 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello,
live on Jersey and I'm going over to the mainland in March. While I'm there I'm going to try and book a session on the dry/snow slopes to see how it feels etc...Good idea?
From there Im hoping to be keen to then book a holiday where I can try it out and explore the experiences that a skiing holiday has to offer.
I would really appreciate any advice.
Many thanks 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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First of all, welcome.
Always a good idea to get a bit of practice before a main trip.
And a dry slope is one way to do it.
But based on personal experience (and therefore a personal viewpoint) skiing on real snow is much better than a dry slope.
Where on the mainland are you going? UK or mainland Europe?
Is there an indoor snow slope you could visit - with actual snow
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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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| JHS wrote: |
First of all, welcome.
Always a good idea to get a bit of practice before a main trip.
And a dry slope is one way to do it.
But based on personal experience (and therefore a personal viewpoint) skiing on real snow is much better than a dry slope.
Where on the mainland are you going? UK or mainland Europe?
Is there an indoor snow slope you could visit - with actual snow |
Totally agree with this.
A poor experience on Plastic is not an indication that you will have a poor experience on snow.
If possible, go to a Snowdome.
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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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@Kebabski74, welcome to Snowheads.
While there are fewer dry ski slopes in mainland Britain than there used to be, there are now the indoor slopes with artificial snow, so you have various opportunities. I think most people would agree that it helps to have learned the basics before you hit the real outdoor snow in the Alps.
Others here are qualified instructors, but I would suggest that if you simply learn the basics of getting down a slope under control using the beginner technique of "snow plough" it will help you progess on holiday. And you will have got over one of the initial mysteries of skiing, putting on ski boots and skis!
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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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Thanks. I'll be going to Northamptonshire and I'm hoping to visit the Snowdome in Milton Keynes. They have artificial snow.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Kebabski74, welcome to Snowheads if you do a search it will bring up both MK and Hemel slopes. Hemel slope have a good website with prices available. Snowheads use both slopes, my preference is Hemel but find it too busy at this time of year but great when a bit quieter. 
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If you are a fairly sporty person, and you don't mind the cold (solution there - dress properly), you should love it.
Most of us also love the wonder of the great outdoors and the huge mountains with their views, which is a big plus that you won't get in a snowdome. When I first went at age 16, after growing up in London, my thoughts were "hey those are BIG".
Be aware it is something most people don't pick up in a few hours, most need a few days to get into it, so don't be frustrated if you can't ski after 3 hours. And warm up and stretch before the first lesson, as likely your limbs will be asked/forced to go in directions they are not used to! Though my wife and sister grew up ice skating, and for them it was pretty easy.
Have fun!
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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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I'd always push someone in your position towards a snow dome. One thing about learning to ski is that you will fall and on snow you quickly discover that it really doesn't hurt that much so worry less about it happening. Dry slopes tend to be a little less forgiving.
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@Kebabski74, go for it. Book some beginner lessons at MK dome (do it in advance as theyll be busy at this time of year). Get as many as you can but even only one session will give you a head start in the mountains.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Kebabski74, and don't underestimate importance of being fit as many beginners do.
You will find it more difficult, tiring and frankly not fun if you don't have a decent level of fitness. So ideally get to the gym as well as a snowdome, it makes it a lot easier and you have a chance of getting good technique and surviving a week of ski lessons.
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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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@Kebabski74, learning a bit before you go is a great idea. As you're in Northamptonshire when you're over here, then MK makes total sense. If you can find the time to book on to one their "learn to ski in a day" type packages, then that'll give you a great start.
I teach on a dry slope, and would agree it's maybe slightly more difficult than on snow, but you're learning the same techniques.
On Sunday I had a 1hr private lesson with 2 x young 20's girls. One had skied before 8 years ago, one was a complete beginner. By the end of the hour they were using the drag lift to our first level, coming down in a controlled snowplough, and starting to turn. (The one that had been 8 years ago was turning quite nicely as she had the prior experience).
You can learn a decent amount in a short space of time, but at the same time, i've taught people on a learn to ski in a day course that are struggling to make any meaningful turns after a full day of it.
Even if you learn how to put the boots and skis on, and start getting used to the sensation of sliding, then you'll appreciate it when you do get out to the mountains.
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My sons friends did 2 one-day courses i. Milton Keynes and we’re skiing blues and reds on their first holiday
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