How long does it take to start liking skiing?

[Hopeless]

Hi,

It is going to be my third season, I started 3 yeras ago, never skied before (I am 32).

I took about 5 lessons and I still ski only green ones.

I am physically fit, gym, biking (not agressive) and hiking is as far as I took my sports activites so far and I am happy with this.

My b/f introduced skiing to me 3 years ago. I thought it just takes time to learn and to like it.

The truth is: I still don't. I hate winters, cold, steep hills (don't like coasters either) and I am everything but happy going to ski resort.

As I said I am OK with "recreational" style, with no traffic and steep places. Like going to mountains once in a while is not a problem for me.

I tried to learn how to board - it's even worse. I can't participate in "after-ski" conversations because I don't really understand why "quality of snow today" is such a big deal - and it seems that this is the only topic around at those places.

Every time I go I dreram of a beach.

Am I hopeless? Is it in my head? Or it's just not for me?

 

[ski diva]

Hey, as hard as it is for us here to believe, skiing's not for everyone. For example, I don't like golf. Does this mean something's wrong with me? No -- it just means I don't like golf. Which for some people, is incomprehensible.

That said, if you're cold, it could be your clothing. For your other concerns, maybe you should consider a women's ski clinic, where they address a lot of the issues you're having in a fun, relaxed manner. It could turn it around for you.

Or maybe you need to have a talk with your BF, and let him know how you feel.

Sounds like you're doing your part to give it a chance. I gotta give you credit. Hope you're putting him through the same thing for something you enjoy!

 

[lucine]

I'm almost jealous. You have a great opportunity to stretch and grow and to learn to love the sport.
First: Decide to like it. Attitude really is a lot of what you will be doing. Laugh at least 5 times on the lift, and then again coming down the hill. Stop to look at the beauty, or the good skiers or the absurd. Most importantly, laugh when you fall down (this was told to me and it works- don't get mad at yourself -laugh. )
Second : get warm and comfortable- hand warmers, boot warmers neck gaiters, whatever it takes.
Third: Equipement. What do you use? brand new gear? someone's straight edged cast-offs? Tell us and we'll critique it. It may be perfectly fine, but then again it may need tweaking
Four: Who are you skiing with? only a BF? try a lesson designed for women, or ski with a girlfriend who likes the sport.
Skiing may not be for you, but I know several women who, at first, did it for spouses -or as one friend put it "not to be the booby prize- You have to, I mean get to ski w/her" Now, she is not the booby prize and loves the feeling of carving a steep slope.
If you want a good relationship it is important to do things with that person, shared experiences is the basis of many friendships - maybe spring break, you can goto Belize?

 

[ski diva]

Well said, Lucine! Great advice!

You know, I actually hated skiing when I first started a loooong time ago. I fell alot and I hated being cold. In my case, the more I kept at it, the better I got, and the better I got, the more I liked it. Plus I especially like Lucine's advice about making a conscious effort to have fun and to ski with other people, besides your BF. That can make a big difference.

 

[SnowHot]

Welcome to TheSkiDiva!!!

My first reaction to your post is, Skiing may not be the thing for you.
However, this may depend on your circumstances and the ski environment you've experienced. Perhaps you're feeling left behind by those you ski with, which won't enhance your "jones" factor.
Believe it or not, I was there long ago.......
I wasn't super excited about skiing because I wasn't up to par with my boyfriend and his buddies. I skied a few days a year but only if the conditions were okay, and even then I was done after a few hours.
Then......
I started to chapparone the ski days at my nephew's school. Soon, he was begging me to take him skiing all the time.
Before I knew it I was skiing better and really enjoying it. To a point that I am more passionate about it than my husband.(he taught me to ski when we were dating)

What you may want to do is broaden your horizons a little.
Join up with some women.
Volunteer as a chaparone (like I did)
Try some skiing that resembles hiking and biking(tree skiing) on some easier trails.

Its possible that you'll find the fun in skiing that you've missed out on
but....
It is possible, though my inner ski diva can't imagine, that skiing is just not your thing.

Its not hopeless!

 

[AnneC]

Wow, the Divas are good! Everyone contributed something I thought was good advice. While I love to ski I know it is not for everyone. I too have tried golf many times and find it very frustrating.
The correct gear that will help and not hamper your experience makes a big difference. Clothing that keeps you warm and comfortable is another key element. Skiing with friends and people you enjoy being with is another plus. If all that doesn't make it happen then I can tell you of several happy relationships that work where one person skis and the other doesn't. I'm the skier in our household and my husband golfs. It works out fine.

 

[Appennini gal]

I thought I was hopeless too! I have always loved skiing but never had the chance to actually do it becasue I was born in Southern Italy...Then, last year my husband finally took me. I am 35...
My problem was that I suffer from agoraphobia, I get panic attacks in openwide, high spaces! When I saw a chairlift for the first time I said" there is no way I will ever be able to do this"! the instructor had to litterally drag me on the lift! After the first lessons I almost decided to give up because I was terrified, my legs two concrete blocks...then something clicked in my brain and I started to progress. I still don't understand much about grip, edge, skis' shovel or whatever is called but I can parallel ski down blue terrain. I have learned about the quality of the snow at my own expenses, I get so stuck in the afternoon crud! I think you need to find a friend to go with you, you know, somebody at your level. I still feel terrible when my husband hangs out (how simpathetic!) on the blues with me when all he wants to do is race down the blacks...! and still something in the back of my mind tells me "you'll never get to his level"...but you know what? i will simply ignore the people flying by me and cruise at my own pace!
Ciao

 

[skihub]

I'll emphasize what a couple divas have just said. Your ski equipment is a huge factor in how you like the sport. If you are on old skis that haven't been tuned in awhile, it will be very frustrating for you. When people first learn to ski, they are usually on rentals or used old skis. This adds to the frustration of learning in my opinion. So, ask your boyfriend about this and he'll know how to make sure you are on decent stuff. Spending a lot of money on it doesn't make sense if you are not sure you will ever like it, but have him make sure whatever you are using is tuned properly.

I was a horrible skier when I first learned. But my friends joined our high school team, so I wanted to be with them. I could barely make it through a course (I was on my brothers hand me down skis that probably were never taken care of). Finally, something happened to those skis I was on and I had to buy new ones. I was the most improved racer the following year and the most valuable racer for the next 2 years. And most importantly, I love the sport.

A lot of my friends think I am crazy though. They don't get the whole winter sports thing. So don't feel bad if it is not for you. We all have different interests and that is part of the spice of life!

 

[Christy]

I think I'm with the skiing might not be your thing group. I only started a couple years ago, and 90-95% of the time it was plain old frustrating hard work. Plus there were the long slow beginner lift lines, the slow beginner chairs, getting cold waiting...but then I would experience these little snippets where I could tell that skiing would be so amazing once I improved. I KNEW that I would love it if I just put the effort it.

So if you think that you COULD love it, that maybe it's just your gear, your lack of experience, whatever, then absolutely take more lessons (learning as an adult I needed way more than 5) and get a bootfitting and invest in good clothes and keep at it. But if nothing about the sport speaks to you, then there's nothing wrong with saying so. You're a great sport for going with your bf, and if you want to take a beach vacation while he's skiing, go for it! (I sure don't tag along on all my husband's fishing vacations!)

 

[num]

I gotta say, if you don't enjoy any part of it, you don't need to do it. I'm sure your BF will understand, as long as you're understanding of his desire to ski. My SO dislikes the cold, heights, sliding and the feeling of being at the mercy of the mountain, and he doesn't get any positive feelings from skiing, just discomfort. He doesn't want to ski, and I don't want to make him. I ski on my own. As far as trips are concerned, our personalities and preferences work out in a way that we can take trips together during which I ski while he does his own thing, and we hang out and enjoy the town we're visiting and each other's company when I'm off the hill.

That being said, if there is a happy feeling you get from skiing, but it's just overshadowed by cold and fear, there are things you can do. Great suggestions above about making sure you have appropriate clothing that keeps you warm and dry.

On the lessons front, I found that I do best with short private lessons. With the lesson being private, I know I can stay on terrain that's comfortable for me, and I could even have the instructor point me to more terrain that is comfortable for me than what I know about already. I keep the lessons short (usually 1-2 hours) to a) keep the cost down and b) make sure I don't keep skiing when I feel like I need a break just because I'm in a lesson and c) if I'm at a new place where I am not familiar with the instructor, I know I'm not stuck with an instructor I don't mesh with for a long time.

As far as post ski conversation and the like, are you just going with your BF, or your BF and his friends? Maybe if you could get a group going with your friends, too, or another couple or two it'd be more enjoyable. Skiing is tons of fun, but it doesn't need to be all you're talking about and focusing on for your whole trip. Get some good company together and enjoy the afterglow.

All in all, I say follow your gut. If you feel like skiing is fun, try to have fun skiing. If you're not having any fun doing it, spend your time doing something you enjoy!

 

[whitewater girl]

if you're willing to invest some, get to a boot fitter! Or at least get out with a woman who knows how a boot should fit & try on tons of boot 'till you have the best "out-of-the-box" fit you can get...really, I discovered the hard way that a badly fitting boot can prevent you from having the control you need to feel good about the sport! (imagine how you would feel learning to hike in moon-boots or high-heels - or learning to cycle as an adult on a one-speed bike with a bent wheel & loose, rusted chain)...

...and try to connect with some other women at your level of skiing - it's tough in any sport to have as your "support-group" only people who have been doing it so long (or are simply so into it) that they no longer remember what kind of support you need...most resorts have women's lessons/clubs/days that can help you connect with other's at your level...

 

[SkiNurse]

Have to agree with SkiDiva. It's not a sport for everyone. Especially if you don't like the cold! And, that's ok. Don't hurt yourself trying to like it!! Being frustrated is no fun. I have several friends that have tried skiing over the years and just don't like it..for many of the reasons you stated. That's fine. During the winter if it is not too cold, we'll snowshoe and during the summer we hang out a lot more!

Personally, I've loved skiing since my very first day. I was fascinated with the sport for a few years before I put on my skis for the first time. I love winter. I love snow. I prefer cold weather over hot. I love my ski/winter clothes.

This does not mean it didn't take a lot of hard work & perseverence to become a decent skier, but I know it is what I wanted to do!

 

[nyskier]

I Understand

I started skiing after age 40, and was probably the worst one on the hill. I finally took a few private lessons with an instructor who specialized in "scared women", and started enjoying myself. There is nothing equal to the feeling of freedom going down a hill in a great winter setting. That said, it is not a sport for everyone. I think you should try a women's clinic, and if you still don't like it, find something else.

 

[SkiGAP]

I love winter. I love snow. I prefer cold weather over hot.

I HATE winter, and I prefer SCALDING weather over cold. I took up skiing after I moved away from California (and after I finished my track and field career) so I would have an outdoor sport to do in the winter and so I would have a new challenge that most of my friends seemed to like. Now I LOVE skiing, and I got there via lessons (private) and setting goals.

I just like sports and challenges and after a life of competitive sports, it is nice to participate in a social sport.

That said, if it ain't for you, it ain't for you. No shame in that. But if you have questions or want to feel more comfortable, this is the place to be - the Divas welcome everyone. And being part of the Divas made me like it all even more.

 

[frenchgirl]

I am very cold natured so when we moved from Dallas to NY my husband was worried. I am so cold natured that I can sleep fully clothed under a heavy down comforter and flannel sheets and will not sweat. If I were you I would look at the warmest outdoors clothes. I ski with a wool base shell, a cashmere turtleneck, fleece sweater and an insulated ski jacket, fleece pants and insulated ski pants. Also I would recommend some good fitting equipment and a FUN class. I think that if you meet people or go with friends on the slopes you may start to enjoy it more. I do not like roller coaster because they make me panicky so I stay on green slopes and easy blues. But if you still do not enjoy it it is OK, not everyone likes the same thing.

 

[Jenny]

Warmth was the key for me - handwarmers and toe warmers are the best invention ever! Once I didn't get cold it helped a lot.

 

[cinnabon]

Have to agree with SkiDiva. It's not a sport for everyone. Especially if you don't like the cold! And, that's ok. Don't hurt yourself trying to like it!! Being frustrated is no fun. I have several friends that have tried skiing over the years and just don't like it..for many of the reasons you stated. That's fine. During the winter if it is not too cold, we'll snowshoe and during the summer we hang out a lot more!

Personally, I've loved skiing since my very first day. I was fascinated with the sport for a few years before I put on my skis for the first time. I love winter. I love snow. I prefer cold weather over hot. I love my ski/winter clothes.

This does not mean it didn't take a lot of hard work & perseverence to become a decent skier, but I know it is what I wanted to do!

I second this post. It isn't for everyone, and although some people grow to love it in time, many never will. I know a lot of people who have no desire & think I'm a little nuts for strapping these slippery things on my feet and barreling down steep hills in the freezing cold!

I went through this with my boyfriend, who will not ski but I got him to take up snowboarding. He quickly got decent enough at it, but just has no interest at all... even with the right equipment & clothing, it just didn't do it for him. So I just went on my own & it was never a problem in the relationship...

I think having the desire to do it is a big factor in whether someone ever learns to love it or not.

 

[pinto]

... I know a lot of people who have no desire & think I'm a little nuts for strapping these slippery things on my feet and barreling down steep hills in the freezing cold!...

Well, when you put it that way, I think I agree with them! Why do I like this, again? :D

 

[abc]

I hate winters, cold, steep hills (don't like coasters either) and I am everything but happy going to ski resort.

As I said I am OK with "recreational" style, with no traffic and steep places. Like going to mountains once in a while is not a problem for me.

Perhaps you'll be happier taking up cross-country skiing?

From the sound of it, you don't really like moving fast, nor the G-force that comes with moving fast. Goodbye carving (basically coaster without the clanking noise). :(

But you don't mind going to the mountains and probably enjoy the scenary too...?

Cross country skiing or snow-shoeing will be a lot warmer since you're working your body the whole time instead of sitting on the chair freezing to death. (although the latter could be helped with pricer high-tech clothing)

And you'll NEVER, repeat NEVER, see any skier "traffic" on x-c skiing tracks!!!

 

[Hopeless]

Wow, so many good responses, none of which sounds "snob" (another sad thing for me in ski villages: like "if that is steep for you, what are you doing here at all?").

Thank you, ladies!

I rent my skis when we go to Whistler. I dont' even remember what brand (Salomon?). I don't really want to drag anything (boots, skis) with me from East coast when I go there.

Probably it would be a good idea to buy, but I am not sure if really need to do it and 100% dont' need the hassle of carrying it through the whole country.

I usually ski alone and that's exactly how I like it, the b/f has been skiing since "out of diaper" time, all the friends are prety much on the same level, and honestly, I got a feeling that it's much better without them, "teaching" . Good skier is one thing, good instuctor - a different story.

My clothes is warm enough, but again, I question evey time putting on that many layers and a coat, and a hat, and, and, and.

I will try to find some "women's clinic" this time. Good idea, gonna google it now, there should be one in Whistler. Let's see what it does, I'll report later.

What really made me happy that it's not a dealbreaker :D and there are many couples out there with just one ski bum :D.

So I'll take that clinic this time and won't probably ski every single day, there are probably other things to do there too (like spas), so I will alternate them and have fun!

"abc", you nailed it. I never go fast and usually going through a steep hill (any "blue" is steep for me:D) is a pure toruture for me and fun (to watch it:ROTF for everyine else: I go by wide zigzags, across the hill, swearing at each turn, as careful and as slow as possible. G-force is definitely somebody else's friend, not my hee hee. And yeah, I never fall, cuz I am doing everything to prevent falling, hurting myself, etc.

So THANKS A LOT, I promis I'll take that clinic. At least I CAN ski, even on greens.