Grew up straight flat skis took time off now wobbly and falling with the new kind how do I ski now?

[HuntersEmma57]

Welcome back to the slopes! It's clear you love skiing and are understandably eager to get back to re-experience those fond memories.

Many women have big gaps in skiing due to all kinds of family and life priorities and getting "back to form" can be hard and even demoralizing. My suggestion is to let yourself be a beginner. Dial back the expectations.

You've had the right stuff before, you can find it again, but start easy and make friends with the changed world of skis.

It's also very hard to relax on busy slopes. Is it possible to ski at a smaller resort?

This may be way off base, but have you considered some cross-country skiing? Those skis are still long and straight. That'll play to your strengths as you get re-accustomed to being out in the winter world and enjoying.

I learned backcountry x-ctry and alpine skiing at the same time starting at age 49. X-ctry is very different, but complementary. I loved the quieter pace and the endorphin fix of x-ctry. Bonus: I'm never cold x-ctry skiing.

I advanced to off piste free heel on Nordic (fishscale) skis that look just like today's alpine skis. Lotsa fun and challenge without the pressure crowds.

Wishing you well!

 

[Bookworm]

This makes me feel better thank you! Maybe it really does just boil down to learning on these completely different skis than I have ever had. My muscle memory of advanced straight flat ski abilities are cemented in from childhood through adult. Gotta talk to my cells and tell them there’s a new boss in town! Hopefully it doesn’t take long so I can just enjoy the season with confidence again!

I had to do the same thing. It's hard. I was shocked at how deep in that muscle memory was. You'll do fine and will love how much better the "new" skis are.

 

[contesstant]

What boots are you using?
I agree that the length doesn’t sound inappropriate for you. If you can take a lesson and things don’t click, then I’d suspect a ski tune issue. A poorly tuned ski can make a great ski perform horribly.

 

[eddiesmama]

What boots are you using?
I agree that the length doesn’t sound inappropriate for you. If you can take a lesson and things don’t click, then I’d suspect a ski tune issue. A poorly tuned ski can make a great ski perform horribly.

I wear Dalbello boots. Brand new last year and I love them. Went to the best shop in town and made sure they were tuned, waxed and edges looked good. Just have to get out as much as possible to practice.

 

[eddiesmama]

Welcome back to the slopes! It's clear you love skiing and are understandably eager to get back to re-experience those fond memories.

Many women have big gaps in skiing due to all kinds of family and life priorities and getting "back to form" can be hard and even demoralizing. My suggestion is to let yourself be a beginner. Dial back the expectations.

You've had the right stuff before, you can find it again, but start easy and make friends with the changed world of skis.

It's also very hard to relax on busy slopes. Is it possible to ski at a smaller resort?

This may be way off base, but have you considered some cross-country skiing? Those skis are still long and straight. That'll play to your strengths as you get re-accustomed to being out in the winter world and enjoying.

I learned backcountry x-ctry and alpine skiing at the same time starting at age 49. X-ctry is very different, but complementary. I loved the quieter pace and the endorphin fix of x-ctry. Bonus: I'm never cold x-ctry skiing.

I advanced to off piste free heel on Nordic (fishscale) skis that look just like today's alpine skis. Lotsa fun and challenge without the pressure crowds.

Wishing you well!

The problem here (I’m in Big Bear Southern California) is there is no snow. The snow on the slopes is manmade and only a couple runs open. One beginner lift and one that goes all the way to the top. There are 2 resorts open both same situation, so no smaller resorts to get away easily. One of the 2 resorts is inundated with snowboarders, it’s designed for them with the jumps and walls or whatever you call them so I always feel like suddenly someone is going to land on my head. Basically way too many people on 4 runs in the only mountain resort town in Southern California 3 hours from LA. There’s no snow to go cross country. Never done it besides the Nordic Racer machine I had in my garage growing up to exercise. Don’t quite think that’s the same want to learn though if the weather permits.

 

[contesstant]

I wear Dalbello boots. Brand new last year and I love them. Went to the best shop in town and made sure they were tuned, waxed and edges looked good. Just have to get out as much as possible to practice.

Good to hear! Just a side note: sometimes, a tech doesn't know what they are looking at, or they'll "blow smoke", or a visual inspection isn't enough. Just keep that in mind if you continue to struggle. (My husband has worked as a ski tech for more than 30 years.) They do make mistakes that can't be seen. He brought home a freshly-tuned pair of skis for me after I told him the edges were getting dull, and I went out on them and woah! Something not right! Funny thing is he tuned a pair of his, too, and had the same experience but he had to suffer for an entire day giving a full day lesson Turns out, the edger had become "misaligned" and the edges were not quite right. It happens. My home mountain was sending out horrible tunes left and right for quite awhile, and the instructors could tell something wasn't right so got my husband to fix the horrible tunes. The techs they had hired were not skilled and would just send the skis through the (very expensive) automated machine without inspecting the product. (They didn't know what to inspect.) If you continue to struggle and feel like the skis just aren't gliding, it might not be you. (Another good test of a tune is to sideslip, but only if you are able to sideslip as a skill. If they won't slip smoothly, suspect a tune issue.)

Another note: man made snow, especially before it's groomed, is weird to ski and can give the feeling of squirrelly and just...off. Warm man made snow can also be weird. Can you get to Mammoth? Much better snow, great instructors, and at least two really good shops there.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

The problem here (I’m in Big Bear Southern California) is there is no snow. The snow on the slopes is manmade and only a couple runs open. One beginner lift and one that goes all the way to the top. There are 2 resorts open both same situation, so no smaller resorts to get away easily. One of the 2 resorts is inundated with snowboarders, it’s designed for them with the jumps and walls or whatever you call them so I always feel like suddenly someone is going to land on my head. Basically way too many people on 4 runs in the only mountain resort town in Southern California 3 hours from LA. There’s no snow to go cross country. Never done it besides the Nordic Racer machine I had in my garage growing up to exercise. Don’t quite think that’s the same want to learn though if the weather permits.

About the same situation here in UT and no x-try open. It's a tough year to re-engage.

 

[nkellan]

yay, welcome back to skiing!

this was me a few years back. BIG time gap between when i last skied, as well as a big difference in the types of skis i was on. Around the time I started skiing again, I also put my very young kids on skis. As they got better, I realized I wanted to be able to ski with them on the harder runs/terrain they were going to eventually be able to ski, and so that season i committed to some regular lessons to re-learn. It was a GREAT idea. I learned so much I had either forgotten or never been taught; I learned how to use my skis better; and I undid some bad habits. Then each season after, I would take one or two "tune up" half day lessons just for refreshers. In this way I was able to get my confidence back and enjoy skiing again. HIGHLY recommend. You'll get there!

 

[eddiesmama]

Good to hear! Just a side note: sometimes, a tech doesn't know what they are looking at, or they'll "blow smoke", or a visual inspection isn't enough. Just keep that in mind if you continue to struggle. (My husband has worked as a ski tech for more than 30 years.) They do make mistakes that can't be seen. He brought home a freshly-tuned pair of skis for me after I told him the edges were getting dull, and I went out on them and woah! Something not right! Funny thing is he tuned a pair of his, too, and had the same experience but he had to suffer for an entire day giving a full day lesson Turns out, the edger had become "misaligned" and the edges were not quite right. It happens. My home mountain was sending out horrible tunes left and right for quite awhile, and the instructors could tell something wasn't right so got my husband to fix the horrible tunes. The techs they had hired were not skilled and would just send the skis through the (very expensive) automated machine without inspecting the product. (They didn't know what to inspect.) If you continue to struggle and feel like the skis just aren't gliding, it might not be you. (Another good test of a tune is to sideslip, but only if you are able to sideslip as a skill. If they won't slip smoothly, suspect a tune issue.)

Another note: man made snow, especially before it's groomed, is weird to ski and can give the feeling of squirrelly and just...off. Warm man made snow can also be weird. Can you get to Mammoth? Much better snow, great instructors, and at least two really good shops there.

Unfortunately I cannot get to Mammoth it is 6 hours away not easy to take a lot of time off and I have a season pass for this mountain and live here. Can’t afford a place to stay and lift tickets anywhere else so just doing my best. Going out now for couple hours and plan to just stay on the baby green to practice. Have to stuff my pride in my pocket. Going to take a lesson next week put it on a credit card. I will keep all you divas up to date! Thank you!!! And anymore tips you can think of they are much welcomed!

 

[diymom]

Going to take a lesson next week

When you book your lesson, don't forget to let them know that you specifically want to work on moving from straight skis to your new skis. @mustski it looks like Big Bear is a home mountain for you--do you happen to have any recommendations for an instructor for the OP?

 

[nopoleskier]

Welcome back.. The mavens are a nice ski! I think they are right size for you. Sounds like you have your boots dialed so now it's just get some time on snow! Don't be so hard on yourself!! You GOT THIS.. New skis are a bit different, once you get the feel for them, you'll love them. Some of the 'home work' videos I suggest to students are from Deb Armstrong! She has excellent videos and talks in lay-person speak, no techno mumble jumbo! I hope your lesson goes well, also if there are any ladies lessons or weekly ladies meet ups, I hope you can join in. Tips- Keep your shins on your boots, your hip over your foot, your head up looking down the hill, with your zipper in the fall line, let your legs do the turning not your upper body, if you are curling your toes-STOP- Regroup- start over, Relax, breathe, watch other good skiers and try to follow them, try to ski the fall line- it's the easiest place to turn. Perfect your skiing at slow speeds and it will excellent at faster speeds. I hope the snow starts falling in the West! Happy skiing!!!

 

[Jilly]

By the way, liquidfeet, snoWYmonkey, and Jilly are some of the instructors who are active around here.

I want to mention that @nopoleskier is one our instructor Diva's too.

 

[mustski]

Welcome back! Sorry I missed this until today. I also live in Big Bear but only half the year. We leave on Monday for the winter.

The Mavens are a nice ski but they have a lot of rebound - which I like- but may be throwing you a curve. Don’t hold the turn too long on them or dig in too hard at the end. Release the turn gently so they don’t “over pop.” If you don’t want to take lessons or can’t, then allow yourself some grace and know it will come but just take a bit longer.

Conditions in Big Bear suck right now. Opening time is better because the Yahoos like to sleep in. Hit Snow Summit and avoid Bear until Exhibition opens. Start on Summit Run because the grooming is better there.

1. take some time just feeling fore aft balance on the skis - falling leaf is good for that
2. Adopt the potty stance for a run or two- legs much farther apart than you are used to
3. Something I like on the new skis is to initiate my turn by pulling my feet back slightly.
4. side slip, falling leaf, pivot slips are all good drills to help you get the feel of the gear.
5. Stance - keep your ankles flexed and your knees loose. As someone said above - there is no real up/down movement anymore. In fact, coming up too much can cause your skis to get squirrelly. Focus on keeping your ankles flexed and your hips forward. Let your feet drive the ski.

if you want a lesson at Big Bear with a super nice guy, ask for Dennis. He’s a good communicator and patient. Send me a private message if you want his phone number.

 

[Puppyski]

I just want to share my support for what you are dealing with, and share a little of what has worked for me. It has taken me many years to finally be happy with modern skis.

First, so much sympathy for what you were dealing with in Big Bear—
I skied Snow Summit last weekend and it was pretty rough most of the time. So many people falling on the ice and mixed snow, and so many people skiing runs they could not ski safely. So many snowboarders getting way too close. I cannot imagine dealing with that while trying to get used to modern skis. You are a brave person! I did have a couple of lovely runs off of Chair 3 right when it opened late Saturday morning. The advice to get there early is spot on. You will have less people to do deal with then, and the snow will be better.

In terms of the skis….
I struggled to transition to modern skis (I was on 155s, after skiing 180s) and had no clue what to buy and how to ski them. I also had a break in skiing before the transition, but just a few years. What really helped me was doing a woman’s ski clinic at Sugar Bowl. It sounds like you have a Big Bear pass for this year, but next year if you could manage it, an upgrade to Ikon could get you access to Palisades, and their Women in Winter clinics. Which are quite reasonably priced.

After the clinic I did at Sugar Bowl, I had about 13 years of very mediocre skiing. I enjoyed it, but never really regained my ability to ski advanced runs. I am sure age did not help. I also did not invest in lessons, nor did I take the time to understand ski technology.

After a ski accident that resulted in a shoulder fracture, I was petrified to even think of skiing again. In order to get back to loving it, I have made a huge financial investment in private lessons, demoing skiis, and upgrading a lot of my gear. I have had to be very methodical and very intentional in order to regain my love of skiing. And in the process, thanks to all I learned, my technique has improved and I feel like I have finally made my peace with modern skis and love my Black Pearl 94s, which are new for me this year. In December, for the first time, I made effortless carving turns, and felt like I could ski non-stop for days.

I promise you can get there too. It just might take some time and investment and learning. I am still not able to ski all the terrain I skied on my straight skis in my teens and twenties. But I am getting there.

And to help you feel better about your skis/ I am 5’5” and ski on 164s. am 52, and I have to remind myself that improvement might take a little longer at this age.

One other thing that was helpful for me. My turning style is often more aggressive (when I am not thinking about it), due to my years on the straight skis. Switching to a stiffer, heavier ski was a game changer for me. The lighter skis I was on before just could not handle me—-I am also not a tiny person (US size 12). Given my technique, I could not handle the Nordica Santa Ana 92s (too heavy) but the Black Pearls seem to be just right.

You’ll get there, I promise!

 

[eddiesmama]

What’s the fall line? Never heard that expression. A few of you said to stay there.

And oh man I just want to ski and fly and I feel like I’m going to lose an entire season. Yes @mustski (how to I put your names in here as you guys are doing in blue that you can click?) can you give me Dennis’s info? And I only ski Summit. Bear is going to get me dropped on my head by a snowboarder. I don’t like it there. Uuggh… I need lessons! But I can’t afford them, and privates are way out of the question at $400! I’m trying on my own with all of you divas giving me such wonderful help and advice I can’t thank you enough!! This group is amazing! How long will this take?? You think I’ll get it soon? Patience is not my strong suit. Do any of you others know people here I can call to maybe go out with that would be good with instructions? I would pay. I just can’t afford privates at the resorts. Don’t know if I’m allowed to ask, really sorry if I’m not. Learning this forum too.

thank you all again! Ever in Big Bear give me a call!

 

[Jilly]

Fall line - if from where you are standing, you were to let a ball roll down hill, the line it takes is the fall line. But generally - downhill!

 

[teppaz]

Oops that’s business personal is xxxxxx

I wouldn’t put my numbers in a public forum for safety reasons. Use them in direct messages (DMs) with individuals.

 

[diymom]

@eddiesmama --to send someone a DM, click on the little envelope symbol up in the top right corner, on the blue bar. And with just a few more posts you will gain access to the "Divas Only" section of the site where you can post a MOTH (meet on the hill) thread to try to meet up with other Divas to ski.

 

[Jilly]

MOD note: Phone numbers removed.

 

[eddiesmama]

MOD note: Phone numbers removed.

Sorry for putting my numbers! Still learning the forum.