I almost cried...

[Gina23]

OK, so I'm not sure if any of you really have followed my posts, but this is only my 2nd season and just my 1st season with a ski pass where I go consistently. Yesterday, we went to Vail, my 2nd day at Vail this year.

My opinion of Vail is not great so far, honestly. The first time I went I was grouped up with some low-intermediate skiiers and I felt that we did A LOT of traversing. As a solid intermediate low-advanced at this point in my ski career, I didn't feel there was anything to suit my liking. The blues were short and turned quickly into a black (which I'm iffy on) or they would turn into a flat green. All in all a good day I guess, but it didn't help that I was sick and had a sinus infection at the time.

My second go around was yesterday. I skiied with the "big girls" yesterday. I'm talking big mountain skiiers with 20+ years of experience. They pretty much seek out the hardest terrain known to man without acutally jumping ropes. I decided it was time for me to go with them so our first run was down a black diamond in sun up bowl. i did fine and was ready for more. The next run we did was called marmot valley. I have never been more scared in my entire life. I was literally on the verge of tears and I think I peed my ski pants a little.

My friends apologized profusely, but seriously... I just have to say that I'm not all that impressed with Vail at this point. Maybe I'm missing the magic secret or ability to ride this mountain, but so far not so good. I won't give up on it... the nightlife and the village is awesome, but I go for the skiing. I love nothing more than skiing and it ruins my day if I can't find my groove.

My ego hurts right now.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I hear ya - my ego is smarting almost as much as my left leg and right knee :(

Yeah, bad days suck. Sounds like you're not getting a good tour of Vail. Maybe some here who are familiar with the lay of the land can suggest an intinerary of runs for you.

I was just starting my 3rd season on skis when I first visited Vail - and I remember some grand cruising runs on the front side. However, that being about 600 years ago, I've forgotten their names. It's a huge place.

Why not start a thread and ask for some input on which runs divas might suggest? In the meantime, from one hurting ego to another (I got hit while standing still today ), hang in there. Tomorrow's another day???

 

[Gina23]

Agree! Thanks for the ego coddling

I know the mountain realtively well at this point... I'm confident I can get out of the back bowls by 2:30 (closing time) and as a colorado local I get a little iffy around the front side cruisers because I refused to wait in long lift lines when I can take a mid-weekday off and not stand a second in line. but, that's most likely where I need to hone some skills before going on the big girl hills!

 

[Lola]

Your second season and you are taling about the back bowls already? Geez, that's impressive . . Wow

 

[ski now work later]

It's hard to be an intermediate out West where so many skiers are so strong. You should ski my local hill where on weekends there are kids and adults flailing down the hills in blue jeans in some pretty funny body positions!

I read a post on Epic where a skier reported the same frustration with Vail. I don't know enough about the other resorts that you could get to, but I bet there's a mountain that's just right for you at this level.

I think it's really important not to push yourself too far outside of your comfort zone without a first-rate coach in whom you have complete confidence and who's helping you move forward safely. When I've scared myself too much it's been a setback in my learning. Both of my coaches that I've found know just how far to push me and I'm so grateful for that.

And I'm with Lola: if you're even venturing into the back bowls, you are a brave Diva and a strong skier!

 

[dloveski]

come to Solitude or Brighton---terrain and fun for all.

I almost divorced my hubby, on the spot, 30 years ago on the Evergreen chutes at Solitude, just terrified as I side-slipped and fell my way down. I survived and we just had our 35th anniversary.

I now laugh----So will you.

 

[Gina23]

Ha ^^ thanks gals. I appreciate your responses.

As for those back bowls - I cannot WAIT to get back in them. I can do it, I'm a prisoner of my own mind. It's just a matter of days until I become a black diamond skiier. A year ago I hadn't hardly been on skis or ever to a ski resort. I have to remind myself of that sometimes.

 

[abc]

I just have to say that I'm not all that impressed with Vail at this point.

So you didn't enjoy the bowls? Well, perhaps you can tell us what's your favorate resort and favorate run on it?

What's so "impressive" about Vail, for skiers coming from outside of Colorado, it's its shear size. Especially the back bowls. On a powder day, it's un-real.

But even on a non-powder day, the size of the bowl basically means you can turn anywhere you want. You can make giant big S turns the width of the bowl!

I think your problem with Vail is, it's not known for its groomers! I don't even remember I've EVER ski any of its front side "trails". All I remember is there ARE indeed quite a lot of needless traverses, especially for skier who's not sure of just dropping down any blacks.

Perhaps, instead of skiing with others of different level, you might do better by joining a ski school? Ask at the end of class where would be the best area for you. Most instructors are pretty good to point you to the terrain that's most enjoyable to you.

 

[lucine]

Vail also has a free guided tour I don't know what time it leaves, but they divide into ability and off they go. I think you have to be intermediate at least, but if you've skied sun up, you can find a way.
BTW you do not have to pole to get to 2 elk, just follow the signs and you end up on Lift .....some number, but it is signed.

Try Beaver creek too. It is just 10 more minutes down the road, free parking in the satellite lots and loads of different places to ski.

 

[Pequenita]

Gina - you're awesome for venturing out to the back bowls so early in your skiing career!

A few years ago, I noticed that I was never cold while skiing. Then I discovered that it was because I was terrified half the time. Oh, and I have cried on a slope because I was freaking out. I think I was 21 or 22 at the time. And believe me, I am not the type that cries when faced with adversity.

 

[Kiragirl]

relating to this Vail info-----where is Native Vail Gal ? She'd be the one to ask.

NVG, where are you?

 

[SnowHot]

First of all, you should be proud of your progress........and more so that you are venturing into stuff that challenges your ability and mind set.

This isn't just about skiing.
Like Mermer's book, Yikes!!!
You are broadening your experience, your mind and your strengths!
Yay!!!



* in another thread we talk about the weird funk setting in, and THAT is what you experienced!!!

 

[num]

As another diva who started last season, I agree with the others who say that no matter what, you're rocking for how early you are in your ski career

 

[Kimmyt]

What I've noticed is that ski hill preferences change with time. Vail might be scary for you now, but if you're dipping into the back bowls already, it won't be scary for long. And then, you might even get bored with it.

I do think there's some extraordinary terrain in the back bowls for a solid intermediate skiier with some off-piste experience. I recall the Blue Sky Basin being just a ball of fun. The bowls right by the Eagle whatever lodge were steep at the top, but not too bad and even verging on runout at the bottom if I remember correctly, which makes me think you'll be comfortable enough with them if you give yourself time.

I also think it's really easy to judge a ski hill by the first few times you ski it. For example, I've skiied Beaver Creek only twice, but it's hard for me to not hate the place. Both times I skiied it was hardpack (like, seriously, the only place in Summit County I've been to that felt eastern in hardpack) and bumps the size of VWs. Both times by the end of the day my legs were crying and I dreaded even going down the blues on the front side. The trees were all tight and difficult for me. Many other skiers in my group, more advanced than I, loved it.

So maybe Vail's not for you right now, but don't write it off. There's alot of terrain at Vail for an intermediate that can really help you develop off-piste skills (wide open bowls, widely spaced gladed runs). Then again, some people hate Vail, so maybe you'll find it's just not one of the places you like. To each their own, you know? Just cause you're a skiier doesn't mean you have to be all OMGVAIL<3!!1!!

 

[num]

Just cause you're a skiier doesn't mean you have to be all OMGVAIL<3!!1!!

That just made my day.

 

[Pequenita]

Just cause you're a skiier doesn't mean you have to be all OMGVAIL<3!!1!!

That just made my day.

Dang, I'm old. I don't even know what the stuff after OMGVAIL means.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

relating to this Vail info-----where is Native Vail Gal ? She'd be the one to ask.

NVG, where are you?

I'm Here! Just catching up! :cheer:

There are a lot of groomers in Vail, and bumps...you can ski just about anything you want there...you just have to know where you are going and how to maneuver the hill... and that takes WAY more than 2 times in Vail! I'm still working on it!

Blue Sky Basin and Pete's Bowl would be a great place for you to explore! Just don't head out there on a windy day! Not fun!

Gina....I'll ski with you there the minute I'm able to, again! :cheer:
Deal?

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Just cause you're a skiier doesn't mean you have to be all OMGVAIL<3!!1!!

:ROTF: LOVING that!

 

[Gina23]

I'm Here! Just catching up! :cheer:

There are a lot of groomers in Vail, and bumps...you can ski just about anything you want there...you just have to know where you are going and how to maneuver the hill... and that takes WAY more than 2 times in Vail! I'm still working on it!

Blue Sky Basin and Pete's Bowl would be a great place for you to explore! Just don't head out there on a windy day! Not fun!

Gina....I'll ski with you there the minute I'm able to, again! :cheer:
Deal?

deal! I love new ski buddies! thanks for the support. i agree, i am not judging it after 2 times, i was so sick the first time i don't even remember what runs we went on :( the second time i got into some stuff that i shouldn't have gone on. but, i loved the black diamond run down the sun up bowl that i did. i would love to go back there and do that again!! i put a lot of pressure on myself to do good and ski good. i ski every trial 110% percent and if i feel like i don't then i am hard on myself. more or less i was just venting in this thread. ultimately, any day skiing is the best day of my life, whether i'm here or there... i'll take it!

 

[Severine]

Your second season and you are taling about the back bowls already? Geez, that's impressive . . Wow

Late to the party on this one, but I agree. Congrats! You may be having a hard time finding your groove at Vail, but this is indeed an impressive feat and one to be proud of! I'm in my 2nd season as well and wouldn't dream of such. Then again, my skiing has been almost entirely at the 675ft vertical drop local ski hill this season.

New ski buddies or a ski school. Skiing with those above your ability will help you to tackle some of your fears, but it can also make you take on things you probably would not have (and possibly shouldn't have) to save face. I've certainly done that (which was knee injury #1 this season). Skiing with those below your ability... stagnates. No wonder why hubby doesn't like skiing with me for long. ;)

In any case, you'll find your way. Enjoy it along the way!