First time skiing as an adult
February 22, 2020 3:00 PM Subscribe
For unclear reasons I should explore in therapy, I always assumed I'd go to my grave having never skied and was 100% okay with that. Even happy about it! But now I'm going skiing next weekend because I am dating someone who loves skiing. I have NEVER skied. I'm a fully grown adult. Going to Big Bear, in California. I've got a private ski lesson booked. Will rent equipment. My questions:
1. If you learned to ski as an adult, what's an important thing for me to know?
2. What do I need clothing-wise? Where do I get it?
3. Anything to do to prepare before the ski lesson?
4. Is learning to ski as an adult terrible, or could it maybe possibly be fun?
Looking forward to all your advice.
1. If you learned to ski as an adult, what's an important thing for me to know?
2. What do I need clothing-wise? Where do I get it?
3. Anything to do to prepare before the ski lesson?
4. Is learning to ski as an adult terrible, or could it maybe possibly be fun?
Looking forward to all your advice.
The good news is that the resorts in the Big Bear area are very used to seeing absolute beginners, and your lesson will totally be tailored to adult beginners.
The weather for the next week looks fairly warm, so you won't need to go in hard on extra clothing, but you do need to be aware that the snow is wet and you will get wet from falling. It's just inevitable. So don't wear jeans or other cotton pants -- they'll just get super heavy and saggy when they're wet. Best bet is to see if the ski shop will rent you pants and a jacket -- they might even have the whole ensemble, including gloves and a hat. (You'll want a hat that covers your ears.)
Because this will be a new form of exercise for you, you will probably get extra hungry. Good idea is to pack some protein bars or the like. And it's super common for skiiers to get dehydrated -- it's way drier than you think it will be. So be sure to pound extra water when you take breaks.
Lastly, a little-known side effect of skiing is sunburn. It can get very bright and sunny, and all that white snow reflects a lot. Definitely use a lot of sunscreen. (See also: you'll probably need sunglasses or goggles -- goggles might be included in a rental package.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:40 PM on February 22, 2020 [3 favorites]
The weather for the next week looks fairly warm, so you won't need to go in hard on extra clothing, but you do need to be aware that the snow is wet and you will get wet from falling. It's just inevitable. So don't wear jeans or other cotton pants -- they'll just get super heavy and saggy when they're wet. Best bet is to see if the ski shop will rent you pants and a jacket -- they might even have the whole ensemble, including gloves and a hat. (You'll want a hat that covers your ears.)
Because this will be a new form of exercise for you, you will probably get extra hungry. Good idea is to pack some protein bars or the like. And it's super common for skiiers to get dehydrated -- it's way drier than you think it will be. So be sure to pound extra water when you take breaks.
Lastly, a little-known side effect of skiing is sunburn. It can get very bright and sunny, and all that white snow reflects a lot. Definitely use a lot of sunscreen. (See also: you'll probably need sunglasses or goggles -- goggles might be included in a rental package.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:40 PM on February 22, 2020 [3 favorites]
You will most likely fall. A lot. That's okay. Your lesson will probably talk about how to fall safely (sit down or lean over to one side). For this reason, you'll probably want to wear some fluffy ski pants to give you some nice cushioning when you fall. If you don't own them and can't easily borrow them, they can usually be rented.
posted by hydropsyche at 3:40 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by hydropsyche at 3:40 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
1. Put the sunscreen UNDER your nose and chin, the snow reflects enough sun upwards to burn you.
1a. If you get to a point during the day when you're feeling miserable and thinking the whole thing was a terrible idea, this is probably because you are cold, tired and/or hungry. Fixing these things will usually sort it right out. If you've ever tried to reason with a toddler who needs a nap or a snack you'll know what I mean.
2. You need sunglasses or goggles (UV resistant sunglasses not fashion ones). Then look up the weather at the resort and dress for that.
3. Remember that you don't know how to ski yet and that's OK. It will take some time to figure out what to do, and some time after that for the knowledge to filter from your brain to your feet. That's normal. Some folks expect to be instantly able to do whatever the instructor describes, and then get frustrated with themselves. If you can let yourself have fun even though you're not just yet the world's best skier, then you'll do fine!
4. I learned to ski as an adult, it was super fun (if tiring).
posted by quacks like a duck at 3:43 PM on February 22, 2020 [5 favorites]
1a. If you get to a point during the day when you're feeling miserable and thinking the whole thing was a terrible idea, this is probably because you are cold, tired and/or hungry. Fixing these things will usually sort it right out. If you've ever tried to reason with a toddler who needs a nap or a snack you'll know what I mean.
2. You need sunglasses or goggles (UV resistant sunglasses not fashion ones). Then look up the weather at the resort and dress for that.
3. Remember that you don't know how to ski yet and that's OK. It will take some time to figure out what to do, and some time after that for the knowledge to filter from your brain to your feet. That's normal. Some folks expect to be instantly able to do whatever the instructor describes, and then get frustrated with themselves. If you can let yourself have fun even though you're not just yet the world's best skier, then you'll do fine!
4. I learned to ski as an adult, it was super fun (if tiring).
posted by quacks like a duck at 3:43 PM on February 22, 2020 [5 favorites]
You could do some squats and lunges this week to prepare! You will be amazed how tiring it can be, it’s a real workout. I haven’t looked this up, but there have to be some videos of people getting off a chair lift (not bloopers) you could watch to prepare—this always tripped me up as a kid when I was learning.
posted by sallybrown at 3:46 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by sallybrown at 3:46 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
1. Don't use poles. As a beginner, everything you instinctively do with them will be wrong and will put your arms and body into the wrong position. They are of no use to you at all until you are much further along, except for helping you push yourself along on level ground. Your instructor may or may not tell you not to use them, but I would plan on leaving them behind unless for some reason your instructor absolutely insists that you use them.
2. You need warm, ideally waterproof pants. You can buy ski pants at general sporting goods stores or at ski shops. Or you may be able to make do with something you already have. Long underwear under fleece pants would probably work, maybe with rain pants on top. Definitely do not wear jeans, even with long underwear underneath. On top, I like to wear long underwear, a sweater, and a warm insulated jacket. Nowadays practically everyone wears a helmet, which is a good idea. But it looks like rental packages at Big Bear don't include helmets. If you want to be super safe you can look into places that might rent them. But as a beginner snowplowing very slowly down the easiest runs, you aren't in much danger of a serious head injury. Just wearing a warm hat should be fine. But you'll definitely want something to cover your ears. You'll also want a pair of very warm gloves or mittens.
3. You could watch some learn to ski videos, but you don't really need to prepare ahead of time.
4. It can be very, very fun! If you like skating or sledding, there's a good chance you'll like skiing. You seem to be assuming it will be much harder to learn as an adult than it would have been if you had learned as a kid, but it probably won't be. Really young kids have the advantage that falling down isn't a big deal, but they're not as physically adept or as good at understanding and following instructions as adults are. You will probably progress much faster than a kid would.
Good advice above about making sure you have enough food, water and sunscreen, and some sunglasses or goggles.
posted by Redstart at 3:46 PM on February 22, 2020
2. You need warm, ideally waterproof pants. You can buy ski pants at general sporting goods stores or at ski shops. Or you may be able to make do with something you already have. Long underwear under fleece pants would probably work, maybe with rain pants on top. Definitely do not wear jeans, even with long underwear underneath. On top, I like to wear long underwear, a sweater, and a warm insulated jacket. Nowadays practically everyone wears a helmet, which is a good idea. But it looks like rental packages at Big Bear don't include helmets. If you want to be super safe you can look into places that might rent them. But as a beginner snowplowing very slowly down the easiest runs, you aren't in much danger of a serious head injury. Just wearing a warm hat should be fine. But you'll definitely want something to cover your ears. You'll also want a pair of very warm gloves or mittens.
3. You could watch some learn to ski videos, but you don't really need to prepare ahead of time.
4. It can be very, very fun! If you like skating or sledding, there's a good chance you'll like skiing. You seem to be assuming it will be much harder to learn as an adult than it would have been if you had learned as a kid, but it probably won't be. Really young kids have the advantage that falling down isn't a big deal, but they're not as physically adept or as good at understanding and following instructions as adults are. You will probably progress much faster than a kid would.
Good advice above about making sure you have enough food, water and sunscreen, and some sunglasses or goggles.
posted by Redstart at 3:46 PM on February 22, 2020
I'm a pretty good skiier and my first time was at the age of 31. Skiing is the fucking greatest, I wish I'd gotten into it as a kid.
0. Wear a freakin helmet. Not only do they protect your noggin, but they're honestly the most comfortable and practical item you can put on your head anyway. You can rent one. For some reason you always have to buy your own goggles though.
1. Take lessons, do what your instructor says. That said, feel free to drop out of lessons if it turns out you're a natural. It'll probably be frustrating at first, so stick with it -- but it might just come to you right away, it did for me.
2. You need moisture-okay layers. You don't need to buy too much fancy stuff, but I really can't recommend the following setup enough: *thin* dress socks, wool or synthetic base layer, actual ski pants (likely lightly insulated), some sort of puffy jacket mid-layer, (uninsulated) shell jacket, mittens or gloves of some sort.
3. Watch G.N.A.R the movie.
4. It's incredibly fun. I'm sad I didn't learn to ski when I was 8yo and my bones were elastic and I had no fear of death or getting medivaced out (I jest). But I'm so incredibly happy to have found it as an adult anyway, I'm just always gonna be a bit more conservative and cautious than some of my friends. If you roller skated or ice skated previously, you're set up for success -- those skills transfer pretty well.
posted by so fucking future at 3:57 PM on February 22, 2020
0. Wear a freakin helmet. Not only do they protect your noggin, but they're honestly the most comfortable and practical item you can put on your head anyway. You can rent one. For some reason you always have to buy your own goggles though.
1. Take lessons, do what your instructor says. That said, feel free to drop out of lessons if it turns out you're a natural. It'll probably be frustrating at first, so stick with it -- but it might just come to you right away, it did for me.
2. You need moisture-okay layers. You don't need to buy too much fancy stuff, but I really can't recommend the following setup enough: *thin* dress socks, wool or synthetic base layer, actual ski pants (likely lightly insulated), some sort of puffy jacket mid-layer, (uninsulated) shell jacket, mittens or gloves of some sort.
3. Watch G.N.A.R the movie.
4. It's incredibly fun. I'm sad I didn't learn to ski when I was 8yo and my bones were elastic and I had no fear of death or getting medivaced out (I jest). But I'm so incredibly happy to have found it as an adult anyway, I'm just always gonna be a bit more conservative and cautious than some of my friends. If you roller skated or ice skated previously, you're set up for success -- those skills transfer pretty well.
posted by so fucking future at 3:57 PM on February 22, 2020
I don't think the snowplow is emphasized anymore (since the advent of sidecut skis). It can lead to "iron wedge" syndrome. These days, everyone starts with "parallel" technique. But, a little less parallel than the form used with straight skis used to be.
I think because of that the current practice may be to give beginners poles so they're used to the weight and hand position, but not have them actually pole-plant until they're ready to start linking turns.
I could be wrong!
As to the weather, Big Bear will be pretty mild — but wear waterproof ski pants, and a waterproof shell at least. And gloves. Sun protection -- both sunblock and sunglasses or goggles -- are important. Beyond that, wear layers that are easy to add/remove, like a zip fleece vest under your shell.
Take some advil before you go out, not after.
posted by snuffleupagus at 3:57 PM on February 22, 2020
I think because of that the current practice may be to give beginners poles so they're used to the weight and hand position, but not have them actually pole-plant until they're ready to start linking turns.
I could be wrong!
As to the weather, Big Bear will be pretty mild — but wear waterproof ski pants, and a waterproof shell at least. And gloves. Sun protection -- both sunblock and sunglasses or goggles -- are important. Beyond that, wear layers that are easy to add/remove, like a zip fleece vest under your shell.
Take some advil before you go out, not after.
posted by snuffleupagus at 3:57 PM on February 22, 2020
Oh yeah, socks. Your regular socks will probably be pretty uncomfortable worn with ski boots. I would go out and buy a pair of actual ski socks. You can get them at someplace like REI or Dick's.
posted by Redstart at 4:11 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Redstart at 4:11 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
Here's a brief list of things that can make a ski trip unpleasant for a first-time skier. Many of them have been covered already but if you have a plan for dealing with them your day will go much more smoothly and the chances of you enjoying it are much better. Skiing is fun once you overcome the list below, so be prepared and hopefully have a blast.
posted by Nerd of the North at 4:12 PM on February 22, 2020 [12 favorites]
- Anxiety about falling - it is inevitable that you are going to fall (probably frequently) on your first day skiing. My advice here is to get a few falls under your belt as early as possible to demonstrate to yourself that a low-speed fall onto snow will not hurt and to become comfortable with the process of getting back up and onto your skis again (which is its own challenge sometimes.)
- Feeling of being out of control - this one gets a lot of people. At some point you are going to feel like you are in too deep and the important thing is to realize that you have the power to regain control, even though it may not feel like it in the moment. You can use the techniques you have been taught to help you stop, you can turn so that your motion is perpendicular to the slope until your momentum peters out, or as a last option you can deliberately fall by your own choice. Just remember that you have options and don't be afraid to use them.
- Discomfort from coldness, wetness, or sore muscles - it's up to you to spare a thought every now and then for your own physical state and take a rest or go for a hot chocolate in the lodge when appropriate. Don't just try to power through -- remember this is supposed to be a fun experience. Toughing it out if you are feeling increasingly miserable is just going to ruin your day on the slopes.
- Fear of embarrassment - every other person on the ski hill had to learn at some point and most of them remember it well. Furthermore the other skiers who are most likely to be judgemental are surely all off on on the black diamond slopes (most difficult runs) and can't even see you. If worse comes to worse remember also that you're probably wearing a hat and goggles and in a place where nobody else even knows who you are. Laugh at yourself and move on.
- Fear of injury to self - is very unlikely your first time out, especially if you stick to the green (easiest) runs.
- Fear of injuring others - this is worth keeping in mind. Cultivate awareness of your surroundings and to the extent possible try to remain in control of yourself.
posted by Nerd of the North at 4:12 PM on February 22, 2020 [12 favorites]
I think because of that the current practice may be to give beginners poles so they're used to the weight and hand position, but not have them actually pole-plant until they're ready to start linking turns.
Whether that's the most common practice nowadays or not, if you were going with me, I would tell you not to use them. You won't get used to the correct hand position because you'll constantly be doing something with them that you shouldn't be doing. Holding them in your hands but not actually pole planting is pointless. Kids commonly ski for years before they start using poles and I think more adults should do the same.
posted by Redstart at 4:23 PM on February 22, 2020
Whether that's the most common practice nowadays or not, if you were going with me, I would tell you not to use them. You won't get used to the correct hand position because you'll constantly be doing something with them that you shouldn't be doing. Holding them in your hands but not actually pole planting is pointless. Kids commonly ski for years before they start using poles and I think more adults should do the same.
posted by Redstart at 4:23 PM on February 22, 2020
Snow is soft, which is handy because you’ll be falling over. Everyone does. I understand why you would want private instruction, but you will miss out on watching everyone else be as clumsy as you are to start.
I strongly disagree with the advice to leave your poles behind. You shouldn’t use them while actually skiing but they will be invaluable for traversing slight slopes or just maintaining your balance period. Those will come in time but your first time on skis it is possible to waste a lot of energy balancing while just standing still.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 4:24 PM on February 22, 2020
I strongly disagree with the advice to leave your poles behind. You shouldn’t use them while actually skiing but they will be invaluable for traversing slight slopes or just maintaining your balance period. Those will come in time but your first time on skis it is possible to waste a lot of energy balancing while just standing still.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 4:24 PM on February 22, 2020
I think having to rely on your body to balance yourself helps you develop better balance more quickly. Poles feel like they're helping you, but as often as not what you do with them is only throwing you more off balance. But don't worry, whether or not you start out learning to ski in the way I think is best, or the way someone else thinks is best, it's not going to make that much difference in the long run. If you have an instructor, they're not going to lead you too far astray.
posted by Redstart at 4:33 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Redstart at 4:33 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
I prefer mittens over gloves, because my fingers always get cold in gloves. This is especially true if the temperature is below, say, 20° F. Also, be careful if you go out with a group after your lesson. It's common for friends to push you into tackling slopes that are beyond your capabilities ("Oh, don't worry about it! You'll be fine. Just trust us!").
posted by alex1965 at 4:36 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by alex1965 at 4:36 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
Mittens are almost certainly too warm for Big Bear, which is just northeast of Los Angeles, unless you tend to get cold or plan to stay out into the evening. Especially considering they're much more clumsy than gloves.
posted by snuffleupagus at 4:44 PM on February 22, 2020
posted by snuffleupagus at 4:44 PM on February 22, 2020
2. As others have mentioned, its good to wear ski clothing to prevent the misery that is being wet and cold. You will likely be able to rent almost everything you need. You may also be able to buy second hand for a similar price to renting, which is not a bad idea if you think you might go more than once. I got a cheap ski jacket and ski pants at a regular thrift store. Used sports equipment stores are also an option.
4. One data point: I learned to ski in my 30s. I had never been interested in it but then had the opportunity to learn at a great resort. I did a lesson and I absolutely loved it even though I fell a lot and only skied on the easiest trails. Now I sometimes think about moving to the mountains in order to become a real ski bum. Its a beautiful way to spend some time outdoors in the winter.
posted by frau_grubach at 4:54 PM on February 22, 2020
4. One data point: I learned to ski in my 30s. I had never been interested in it but then had the opportunity to learn at a great resort. I did a lesson and I absolutely loved it even though I fell a lot and only skied on the easiest trails. Now I sometimes think about moving to the mountains in order to become a real ski bum. Its a beautiful way to spend some time outdoors in the winter.
posted by frau_grubach at 4:54 PM on February 22, 2020
Borrowing is also an option!
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:10 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:10 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
Wear sun block and lip balm with high SPF - and wear sun glasses!!
posted by Toddles at 5:19 PM on February 22, 2020
posted by Toddles at 5:19 PM on February 22, 2020
Make sure your instructor (or someone more expert than you) makes sure that your equipment is the correct fit for you. I attempted to learn to ski as an adult, but became beyond frustrated watching my fellow adult learner friend steadily improve throughout our lesson while I couldn't even master the basics of stopping and had to literally make myself fall down to stop (the bunny slope led directly into a real slope!!! So if I didn't stop I'd have basically gone off a cliff.) Turned out my boots were way too loose, which I only learned when a second friend who is an expert skier came by to check on the lesson. But by then, the damage was done - I was convinced I could never learn to ski as an adult, because I was old (early 30s) and never was a natural athlete, and have never gone again since despite being extremely enthusiastic and hopeful about it going in.
posted by unannihilated at 5:38 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by unannihilated at 5:38 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
I learned how to ski in my 30s, and the lessons I took were:
* Go for a few days, you might suck until your brain dreams about it a bit.
* Put your weight on the downhill ski.
* Don't cross the tips.
* I like poles -- as a comfort measure to drag on the snow, and to stab at my bindings when needed.
* Take a beer + water break when tired, or ride the slow lift.
* Leave snowboarding to the kids.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 6:38 PM on February 22, 2020
* Go for a few days, you might suck until your brain dreams about it a bit.
* Put your weight on the downhill ski.
* Don't cross the tips.
* I like poles -- as a comfort measure to drag on the snow, and to stab at my bindings when needed.
* Take a beer + water break when tired, or ride the slow lift.
* Leave snowboarding to the kids.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 6:38 PM on February 22, 2020
I went skiing as a total newbie last year (age 40+). It seemed like everything I needed was rentable except goggles. I had some friends who were willing to lend anything too but again they would not lend me goggles (maybe other people would but my friends found it very squooky to wear others’ goggles...pink eye etc). I got a cheap pair on amazon for $20 and they were totally sufficient for the day (and the ones you can buy at the lodge are going to be way more than $20).
Seconding others not be too disappointed if you don’t learn it all in one day. I am a lifelong Nordic skier so very comfortable on skis themselves but the whole speed thing can be very intimidating. Even with my previous comfort on skis in general, I only made it onto the lowest chairlift (and I was extremely proud of that). (Also I learned I am terrified of the chairlifts but the lesson totally included instruction on that and some fear management!)
It’s awesome you are trying this out! Have so much fun!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 6:54 PM on February 22, 2020
Seconding others not be too disappointed if you don’t learn it all in one day. I am a lifelong Nordic skier so very comfortable on skis themselves but the whole speed thing can be very intimidating. Even with my previous comfort on skis in general, I only made it onto the lowest chairlift (and I was extremely proud of that). (Also I learned I am terrified of the chairlifts but the lesson totally included instruction on that and some fear management!)
It’s awesome you are trying this out! Have so much fun!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 6:54 PM on February 22, 2020
I snowboard (poorly) and still benefit from wearing knee pads and padded shorts that protect my hips and tailbone.
posted by itesser at 7:10 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by itesser at 7:10 PM on February 22, 2020 [2 favorites]
I wouldn't bother with goggles if you would have to buy them. You probably already have a pair of sunglasses and that should be all you need. And if it's not sunny you won't even need those. Goggles are helpful if it's very cold (though if you wear glasses they can cause fogging problems.) But it doesn't look like temperatures are going to be all that cold where you are.
One thing you might want to have is a balaclava or face mask or neck gaiter. I pretty much always wear a balaclava unless it's a really warm spring day. My face and neck get cold riding the lifts or skiing fast. You may not spend much time riding long lifts and you won't be skiing fast and you may be hardier than I am, but it's better to bring stuff you don't need than to get too cold.
posted by Redstart at 7:32 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
One thing you might want to have is a balaclava or face mask or neck gaiter. I pretty much always wear a balaclava unless it's a really warm spring day. My face and neck get cold riding the lifts or skiing fast. You may not spend much time riding long lifts and you won't be skiing fast and you may be hardier than I am, but it's better to bring stuff you don't need than to get too cold.
posted by Redstart at 7:32 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you are not currently practicing yoga or otherwise stretching regularly, a routine like this done gently twice a day (including before you head out to your lesson) can help you avoid being injured if/when you fall.
pursued by a psychotic paperboy
what even were the 80s
posted by notquitemaryann at 9:00 PM on February 22, 2020
pursued by a psychotic paperboy
what even were the 80s
posted by notquitemaryann at 9:00 PM on February 22, 2020
Helmet Helmet Helmet. It may be fun and it may not, but credit to you for trying it out!!!
posted by leslievictoria at 10:22 PM on February 22, 2020
posted by leslievictoria at 10:22 PM on February 22, 2020
Poles are necessary for a beginner to take off your skis and because you occasionally need them to push yourself up small inclines. Big bear is great for beginners- plenty of greens an d other easy wide runs.
posted by The_Vegetables at 10:25 PM on February 22, 2020
posted by The_Vegetables at 10:25 PM on February 22, 2020
There is a tremendous amount of good advice upthread, so I'll add/emphasize a few things.
Outside of being prepared for the conditions with gear - whether that's sun, snow, wind, etc. Focus on being physically comfortable. If you can't feel your toes, your boots are too tight on the forefoot. If your hands are freezing, stop and get them warmed up. It is harder to learn if you're in pain due to the conditions. If it's too bright or blowing too hard, make sure you have goggles. You can rent them usually, or buy a dirt cheap pair.
I can't stress this enough, wear a helmet, please. A helmet is basic required equipment and it needs to fit properly.
The most important thing I can tell you as a 43 year old is to stretch before and after. To understand that falling is fact in the learning experience, as is being scared, and over extending yourself - but through this you learn how to improve.
Even when you feel like you're not making progress, you are. The single most effective thing to being a better at skiing is spending time on the skis - that doesn't mean suffering through but there is so much variability in snow conditions on slopes even day to day that you're almost always learning something even if you've done the same run 50 times.
I hope you enjoy it, learning to ski I think was one of the harder things I learned to do, but is probably my favorite activity.
posted by iamabot at 10:25 PM on February 22, 2020
Outside of being prepared for the conditions with gear - whether that's sun, snow, wind, etc. Focus on being physically comfortable. If you can't feel your toes, your boots are too tight on the forefoot. If your hands are freezing, stop and get them warmed up. It is harder to learn if you're in pain due to the conditions. If it's too bright or blowing too hard, make sure you have goggles. You can rent them usually, or buy a dirt cheap pair.
I can't stress this enough, wear a helmet, please. A helmet is basic required equipment and it needs to fit properly.
The most important thing I can tell you as a 43 year old is to stretch before and after. To understand that falling is fact in the learning experience, as is being scared, and over extending yourself - but through this you learn how to improve.
Even when you feel like you're not making progress, you are. The single most effective thing to being a better at skiing is spending time on the skis - that doesn't mean suffering through but there is so much variability in snow conditions on slopes even day to day that you're almost always learning something even if you've done the same run 50 times.
I hope you enjoy it, learning to ski I think was one of the harder things I learned to do, but is probably my favorite activity.
posted by iamabot at 10:25 PM on February 22, 2020
3. Because I haven't seen it upthread: watch some ski lesson/beginner mistake videos on youtube. This will give you a heads up on the things your instructor will likely be telling you and it won't be all brand new information you're trying to absorb on the spot.
4. I think it can be totally fun! Be ok with where you're at, lean into your beginnerness, laugh, breathe, and don't give a damn about anyone else.
posted by hannahelastic at 11:19 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
4. I think it can be totally fun! Be ok with where you're at, lean into your beginnerness, laugh, breathe, and don't give a damn about anyone else.
posted by hannahelastic at 11:19 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
Linking two things up thread: because you will fall, you will need snow pants, and waterproof gloves, not whatever woolly ones you have in the closet. Typically both are rentable, but your partner will know better than I do. Aside from that layers under your ski clothes will help. Skiing is a lot more fun if you aren't soggy and cold.
I learned to ski Very late in life with a bunch of friends with a lot of experience between them, and it's seriously fun, even as an adult. There is a learning curve and you are going to take a while to get to the point that you're both skiing at a level that you do it together all the time. Expect to part company off and on and pick your meeting points.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:39 PM on February 22, 2020
I learned to ski Very late in life with a bunch of friends with a lot of experience between them, and it's seriously fun, even as an adult. There is a learning curve and you are going to take a while to get to the point that you're both skiing at a level that you do it together all the time. Expect to part company off and on and pick your meeting points.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:39 PM on February 22, 2020
Oooo fun! I learned to ski as an adult and I’m actually pretty good now. Not winning any races but I can ski basically any run. I even did some of the “walls” of moguls this year (on purpose!).
My two cents:
Skiing as a beginner is much more exhausting than skiing well with technique. You’re working harder to turn and stop. So don’t be surprised if you’re way more tired and sore than friends that seem to be doing a lot more actual skiing. And let yourself stop for the day before then if you need to. Pushing too far is a great way to get hurt.
Try to always face forward and face down the mountain. Sometimes beginners get scared and almost try to turn around to stop or go slower. Backwards skiing is fun if you’re intending to do it, but terrifying if you’re not! The instructor will teach you how to stop, just don’t point your skis up the mountain!
Good luck!
posted by ohio at 11:54 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
My two cents:
Skiing as a beginner is much more exhausting than skiing well with technique. You’re working harder to turn and stop. So don’t be surprised if you’re way more tired and sore than friends that seem to be doing a lot more actual skiing. And let yourself stop for the day before then if you need to. Pushing too far is a great way to get hurt.
Try to always face forward and face down the mountain. Sometimes beginners get scared and almost try to turn around to stop or go slower. Backwards skiing is fun if you’re intending to do it, but terrifying if you’re not! The instructor will teach you how to stop, just don’t point your skis up the mountain!
Good luck!
posted by ohio at 11:54 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]
I’m going to answer question 4. My husband and I learned to snowboard 4 years ago - in our late 40s. We took lessons (highly recommend - excellent plan on your part!) and spent the first season on beginner runs, gradually building skills.
We love riding together - we spend every weekend up on the mountain during the season. It has been an amazing bonding experience for us and gets us out of doors in the winter. Learning a new sport as an adult is such a deeply rewarding thing - it reminds you of your strengths and frailties, it teaches you about your own resilience, it surprise you with secrets you didn’t know about yourself.
Enjoy!
posted by hilaryjade at 6:12 AM on February 23, 2020
We love riding together - we spend every weekend up on the mountain during the season. It has been an amazing bonding experience for us and gets us out of doors in the winter. Learning a new sport as an adult is such a deeply rewarding thing - it reminds you of your strengths and frailties, it teaches you about your own resilience, it surprise you with secrets you didn’t know about yourself.
Enjoy!
posted by hilaryjade at 6:12 AM on February 23, 2020
Someone upthread mentioned knee pads and padded shorts, which are very important for snowboarders. You don't need these as you are not going to be falling off skis onto your knees or tailbone.
As lots of people have said, a helmet is a great idea. Not just to prevent actual damage (unlikely on a beginner lesson!), but because a helmet can make all the difference between "lol fell over again!" and a knock to your confidence that makes it harder to carry on.
If you're going to be hanging out with experienced skiers after your lesson, then another useful thing to do is ask the instructor for advice about where to go. It's really common for beginners to get taken up somewhere "really easy" by their friends or partners after a lesson, but friends and partners usually make TERRIBLE ski instructors, they have no idea what's "really easy" for you, and they won't necessarily know how to make sure you get down safely and happily. The instructor, on the other hand, will know the local slopes and the current snow conditions, and they'll know your current level, so they should be able to tell you exactly where you should and shouldn't try to go - get them to show you on your piste map so you actually remember.
If your partner/friends are very bored skiing on green runs with you then that's the ideal time for them to learn flatland 360s or how to ski on one leg or backwards (hopefully not in traffic).
People are giving conflicting advice about poles - again this is one to ask the instructor about. There are strong opinions both ways and the only one that really matters is your instructor. The instructor knows whether you're going to encounter any long drag sections where poles would help, and the instructor knows how comfortable they are teaching beginners brandishing sticks. You don't need poles to get your skis unclipped, that can be done with the other ski, or by sitting down and reaching back, or by literally anyone else standing near you.
posted by quacks like a duck at 6:59 AM on February 23, 2020 [3 favorites]
As lots of people have said, a helmet is a great idea. Not just to prevent actual damage (unlikely on a beginner lesson!), but because a helmet can make all the difference between "lol fell over again!" and a knock to your confidence that makes it harder to carry on.
If you're going to be hanging out with experienced skiers after your lesson, then another useful thing to do is ask the instructor for advice about where to go. It's really common for beginners to get taken up somewhere "really easy" by their friends or partners after a lesson, but friends and partners usually make TERRIBLE ski instructors, they have no idea what's "really easy" for you, and they won't necessarily know how to make sure you get down safely and happily. The instructor, on the other hand, will know the local slopes and the current snow conditions, and they'll know your current level, so they should be able to tell you exactly where you should and shouldn't try to go - get them to show you on your piste map so you actually remember.
If your partner/friends are very bored skiing on green runs with you then that's the ideal time for them to learn flatland 360s or how to ski on one leg or backwards (hopefully not in traffic).
People are giving conflicting advice about poles - again this is one to ask the instructor about. There are strong opinions both ways and the only one that really matters is your instructor. The instructor knows whether you're going to encounter any long drag sections where poles would help, and the instructor knows how comfortable they are teaching beginners brandishing sticks. You don't need poles to get your skis unclipped, that can be done with the other ski, or by sitting down and reaching back, or by literally anyone else standing near you.
posted by quacks like a duck at 6:59 AM on February 23, 2020 [3 favorites]
nth what quacks like a duck says about not defaulting to your experienced friends who learned decades ago and don't understand what it feels like as an adult beginner. My friends took me on an "easy" run (I let them pressure me into it... I have learned my lesson!) and it was a nightmare. I ended up in a shallow ditch, crying to my once-friend that he should leave me there because my clothes were mostly waterproof and that I would now live on the mountainside. It took us so long to get down that my companions were unable to return their rentals to the original location and we had to drive home without their shoes. It was probably one of the more humiliating experiences of my life and I am still gathering the courage to go back 5 years later. This is a great question and makes me want to give it another (proper) go! Have a blast -- super excited for you and thanks for encouraging this n00b to give it a try again :)
posted by sums at 9:12 AM on February 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by sums at 9:12 AM on February 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
A thing that can take beginners by surprise is that what starts out as ice that is covered by snow in the morning can turn into just ice and then slush over the course of the day. Entirely different things to ski on. Your instructor will realise this makes a difference for a beginner, your companions may not.
And what is easy and manageable also depends on how tired and hungry you are. This also affects how easily you laugh off falling. It’s ok to stop if you’re feeling exhausted. Better to stop skiiing and go for a walk instead.
Finally, even on a pleasant, sunny day you can end up chilled to the bone in a chairlift. And chairlifts to higher up, more exposed slopes can be particularly bad for windchill. These slopes aren’t necessarily very difficult and can be great for learning because less people make their way up but I have vivid memories of getting off the lift with chattering teeth, jumping around to encourage blood flow and us all more or less racing down to get out of the wind chill. So make sure your gear is breathable but also wind proof etc.
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:01 AM on February 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
And what is easy and manageable also depends on how tired and hungry you are. This also affects how easily you laugh off falling. It’s ok to stop if you’re feeling exhausted. Better to stop skiiing and go for a walk instead.
Finally, even on a pleasant, sunny day you can end up chilled to the bone in a chairlift. And chairlifts to higher up, more exposed slopes can be particularly bad for windchill. These slopes aren’t necessarily very difficult and can be great for learning because less people make their way up but I have vivid memories of getting off the lift with chattering teeth, jumping around to encourage blood flow and us all more or less racing down to get out of the wind chill. So make sure your gear is breathable but also wind proof etc.
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:01 AM on February 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
1. Learning to ski to intermediate level with or without instruction will take around 10 to 20 days of snow time. Don't expect to be skiing with and keeping up with your partner in a couple of days.
2. Lots of socks, lots of underwear - as a beginner you are probably going to sweat more than an advanced skiier who has learned to let gravity do most of the work.
3. Stretching and make sure you have 50+ sunblock. When renting skis tell them you are a beginner and they will set the bindings appropriately for you.
4. Learning should be fun, but do listen to your body - ski with people who are going at your pace. One big advantage of group lessons is that you can find other beginners to ski with after the lesson is over. If you are exhausted it is OK to leave the slopes early or take a very long lunch break. Most accidents happen when people are tired.
posted by Lanark at 11:46 AM on February 23, 2020
2. Lots of socks, lots of underwear - as a beginner you are probably going to sweat more than an advanced skiier who has learned to let gravity do most of the work.
3. Stretching and make sure you have 50+ sunblock. When renting skis tell them you are a beginner and they will set the bindings appropriately for you.
4. Learning should be fun, but do listen to your body - ski with people who are going at your pace. One big advantage of group lessons is that you can find other beginners to ski with after the lesson is over. If you are exhausted it is OK to leave the slopes early or take a very long lunch break. Most accidents happen when people are tired.
posted by Lanark at 11:46 AM on February 23, 2020
By the way, many ski shops offer rentals. While I can’t speak to the experience at Big Bear, there is often a line at resort rental places, so it can be nice to skip *that* line.
posted by oceano at 12:59 PM on February 23, 2020
posted by oceano at 12:59 PM on February 23, 2020
I learned to ski when I was 28.
Definitely don't let others pressure you to do something you aren't comfortable doing especially at this early stage. If you are reasonably athletic and you enjoy skiing, you will be on blue trails well before your 10th ski day.
Don't get discouraged... everyone was at your stage once and I'd say most people, myself included, are still learning and growing in some aspect of skiing.
posted by mmascolino at 8:47 PM on February 23, 2020
Definitely don't let others pressure you to do something you aren't comfortable doing especially at this early stage. If you are reasonably athletic and you enjoy skiing, you will be on blue trails well before your 10th ski day.
Don't get discouraged... everyone was at your stage once and I'd say most people, myself included, are still learning and growing in some aspect of skiing.
posted by mmascolino at 8:47 PM on February 23, 2020
Learning to ski can be frustrating and bothersome until you get the hang of things, so perseverance is important.
While you need to dress for cold and wet, don't overdo it. You'll be exerting yourself more than you think, so if you bulk up on the clothes too much, you'll be hot as well as frustrated.
After skiing for the 1st time you'll discover muscles you never knew you had.
posted by HiroProtagonist at 5:22 PM on February 25, 2020
While you need to dress for cold and wet, don't overdo it. You'll be exerting yourself more than you think, so if you bulk up on the clothes too much, you'll be hot as well as frustrated.
After skiing for the 1st time you'll discover muscles you never knew you had.
posted by HiroProtagonist at 5:22 PM on February 25, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
3. Ski lesson will probably deal with two big concepts: 1) how to stop 2) how to turn. Chances are good that they'll teach you to use the 'snowplow' technique, where you keep the front tips of the skis closer together than the rear tips, and you keep your feet further apart than your knees. Push out and spread the skis to stop, lean on the right ski to turn left, left ski to turn right. If you can do that, and get to the top of the hill, you've had a *great* first time.
2. Dress for the weather. Assume you're going to be outdoors for a (maybe?) a few hours at a time. Gloves and something to cover your ears are a must. If you're going to ride a chair-lift, you'll be up in the breeze and there may not be much tree cover to break the wind.
1. You'll be tired when you're done, and muscles you didn't know you had will be stiff/sore the next day.
posted by Wild_Eep at 3:15 PM on February 22, 2020 [1 favorite]