 Poster: A snowHead
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I've skied before in Tignes and Chamonix, but that was ten years ago and I was a complete novice and not very confident (although I am a very confident runner, swimmer and cyclist, very fit and strong). I'm a single lady aged 45 now and would like to try skiing again - any suggestions?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Jane Esther, Welcome to Snowheads. I can't advise on skiing but lots will be along soon.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Jane Esther, it may be a broad generalization, but the women I know who are new to skiing have much more fun skiing with other women. When they reach the stage of being strong intermediates gender no longer matters, but in those first few hesitant and tense weeks, it helps to be with people who are on your wavelength.
Would that sort of thing be fun for you?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Jane Esther, Welcome to 
Is there an indoor snow dome near you? If so, get lessons ASAP, then spend plenty of time there practicing. If you hit it hard NOW, you'll be ready to go this season. You'll enjoy your time in the mountains so much more with decent technique.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I would suggest you book on a Snowheads trip as soon as you can! Get some tuition in resort. You're bound to enjoy yourslef, and I rather suspect the challenge is the greatest draw for you. Go for it!! 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Jane Esther, welcome to snowHeads. I agree with@Strax, a snowHead Bash (have a browse through the Events forum, you'll find loads of information) would be perfect. And a few prior snowdome sessions, as @AL9000 suggests, would also be good.
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+1 for a snowhead trip.
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Hello @Jane Esther, I have to agree with @diaphon, And I speak as a man!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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+2:for a snowheads bash
Picking up on @diaphon above... I definitely would not have wanted an all female group at that stage...i dont find groups of women I don't know to be on my wavelength. To me it is more about the quality of instruction and everybody being at the same l level
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holidayloverxx,
But how do you know they aren't on your wavelength if you don't know them? 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Bergmeister, i have been with all women groups for all sorts of things...they generally aren't on my wavelength when in a learning environment
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| Jane Esther wrote: |
| I've skied before in Tignes and Chamonix, but that was ten years ago and I was a complete novice and not very confident (although I am a very confident runner, swimmer and cyclist, very fit and strong). I'm a single lady aged 45 now and would like to try skiing again - any suggestions? |
Welcome.
The more time you spend on snow, the better you get.
Continuous skitime is best.
Book a 2-week vacation.
Take daily lessons for week 1.
Ski 2 days, rest 1 day. Repeat.
Doing the odd hour, day or week, here or there, will never make you (or anyone) a confident rider.
Lessons are king.
Practice is queen.
The more time you spend on snow, the better you get.
Do 2 weeks at a time.
Ideally, 2-3 times a year.
Enjoy.
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+1 for any snowHeads Bash. If you go with snowHeads, you won’t be on your own. Unless you choose it.
Re Skiing with women: are you near Hemel? They do ‘Ladies Mornings’ : https://www.thesnowcentre.com/newsevents/event-details?id=68 (But why bother? Ski with the boys. Get the attention you deserve.)
Re your being so young and apparently fit? Get stuck in! You’re ahead already! Many have started later on in life and less fit, inc. me. What have you got to lose? (Obvs. Rule 38 applies, https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=93341 so forget those expenses necessarily incurred. And the unnecessary ones too. Because you’re worth it.)
+1 on @Whitegold’s “Lessons are king. Practice is queen.” trope. I’d concentrate on the ‘Queen’ here if I were you, and not too much on the king. Lessons can point on what needs practicing, but IMO you then have to go and practice. Lots. Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, it only makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Permanently. Snowdomes are good for this and IMO not much else. The vibe/company can be v. good though. Most people there will be enthusiastic.
Go for it.
Last edited by So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much  on Sun 17-11-19 20:58; edited 2 times in total
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You know it makes sense.
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@Jane Esther, have a look at UCPA. It is perfect for anyone on their own, cheap by the standards of skiing, and provides everything you will need; accommodation, food, equipment, instruction. You are at the age limit but don't worry, there are actually lots there over 45. They cater for all standards.
Check out the Action Outdoors website.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@Jane Esther, welcome to SnowHeads.
You started as a novice in Tignes and Chamonix? In at the deep end! Those are generally quite tough places to ski.
Yes, snowdome lessons if possible. Followed by a few practice sessions in snowdome if you can.
We’re obviously biased, but really, a SnowHeads Bash which has great instruction available would be good value and should be very enjoyable.
Alternatively, there are larger tour operators, as well as smaller specialist companies, who offer certain resorts at various times of the year, geared towards learning, building skills and confidence in groups with similar people.
Choice of resort, time of year and who gives the instruction is important. You don’t need a massive area when a relative beginner.
Ingredients that help include:
- good easy beginner slopes, served by user friendly magic carpets, detachable chairlifts or gondolas
- great instruction
- not too crowded, which means careful choice of resort and time of season
- one or two good slopeside restaurants or cafes for a rest and refreshment
- a few decent blue graded slopes to progress on as you improve and want more challenge after first two or three days
- open and sunny slopes but ideally a few between trees to help visibility on less sunny days.
Where and when also affects costs a lot, if that’s important to you.
Do you have friends you could travel with, who wouldn’t take you somewhere line Chamonix? 
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Poster: A snowHead
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As a runner and cyclist, have you thought of ceoss country skiing?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Jane Esther, did you have lessons when you went previously.
Why did you stop?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I'd just like to drop the disclaimer here: none of the above posters work for snowHeads or have anything directly to gain out of promoting the bashes.
Sometimes the enthusiasm of the snowHeads for the bashes is so great, it must be hard to believe it's all genuine, but I promise you it is (which, obviously is most gratifying from my view point  )
To 'flesh out' or perhaps 'join the dots' between the recommendations for the bashes above, here is my suggestion as a 3 point approach:
- Get a lesson or 2 at a snowdome (perhaps when other snowHeads are going?). Don't take it too seriously or worry about results. The instructors don't need to be highly qualified there, so some are great, others less so. It could be really beneficial to your technique or it may just be a chance to remind your legs what skiing feels like and practice putting your ski kit on. Either way, it's worth a shot for a warm-up before you go 'for real'.
- Book onto the PSB (In Tignes n Dec). You don't have long to wait as it's in early December, and the normal uncertainty for early season skiing is covered this year as the snowcover is already great.
We have some truly top notch instructors working for us all week so you can sign up to group lessons (we have 5 different levels of group although there aren't loads of places left) to meet and ski with other snowHeads of a similar standard/pace. We're a sociable bunch so through them, you're likely to meet other snowHeads, perhaps a little more advanced who can help/encourage/stretch you a little and some a little less advance who can help you see how well you're doing, and indeed who you may be able to help/encourage/stretch. It's not that there's any responsibility, just that it's nice to help each other out where we can.
- If that all goes well, there's the potential to stretch your wings a bit at the PreBBWUW in the Italian Dolomites (end of Jan). We don't organise lessons there as the focus is very much more on social skiing, exploring and lunch. But it is the same caring, supportive group of social skiers. Of course if you really want instruction there's a local ski school so it's easy to work something out. This bash is quite a bargain, in a lovely part of the World and there's lots of mellow non-scary skiing on tree-lines pistes and nice restaurants.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@admin, +1 for those two Bashes, ideal.
(not only do we not work for SnowHeads, or directly gain, but some even pay a little bit to be abused) 
Comments on a couple of points made by earlier posters on this thread.
We’re all different, but I think gender matters far less than being in a group of early intermediates who are at a similar level to you.
My own beginner week, all those decades ago, was one of the most fun enjoyable weeks of my life. The mixed group of people who teetered, fell, encouraged, drank, helped each other up and, above all, laughed together all week, was a massive part of that.
Someone recommended two week trips. I know what they mean and have done them myself. My own view is that, as an early intermediate, 2 weeks is too much. Unless time, money and energy are very plentiful.
At this stage, a week at a time is enough.
Some of us turn up before a Bash officially starts and add an extra day skiing. Or leave a day or two later. Usually cheaper flights that way. 7 or 8 days skiing in one go is enough at this stage IMO. 12 consecutive too much and taking full rest days off on ski holidays always felt like a crime to me.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Jane Esther, what specific suggestions are you looking for?
How to find ski buddies?
How to be more confident on skis?
Where to go on holiday?
How best to improve technique?
You touched on various themes but if you were more specific on what you are looking for - then the answer of "go on a bash" may not be the most appropriate.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Ray Zorro,
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the answer of "go on a bash" may not be the most appropriate.
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Personally I don't think that answer is ever inappropriate. Sure I'm biased, but my reasons are the broad spread of Bashes which are available, and the fabulous and relatively cheap instruction which is on offer at some of them.
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@Hurtle,
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but my reasons are the broad spread of Bashes which are available, and the fabulous and relatively cheap instruction which is on offer at some of them.
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Bashes are rarely inappropriate IMO
But I think @Ray Zorro, makes a fair point. Until the OP is a little more specific about what they're looking for, what constraints they have, who knows what might be appropriate?
Might be something as simple as 'I can only go the middle of January and/or mid March because of x, y, or z'. Then a Bash wouldn't be appropriate. Unless it was a 'Make your own snowHeads Bash' anyway.
So you're both kind of right IMO.
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@Jane Esther,
You're probably too late trying to organise travel to the Snowheads Pre Season Bash on the 8th of December. I believe their main Bash is fully booked.
I've never used them myself but "Singlesport Ski" have ski holidays for "singles".
Someone has suggested "Action Outdoors" who use UCPA (hostel style accommodation in France). These are a bit basic I believe, dorm accommodation.
I've just checked the Ski Club of GB website and their "Novice" level ski holiday is fully booked.
As a solo traveller it is difficult finding single rooms or someone to share with.
Neilsons may have ski holidays for solo travellers.
Mark Warner used to allow you to book a bed in a twin bedded room with someone of the "same sex".
On Chalet or Chalet Hotel holidays you will mix with other guests especially at meal times and they are a good way to socialise off the ski slopes. You'll need to book ski lessons and you will then meet others to socialise with on the ski slopes.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| welshflyer wrote: |
@Jane Esther,
You're probably too late trying to organise travel to the Snowheads Pre Season Bash on the 8th of December. I believe their main Bash is fully booked. |
That's untrue. Why would you say that?
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I'd just like to drop the disclaimer here: none of the above posters work for snowHeads or have anything directly to gain out of promoting the bashes.
Sometimes the enthusiasm of the snowHeads for the bashes is so great, it must be hard to believe it's all genuine, but I promise you it is (which, obviously is most gratifying from my view point )
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@admin, your disciples are more loyal than Spyderjons even!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Ah yes, brother Spyderjon, himself a true believer in the cult of the snow and a worthy founder of his own, more sharply edged cult.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Jane Esther, Welcome to SH - never been on a bash, not enough annual leave left after the trips we do, but hear good things from those who do..... give them a go would be my suggestion.
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You know it makes sense.
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| admin wrote: |
| welshflyer wrote: |
@Jane Esther,
You're probably too late trying to organise travel to the Snowheads Pre Season Bash on the 8th of December. I believe their main Bash is fully booked. |
That's untrue. Why would you say that? |
What's the "main Bash" anyway?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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No sign of the OP returning as yet. Maybe she's been scared off by the enthusiastic response.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@sugarmoma666, Nicely put!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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The last time she accessed snowHeads was when OP was posted so no she hasn't been scared off, because none of the replies have been read... yet.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Jane Esther wrote: |
| I've skied before in Tignes and Chamonix, but that was ten years ago and I was a complete novice and not very confident (although I am a very confident runner, swimmer and cyclist, very fit and strong). I'm a single lady aged 45 now and would like to try skiing again - any suggestions? |
Hi Jane
I have a ski trip booked in Val d'Isere Sunday 12th - Sunday 19th April.
We are a family & friends group of 10. Mixed ability skiiers from beginner to advanced. Our 11th person has now dropped out and the place is already booked.
Single room available (No supplement) Fully catered chalet in Val d'Isere centre. Cost £765 including return flights and resort transfers from Gatwick Airport.
3 female non-skiers. 7 skiers. My 17 year old daughter is only just past beginner stage. You are welcome to join us and we will help you improve your skiing.
My name is Robert. Here is the link to our chalet.
http://www.yseski.co.uk/our-chalets/les-chardons/
Let me know please ASAP as we need to fill the place
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| welshflyer wrote: |
@Jane Esther,
I've never used them myself but "Singlesport Ski" have ski holidays for "singles".
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I have used Singlesport. Never again.*
Another vote for the Bashes. 
*@admin, stop laughing, it's really not that funny.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@dataman156,
"Fully catered chalet" - Don't forget you have to eat out on 1 or 2 evenings!
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