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December 27, 2016 1:35 PM Subscribe
I want to learn to ski! Where and with who? Specific recommendations requested.
I know zero about this sport. I don't have any family or close friends who ski. Luckily for me, all the threads on this topic say it's better to learn from private lessons. But where? How do I pick? Specific recommendations for places or instructors most welcome. I'm in my 30s, in shape but not naturally athletic. No sports background. I live in NYC, so anywhere in New England or Northeast would work. If there is some compelling reason I should do this in another place, I wouldn't be beyond turning this into a vacation. I would like to do this this winter.
I'd like to learn to ski to have a new physical activity to participate in, particularly in the cold. It seems like a fun thing to do to travel somewhere and go skiing. Both cross country and downhill interest me. I think of them like winter time bicycling.
Also, it's been a rather snowless winter thus far. Do I need to worry about that? If I go out of state, I may want to stay for a weekend and would set up accommodations in advance. I know some places manufacture snow. (Or is that more of a thing in the Western states?) Thanks!
I know zero about this sport. I don't have any family or close friends who ski. Luckily for me, all the threads on this topic say it's better to learn from private lessons. But where? How do I pick? Specific recommendations for places or instructors most welcome. I'm in my 30s, in shape but not naturally athletic. No sports background. I live in NYC, so anywhere in New England or Northeast would work. If there is some compelling reason I should do this in another place, I wouldn't be beyond turning this into a vacation. I would like to do this this winter.
I'd like to learn to ski to have a new physical activity to participate in, particularly in the cold. It seems like a fun thing to do to travel somewhere and go skiing. Both cross country and downhill interest me. I think of them like winter time bicycling.
Also, it's been a rather snowless winter thus far. Do I need to worry about that? If I go out of state, I may want to stay for a weekend and would set up accommodations in advance. I know some places manufacture snow. (Or is that more of a thing in the Western states?) Thanks!
I don't think you have to go out of state your first time. You've got plenty of trails up there and they're usually making snow to replace the packed snow and ice. You really want "anything but ice" for your first time, fresh gnar-gnar is not necessary. (I'm just talking about downhill skiing -- take advantage of gravity!)
Your first time you'll be busy renting boots and skis from the lodge, getting used to walking around in said boots carrying said skis, and figuring out how to get on a lift without looking like an idiot. Consider group lessons too -- it's more social and you get more bang for your buck. Most resorts have packages for beginners. You want a place with lots of "green" trails.
It took me two full days of falling over until it clicked and I figured out that you shift your weight to one leg at a time. Also, I figured out that I can't snowboard. You might have to sleep on the day's lessons before you get it right, but maybe not!
Just make sure you have the right clothing. Nothing too fancy, but enough layers and water-resistant on the outside. The east coast is bone-chillingly cold sometimes due to humidity. Nothing stops a fun day of skiing like frozen fingers or legs.
And have fun! Remember that everyone around you was a beginner at one point.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:24 PM on December 27, 2016
Your first time you'll be busy renting boots and skis from the lodge, getting used to walking around in said boots carrying said skis, and figuring out how to get on a lift without looking like an idiot. Consider group lessons too -- it's more social and you get more bang for your buck. Most resorts have packages for beginners. You want a place with lots of "green" trails.
It took me two full days of falling over until it clicked and I figured out that you shift your weight to one leg at a time. Also, I figured out that I can't snowboard. You might have to sleep on the day's lessons before you get it right, but maybe not!
Just make sure you have the right clothing. Nothing too fancy, but enough layers and water-resistant on the outside. The east coast is bone-chillingly cold sometimes due to humidity. Nothing stops a fun day of skiing like frozen fingers or legs.
And have fun! Remember that everyone around you was a beginner at one point.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 2:24 PM on December 27, 2016
I half-ass learned to ski at Bretton Woods in NH in a group lesson. It wasn't as nice as it could have been because it was too warm that year so the snow was a bit icy (though there was plenty of it, just a bit crusty on top toward the end of the day), but it was fine, aside from my confidence growing faster than my actual skill, leading to a long walk halfway down the mountain after the fourth time I ended up on my ass. I decided it was better to walk down in shame than to risk breaking something. I should have stuck to the beginner's slope, for sure. After all, I'd only been skiing a total of two or three hours at that point.
It was definitely worth doing. I can't speak for the other people I was with, but I had a great time. Still haven't gone back, but that is more due to it being hard to find the time and money at the same time than anything else.
We didn't go up there with the specific intention of skiing, but the place we stayed at in Littleton offered free lift tickets with the room (not needed for the beginner's slope at the time, it turned out), so we went. The group class was pretty cheap, and the boot/ski rental seemed reasonable as well, although it's been so long I don't remember what the prices actually were, I just remember being surprised it didn't cost more.
posted by wierdo at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2016
It was definitely worth doing. I can't speak for the other people I was with, but I had a great time. Still haven't gone back, but that is more due to it being hard to find the time and money at the same time than anything else.
We didn't go up there with the specific intention of skiing, but the place we stayed at in Littleton offered free lift tickets with the room (not needed for the beginner's slope at the time, it turned out), so we went. The group class was pretty cheap, and the boot/ski rental seemed reasonable as well, although it's been so long I don't remember what the prices actually were, I just remember being surprised it didn't cost more.
posted by wierdo at 3:18 PM on December 27, 2016
There's not really a silver bullet. Like previously said, any decent mountain will have competent ski instructors. I learned as an adult and have taken several private lessons. There's not really a good way to pick an instructor unless you have a personal recommendation, but I haven't had any problems so far. (If you go to Breckenridge, I can give you one.)
Despite the cost of a private lesson, I recommend them over group lessons because you get direct, personalized instruction. Group lessons tend to cater to the worst person in the group, which means a lot of idle time if you're not that person. If you do decide to do a private lesson, I've had a lot of success with doing a 3 hour (half day) morning lesson. After the lesson, I eat lunch and practice what I learned in the afternoon while it is still fresh in my mind. In any case, pretty much all resorts talk about lessons on their web site -- how to book and how much they cost.
Anyway, you won't be a master on the slopes after a single lesson. You'll just need to get up on the mountain and practice a lot. As you get better and more confident, you'll have a better idea of how you want to keep progressing, either on your own or with another lesson.
Remember to have fun. Just because you're not on a black diamond doesn't mean you're not skiing. Sounds trite, but I was so gung ho on becoming better than my friends (who had a 15 year head start on me) that I stopped having fun and ended up injuring myself my first year.
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 3:48 PM on December 27, 2016
Despite the cost of a private lesson, I recommend them over group lessons because you get direct, personalized instruction. Group lessons tend to cater to the worst person in the group, which means a lot of idle time if you're not that person. If you do decide to do a private lesson, I've had a lot of success with doing a 3 hour (half day) morning lesson. After the lesson, I eat lunch and practice what I learned in the afternoon while it is still fresh in my mind. In any case, pretty much all resorts talk about lessons on their web site -- how to book and how much they cost.
Anyway, you won't be a master on the slopes after a single lesson. You'll just need to get up on the mountain and practice a lot. As you get better and more confident, you'll have a better idea of how you want to keep progressing, either on your own or with another lesson.
Remember to have fun. Just because you're not on a black diamond doesn't mean you're not skiing. Sounds trite, but I was so gung ho on becoming better than my friends (who had a 15 year head start on me) that I stopped having fun and ended up injuring myself my first year.
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 3:48 PM on December 27, 2016
You can request an instructor with PSIA level III certification, and you'll be way better off than any random instructor. Even level II would be a quality instructor.
2 days of private instruction can get you from 0 to confident and having fun, for sure!
posted by Grandysaur at 5:17 PM on December 27, 2016
2 days of private instruction can get you from 0 to confident and having fun, for sure!
posted by Grandysaur at 5:17 PM on December 27, 2016
Drive up to Bellayre on the weekends, and stay at this wacky hotel if you can!
posted by vrakatar at 5:56 PM on December 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by vrakatar at 5:56 PM on December 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
Downhill and nordic (cross-country) skiing are indeed different. You use different skis, different boots, and different poles. Within nordic skiing, there are two styles that work best with their own set of equipment (though you can buy skis and boots that work pretty well for both styles).
To start out, I'd rent equipment and take lessons. Don't worry about going somewhere lavish. You can learn the basics on a small hill (downhill) or short course (nordic). You could search out a place that offers both types, so you can try them over a few days, although if I were doing it I'd devote some solid time to learning and practicing one before trying the other (and, in nordic, give yourself some dedicated time on each style so you can see which you like; I'd start with classic). You could later join a club or sign up for a nordic race and work towards a goal.
I consider nordic skiing to be a closer comparison to winter biking. At least in our neck of the woods, it's pretty easy to find a place to ski (caveat: if you're renting skis, the options are fewer). Some trail systems groom for cross-country in the winter, along with golf courses and courses dedicated to skiing. You can ski on lakes. Here in the Upper Midwest about half our trail systems make snow and half work with what nature gives them.
Similar to biking, nordic skiing keeps you in great shape. It's one of those activities you can more likely do when you're old and gray. It works tons of muscles! Nordic skiing is one of the best fitness activities for your whole body--similar to swimming in that way.
In our area, another difference is cost. Downhill skiing requires the lift ticket, all that rigmarole. It's expensive. To ski cross-country, you might buy a pass for the park system you're visiting ($5) or a season pass for the city ($20-ish), and then you're good.
Once you have a handle on what you like and what you want to do more of, look into buying equipment. Craigslist might have deals. There are end-of-season sales.
The right clothes and gear will help. Wear a wicking base layer, wear layers in general, get gloves that will be warm enough but still work for skiing, invest in proper socks, etc.
And consider cross-training, strengthening, and flexibility so you can stick with your hobby for a long time.
posted by ramenopres at 9:08 PM on December 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
To start out, I'd rent equipment and take lessons. Don't worry about going somewhere lavish. You can learn the basics on a small hill (downhill) or short course (nordic). You could search out a place that offers both types, so you can try them over a few days, although if I were doing it I'd devote some solid time to learning and practicing one before trying the other (and, in nordic, give yourself some dedicated time on each style so you can see which you like; I'd start with classic). You could later join a club or sign up for a nordic race and work towards a goal.
I consider nordic skiing to be a closer comparison to winter biking. At least in our neck of the woods, it's pretty easy to find a place to ski (caveat: if you're renting skis, the options are fewer). Some trail systems groom for cross-country in the winter, along with golf courses and courses dedicated to skiing. You can ski on lakes. Here in the Upper Midwest about half our trail systems make snow and half work with what nature gives them.
Similar to biking, nordic skiing keeps you in great shape. It's one of those activities you can more likely do when you're old and gray. It works tons of muscles! Nordic skiing is one of the best fitness activities for your whole body--similar to swimming in that way.
In our area, another difference is cost. Downhill skiing requires the lift ticket, all that rigmarole. It's expensive. To ski cross-country, you might buy a pass for the park system you're visiting ($5) or a season pass for the city ($20-ish), and then you're good.
Once you have a handle on what you like and what you want to do more of, look into buying equipment. Craigslist might have deals. There are end-of-season sales.
The right clothes and gear will help. Wear a wicking base layer, wear layers in general, get gloves that will be warm enough but still work for skiing, invest in proper socks, etc.
And consider cross-training, strengthening, and flexibility so you can stick with your hobby for a long time.
posted by ramenopres at 9:08 PM on December 27, 2016 [1 favorite]
From NYC you actually have a bunch of options, even without a car.
I personally would recommend a day trip up to hunter mtn, do a beginners package and see if you even like it. On average the bus round trip + ticket is about $85, which is pretty reasonable, and hunter isolates its beginners on their own mountain do you don't have to deal with intermediate or advanced skiers bombing past you.
posted by larthegreat at 4:36 AM on December 28, 2016
I personally would recommend a day trip up to hunter mtn, do a beginners package and see if you even like it. On average the bus round trip + ticket is about $85, which is pretty reasonable, and hunter isolates its beginners on their own mountain do you don't have to deal with intermediate or advanced skiers bombing past you.
posted by larthegreat at 4:36 AM on December 28, 2016
If you're not naturally athletic, a few days of private lessons may be the best bet for you. I'll point out that "adult" group beginner lessons often are 13+, which could be somewhat awkward.
Your first few times out on the mountain you're going to get snow in places you won't expect to find it, so purpose-built clothes are really important. If you're interested in winter sports in general, getting a parka and snow pants on sale now will be a good long-term investment.
If you want to get into downhill skiing as an adult, having a good sense of balance really helps - if you do yoga already, that's a plus. If you know how to ice skate and can do it somewhat well, even better.
Pursuant to your last question, though, it sounds like you have a good excuse for an impromptu trip to Québec! Your best options are probably either flying into Montréal and then taking the shuttle to Mont-Tremblant, or flying to Québec City and taking a short drive to Mont-Ste-Anne. I recommend the latter if you wouldn't want your trip to be focused on skiing - Québec City's really gorgeous in the winter.
posted by blerghamot at 5:14 AM on December 28, 2016
Your first few times out on the mountain you're going to get snow in places you won't expect to find it, so purpose-built clothes are really important. If you're interested in winter sports in general, getting a parka and snow pants on sale now will be a good long-term investment.
If you want to get into downhill skiing as an adult, having a good sense of balance really helps - if you do yoga already, that's a plus. If you know how to ice skate and can do it somewhat well, even better.
Pursuant to your last question, though, it sounds like you have a good excuse for an impromptu trip to Québec! Your best options are probably either flying into Montréal and then taking the shuttle to Mont-Tremblant, or flying to Québec City and taking a short drive to Mont-Ste-Anne. I recommend the latter if you wouldn't want your trip to be focused on skiing - Québec City's really gorgeous in the winter.
posted by blerghamot at 5:14 AM on December 28, 2016
I just want to second the Belleayre recommendation. It's a very beginner friendly ski hill and convenient to NYC.
posted by katie at 6:36 AM on December 28, 2016
posted by katie at 6:36 AM on December 28, 2016
All you really need is a hill wide enough that you don't run into a tree before you learn how to turn. Pretty much every ski area in the world has such a hill. :)
I learned to ski without lessons. Some friends and I went on a trip over MLK weekend in college, and we just bought our lift tickets and went up. There were falls, but hey, it's snow. It's soft, and falling in it is its own kind of fun.
As others have said, if you can ice skate, you'll have a significant advantage. Specifically, if you can do a hockey stop, the motion is quite similar to a ski turn. Turning and snowplowing/pizza-ing are really the only two skills you need to learn at first. (Well, standing up after a fall...) If you can do that, you'll be good to go on most green runs.
posted by kevinbelt at 7:19 AM on December 28, 2016
I learned to ski without lessons. Some friends and I went on a trip over MLK weekend in college, and we just bought our lift tickets and went up. There were falls, but hey, it's snow. It's soft, and falling in it is its own kind of fun.
As others have said, if you can ice skate, you'll have a significant advantage. Specifically, if you can do a hockey stop, the motion is quite similar to a ski turn. Turning and snowplowing/pizza-ing are really the only two skills you need to learn at first. (Well, standing up after a fall...) If you can do that, you'll be good to go on most green runs.
posted by kevinbelt at 7:19 AM on December 28, 2016
Everyone above has covered most of the important details. I will add that if you've done any ice skating, you'll find that the shifting of body weight to turn has some parallels to skiing. You'll also find that the skiing "hockey stop" is very aptly named.
Good luck and have fun. Beyond taking a lesson (or two or three) the only way to get better is through repetition so start planning ski trips #2 and #3. Also, when you are just learning and your form isn't great you'll find that tired legs make for miserable skiing. Don't be afraid to take breaks or call it quits earlier so you can recover. Also, when you are starting out, the presence of other skiiers in your close proximity will likely freak you out a bit (your movements on snow and their movements will likely be somewhat unpredictable so you are right to be a bit trepidatious). So with that in mind, try to be out early to get some quieter time on the slopes.
posted by mmascolino at 2:11 PM on December 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Good luck and have fun. Beyond taking a lesson (or two or three) the only way to get better is through repetition so start planning ski trips #2 and #3. Also, when you are just learning and your form isn't great you'll find that tired legs make for miserable skiing. Don't be afraid to take breaks or call it quits earlier so you can recover. Also, when you are starting out, the presence of other skiiers in your close proximity will likely freak you out a bit (your movements on snow and their movements will likely be somewhat unpredictable so you are right to be a bit trepidatious). So with that in mind, try to be out early to get some quieter time on the slopes.
posted by mmascolino at 2:11 PM on December 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
Spring skiing can be a great time to learn, less crowd, not freezing, sun! Give it time and a little persistence, once past the first learning curve, oh my, it is just glorious. If you can do the storage watch the yard sales, equipment is very fashion oriented but technically very high quality and long lasting. And you'll feel really cool schlepping it on the subway:)
Practice the basics, side slipping seems boring, but once that works stopping is a breeze and you can go anywhere on the mountain.
Take extra everything, changing into dry is huge for the spirit.
One learnto I remember seriously suggested a leisurely lunch with a single glass of wine, then get back out and continue relaxed.
North Conway is a bit cheesy but would be a great location for learning, but starting close (Hunter) is always a good idea. If you're wanting to travel, western skiing is "a different sport", as in soft easy snow, some altitudes can mean taking everything a bit slower.
posted by sammyo at 7:06 AM on February 22, 2017
Practice the basics, side slipping seems boring, but once that works stopping is a breeze and you can go anywhere on the mountain.
Take extra everything, changing into dry is huge for the spirit.
One learnto I remember seriously suggested a leisurely lunch with a single glass of wine, then get back out and continue relaxed.
North Conway is a bit cheesy but would be a great location for learning, but starting close (Hunter) is always a good idea. If you're wanting to travel, western skiing is "a different sport", as in soft easy snow, some altitudes can mean taking everything a bit slower.
posted by sammyo at 7:06 AM on February 22, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
For downhill skiing: You don't need to worry about snow conditions, or going somewhere awesome as a noobie -- you won't be thrashing through the trees and hucking yourself off cliffs for a few years, minimum. Similarly, good snow and insane vert will be all wasted on you for a while. Everywhere will have easy runs with smooth groomed snow. (That said, the first place I ever skiied was Squaw in Tahoe. I was 30, it was love at first site and I dropped out of my lessons mid-morning to go ski on my own.) Cross country skiing has basically nothing in common with downhill skiing -- other than they both involve skis. The skills don't translate. One is like jogging, the other is like flying. Experience ice skating, or skateboarding, or anything sort of balancey will translate a little bit to how comfortable you are sliding around.
Mostly though, you just need to get out there and give a shot. Focus on convenience and price for your first few times -- you'll quickly learn how much you do or don't like skiing, and what you'd like to seek out in places to go skiing.
posted by so fucking future at 1:55 PM on December 27, 2016 [3 favorites]