Thank you, that is very kind. Does not apply to most sports though.You seem like a natural growth mindset person.
. The fact is though, I discovered skiing really was my cup of tea, even if it came neither fast nor easily. One more reason to keep at it. 
Having the option of skiing off-piste doesn't mean that skiing groomers isn't still fun. There are days when going off-piste is really not going to be fun or isn't an option. Too little snow could mean too many rocks or exposed wood that not only damage ski bases but also can lead to awkward falls. Too much snow can mean ski patrol won't have the terrain open for a few hours or a few days.
This is a very rare and special skill.
That true!!
I've been lucky enough to work with more than one Level 3 instructor out west who is able to to make a semi-private lesson well worth the time and money. Also a somewhat younger Level 2 who intends to go for Level 3 soon. Seems to involve a combination of personality and experience, meaning need to have both. The two Examiners who I've had lessons with were also very good in that regard.
Anecdotally I once swore off skiing for life, as an 10 or 11 year old trying it and sucking at it for the first time (most notably i was the only one who couldn't get the hang of the button surface lifts, so i took my skis off and carried them uphill and swore to never ski again
).Yes. Especially if they have a predetermined belief that they are "not good at sports" or are ambivalent about skiing and outdoor activities in the first place. I know someone who lasted 20 mins, fell over, and refused to leave the lodge for the rest of the day despite having paid for all of the gear hire, lift pass, etc. They were only there because their partner snowboards. So now when they go away, they only go for a weekend and that's all the snow they see for the whole year. I think that is also a good lesson in why you should be very careful about how you introduce people to activities you love, that they may not initially love as much as you do...
Of course, then there are ski nuts like me who ended up with a non-skiing husband, but I still go on ski vacations with friends while he stays at home. I also know Divas who have husbands happy to hang in the lodge for a short ski trip. There are certainly women who are mothers who don't ski but go on family ski trips when the kids are young. There are questions asked at times by someone interested in recommendations for a good destination resort for a "mixed" family that includes a non-skier.
Ha ha, then I have one advantage
. I never ever give up on something I have paid good money for. Goes so totally against my inner compulsion of economy that I would rather crack up than give up. It really is do or die. If I break down in frustration one day, I will sure as fire be back another day. Seeing the equipment unused gives me so much pain, I would rather go back and suffer more until I get there.
Me too!
I can say exactly the same thing, and had exactly the same epiphany at some point in my life. Rather late, actually. I did not learn to ice skate or roller blade until forty plus, and did not learn to dance until that time and only started to regularly work out at fifty plus. But at least , by then, I have finally become tenacious about learning new things. Happy to find role models here!
Good for you! you were a quick learner evidently! How much skiing time did you get over those 5 seasons? I really think that is critical, alongside with everything else you mention. (what does "cherry picking my days mean?" I am not a native speaker and do not know this phrase?) Especially the GOOD instruction, I agree, this is super important.
