Learning to Ski...

[royalfan5]

So after years of not taking a vacation, I've decided I am going to take one this year. I've also decided that I've want to try out skiing. Where would be a good place to go for your first ski trip, and what else should I consider before strapping the skis to my feet?

 

[Roger Wilco]

Where would be a good place to go for your first ski trip,

Somewhere not too steep.

and what else should I consider before strapping the skis to my feet?

It's harder than it looks.

 

[Balrog]

and what else should I consider before strapping the skis to my feet?

Sanity?

Pizza, French Fries, Pizza, French Fries

"Swish, swish, swish" is good. "Swish, swish, BANG! hit a tree" is bad.

 

[Pingfah]

and what else should I consider before strapping the skis to my feet?

Consider changing them for a snowboard. IMO, snowboarding is much easier to pick up quickly if you are looking to maximise the amount of fun you can have in a limited amount of time.

 

[marillion]

Ok royalfan5...

Ironically, I'm originally from Lincoln and was too, a Royals fan when I was a kid..

I learned to ski in Colorado one winter when my dad had the chance to rent a condo in Vail for a week, thanks to a client... It was an amazing experience and one that really helped when I went skiing after moving to New Mexico..

Two schools of thought at play here..

1. Learn at a ski area where it's REALLY challenging and then the more moderate mountains will be much easier in comparison.

2. Learn on a mountain that poses far fewer challenges and work your way up... I would go with number 1, especially since you're in Nebraska and likely won't have much of chance to ski on a real mountain on a consistant basis..

True, you could hop the border and try your luck over at Mt. Crescent, and that might be fun if you're just planning fun day, but I'd stick to a real mountain.

Above all else, take lessons.. Don't let a buddy tell you that he can teach you how to ski.. "It's EASY!!"... I've been skiing since I was 8 and failed miserably when I tried to teach my wife a few years ago.

All these suggestions hold true if you plan to persue the lesser sport of snowboarding as well..

On edit.. Don't let anyone tell you it's ok to just keep snowplowing... You'll understand when you see it..

And NO NO NO, the sled slides at Pioneer Park do NOT count as a ski slope!!! Do those slides still exist? I haven't been down them since 1981... Damn.. Now I need a Runza...

 

[Rhaven]

Takes lessons and start on the lesser slopes. Also, rent your gear at first. You might find that you hate it.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Takes lessons and start on the lesser slopes. Also, rent your gear at first. You might find that you hate it.

Renting is always the better option. Only buy boots if you must.

 

[royalfan5]

Ok royalfan5...



And NO NO NO, the sled slides at Pioneer Park do NOT count as a ski slope!!! Do those slides still exist? I haven't been down them since 1981... Damn.. Now I need a Runza...

As far as I know they are still there, but I usually only head out that way to play the Pioneer Golf Course. I do live next to a Runza, so I got that going for me.

 

[marillion]

^^ Damn you! Damn you!

My late mom used to make amazing runzas (a god-send since you can't get them here in New Mexico)...

 

[Gaith]

what else should I consider before strapping the skis to my feet?

Aim to hit the ground, and miss.

Until/if I ever give hangliding or kiteboarding a try, a good downhill ski is the closest I'll ever come to being able to fly.

 

[Davros]

Keep turning, zig zag down the mountain or speed may increase beyond what you desire.