I decided- EVENTUALLY!
I stuck with it this time around though and actually felt, to an extent, that I was skiing. I was able to finally link turns and start sliding my ski's to a more parallel fashion, rather than the pizza. I still maintained the pizza on the steeper parts that I wasn't yet confident I could do. But, being the perfectionist I am, reluctantly accepted that it was okay and next time, we'll work even harder.
While I definitely took in everyone's words of advice: "loosen up, get a rhythm going, put your weight on your inside leg, keep going, if you don't fall, you aren't trying hard enough, etc." the only one that truly resonated with me was, "Keep at it and I promise you will get it."
3 afternoons later of various green trails, I can truly say that I am on my way to being a proficient skier! It's going to take some time, may not even click until next season, but until then- I have plans to go a few more times, enjoy a weekend in VT and take a private lesson there.
My opinion of skiing has COMPLETELY changed and this has been the refreshing challenge that I needed in my life right now. While I still get frustrated and want to give up, I know that I have potential. I believe I'm naturally athletic and once I get a private lesson to show me exactly what I'm doing wrong, I will be able to pick it up and it will click.
In closing, just wanted to reiterate, as if we all didn't know by now:
-GET LESSONS! Consecutive days would be great (I plan on doing that in VT in 2 weeks).
-Go with encouraging people that are sensitive to your skill level. (I had some people that wanted me to do blue's on my first run down... uhh, sorry, buddy. I'll meet ya at the lodge in an hour.) There are going to be a mixture of skills in your group. Unless you're the SUPER competitive, fearless type- I wouldn't even try to keep up with the skilled ones. I've realized it's not worth the fear and danger that you're putting yourself at risk for. They're skilled for a reason- they have experience- you DON'T.
-Understand it's possible to fall. Knowing the "rules of the mountain" and just etiquette can help you feel more confident in knowing what to do when and if you should fall and how to prevent this. Respect the mountain. Always be observant of what's up around you. It's OKAY to take your time. People WILL ski around you.
-Don't be afraid to give it a shot by yourself. I found that when I
separated from the group and just had some alone time to take my time and not feel pressured to keep up, I did way better. I also got sort of insecure whenever all the snowboarders would wait for me to go first, knowing that they'd zoom past me eventually. I'm getting over this fear, though, as I've accepted that we are all at different levels and it's okay.
-On lifts- (whew, another story in itself), go with someone who can tell you what do your first time on there. I went with someone who is an experienced skier and he failed to tell me not to put my poles down early and my leg literally got jammed between the chair and the slope that came before the off-ramp of the lift. Luckily, it came loose just in time, but I barrelled down, taking him down with me. It was a scary and rough situation to start my morning with, and I hate to say it but, I learned from my huge mistake. Now lifts are a piece of cake for me.
-Additionally, on lifts, it's very obvious that I'm inexperienced. People take advantage of that and tend to barrel past me and cut me in line. Annoying, yes, but nothing you can do about it except gain confidence every time you go- knowing etiquette again is important and just knowing the system- I've found each ski resort is somewhat different. Now, if I have people that look like they're going to cut me, I'll proceed to go as I was going and if I ride with them, so be it- I don't care if I slow them down either because I'm taking my time. I was there in line and I'm entitled to my place! :p (those moves certainly came with time, though! lol)
-Be wary of how your equipment fits. One day I had boots that fit like a glove, the next I had boots that were falling off me, and the third, I had boots that turned my toes purple (miserable skiing day- made NO progress). It was tough, and I basically had my snowboarding friends tell me, "Suck it up, ski boots suck, you just gotta suck it up" Well, turns out that the boot was a size smaller than the other one... hmm... I wonder if THEY would have sucked it up!
-That brings me to my last piece of advice: Go with your gut. It will keep you safe and also allow you to be more confident. I've found skiing to be such a unique, beautiful and challenging sport, it's NOT one that will come naturally, no matter how athletic you are. Those people that make it look so amazingly graceful, can do so for a reason- they probably have gone a LOT more than you! :p
Would love to hear stories from any other skiers! Can't wait until I can label myself as: EXPERIENCE Skier.
Have fun and enjoy the slopes, everyone!!!
This is my first time joining a discussion group for skiing, as I've just recently became interested in it. I think it's wonderful that there is a forum specifically for women interested in skiing and I'm so excited to be a part of it!
The very first discussion I browsed for was beginning skiing since this is what I can relate to most right now. Every tip and piece of advice given here was RIGHT ON.
I truly enjoyed reading everyone's experiences and so, wanted to share mine! Here's my background story on how I "learned" to ski (or rather, roll down a mountain screaming for "help!"):
I grew up in a male dominated skiing family. My father, grandfather, uncle and cousins were all avid and experienced skiers who frequented Sugar Bush, Jackson Hole, Tahoe, etc. I was introduced to skiing at the ripe young age of 5, being held up between my father's legs as he seamlessly glided down and I was just along for the ride. I thought it was fun! After all, I was "skiing!", right?
Every year after that, I would tag along with my father once a year. With each year that I grew older, my father would truly try to teach me on the bunny slopes himself. With each year passing, I would become more fearful of our annual "ski day," as all I could really look forward to was lots and lots of falling and crying in frustration, since I didn't quite understand exactly what to do. I remember asking my father, "Why can't I take a lesson?" and he would respond: "You have the hang of it, just lean from side to side." In my head, I thought, "Easy enough!" However, when putting those words into action... not so much.
Around middle school, I refused to go any more with him, as I knew exactly what I could expect. It wasn't like any other sport I participated in, where it came naturally. This sport was HARD and I figured to myself, "I never grew up by the mountains, no point in learning how to ski!" My skiing days, I thought, were just a fond childhood memory.
One day, two years ago, fresh out of college, I actually accepted my father's invitation to go for a day of skiing. I figured, eh, why not, it'll be good exercise... and maybe, just maybe, after all of these times going, it may actually click!
So, off to Mountain Creek, we go. He brings me up to one of the green trails for our very first run: "This is green, you'll be fine, just lean side to side... and if you're going too fast, just fall down and I'll help you up." I'm sure you can anticipate what came next, but just in case: spinning wildly out of control, poles flying, screaming, crying, FRIGHT. I was angry with my father and angry with the sport for failing me. And there, I declared, my skiing days are done. Never. Ever. Again.
On a side note, I managed to pizza wedge it all the way down, but I won't lie: That was the scariest experience of my entire life. And you can bet where I ended up the rest of the time (hot chocolate and snow lodge)
Fast forward to now: one of my closest girlfriends texts me and asks me I'd be interested in snowboarding. No, I told her, but I'd give skiing a shot if you don't mind letting me take lessons for a day. Go right ahead, she said... if you feel like tackling a green after the lessons, I'll go down with you!
While this first experience was much more pleasant (the lessons were great fun and certainly gave me some beginner's confidence that I needed to give the sport another go), I learned yet another lesson: try to find another skier to go with.
I was in a group of 2 girls and 5 guys who were AMAZING snowboarders! While most of them used to be skiers and tried to give me some pointers, it just wasn't working for me. They zoomed past me and I looked (and felt) again like the scared girl, while a little more in control this time around, that I was a few years ago.
As they basically lapped me and tried to yell words of encouragement in my ear as they pointed out how "tense I looked" (thanks, guys, as if I don't already know), I would take lots of rests here and there and just observe the skiers going down. I took in their moves and how effortlessly they made it look. What I'd GIVE to be at their level- wait, I am going to get there, I decided- EVENTUALLY!
I stuck with it this time around though and actually felt, to an extent, that I was skiing. I was able to finally link turns and start sliding my ski's to a more parallel fashion, rather than the pizza. I still maintained the pizza on the steeper parts that I wasn't yet confident I could do. But, being the perfectionist I am, reluctantly accepted that it was okay and next time, we'll work even harder.
While I definitely took in everyone's words of advice: "loosen up, get a rhythm going, put your weight on your inside leg, keep going, if you don't fall, you aren't trying hard enough, etc." the only one that truly resonated with me was, "Keep at it and I promise you will get it."
3 afternoons later of various green trails, I can truly say that I am on my way to being a proficient skier! It's going to take some time, may not even click until next season, but until then- I have plans to go a few more times, enjoy a weekend in VT and take a private lesson there.
My opinion of skiing has COMPLETELY changed and this has been the refreshing challenge that I needed in my life right now. While I still get frustrated and want to give up, I know that I have potential. I believe I'm naturally athletic and once I get a private lesson to show me exactly what I'm doing wrong, I will be able to pick it up and it will click.
In closing, just wanted to reiterate, as if we all didn't know by now:
-GET LESSONS! Consecutive days would be great (I plan on doing that in VT in 2 weeks).
-Go with encouraging people that are sensitive to your skill level. (I had some people that wanted me to do blue's on my first run down... uhh, sorry, buddy. I'll meet ya at the lodge in an hour.) There are going to be a mixture of skills in your group. Unless you're the SUPER competitive, fearless type- I wouldn't even try to keep up with the skilled ones. I've realized it's not worth the fear and danger that you're putting yourself at risk for. They're skilled for a reason- they have experience- you DON'T.
-Understand it's possible to fall. Knowing the "rules of the mountain" and just etiquette can help you feel more confident in knowing what to do when and if you should fall and how to prevent this. Respect the mountain. Always be observant of what's up around you. It's OKAY to take your time. People WILL ski around you.
-Don't be afraid to give it a shot by yourself. I found that when I
separated from the group and just had some alone time to take my time and not feel pressured to keep up, I did way better. I also got sort of insecure whenever all the snowboarders would wait for me to go first, knowing that they'd zoom past me eventually. I'm getting over this fear, though, as I've accepted that we are all at different levels and it's okay.
-On lifts- (whew, another story in itself), go with someone who can tell you what do your first time on there. I went with someone who is an experienced skier and he failed to tell me not to put my poles down early and my leg literally got jammed between the chair and the slope that came before the off-ramp of the lift. Luckily, it came loose just in time, but I barrelled down, taking him down with me. It was a scary and rough situation to start my morning with, and I hate to say it but, I learned from my huge mistake. Now lifts are a piece of cake for me.
-Additionally, on lifts, it's very obvious that I'm inexperienced. People take advantage of that and tend to barrel past me and cut me in line. Annoying, yes, but nothing you can do about it except gain confidence every time you go- knowing etiquette again is important and just knowing the system- I've found each ski resort is somewhat different. Now, if I have people that look like they're going to cut me, I'll proceed to go as I was going and if I ride with them, so be it- I don't care if I slow them down either because I'm taking my time. I was there in line and I'm entitled to my place! :p (those moves certainly came with time, though! lol)
-Be wary of how your equipment fits. One day I had boots that fit like a glove, the next I had boots that were falling off me, and the third, I had boots that turned my toes purple (miserable skiing day- made NO progress). It was tough, and I basically had my snowboarding friends tell me, "Suck it up, ski boots suck, you just gotta suck it up" Well, turns out that the boot was a size smaller than the other one... hmm... I wonder if THEY would have sucked it up!
-That brings me to my last piece of advice: Go with your gut. It will keep you safe and also allow you to be more confident. I've found skiing to be such a unique, beautiful and challenging sport, it's NOT one that will come naturally, no matter how athletic you are. Those people that make it look so amazingly graceful, can do so for a reason- they probably have gone a LOT more than you! :p
Would love to hear stories from any other skiers! Can't wait until I can label myself as: EXPERIENCE Skier.
Have fun and enjoy the slopes, everyone!!!
This is not how you learn to ski. I have seen this done more times than I care to remember and it never goes well. :( The best and safest way to learn is to take a lesson from the ski area's ski school. A lot of ski areas have a learn to ski package which inlcudes, rentals, a lesson, and a lift ticket for a lower price than buying it all separate so always ask before you pay for everything.
and not hate 
it on their first day out!!
Because January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, I thought I'd bump this up. There's some great advice here. Anyone have anything more to add?
