 Poster: A snowHead
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I did a Warren Smith Course a few years back in Verbier, my first lessons since being a total beginner 20 years earlier, and it was superb
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| KSH wrote: |
@sarahklt,
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the Inside Out season opener last season and he found it brilliant (went back this December too) but said I would NOT have coped....that said, I think they do a week in Baquiera that is more 'intermediate'
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Baqueira has, very sadly, been pulled. I did it last year and it was a mixed group, but tending towards early advanced. IOS 'levels' are very clearly drafted and each holiday blurb will show which levels will be catered for.
I too think that Rob (our rob@rar) is a peerless instructor and find it very sad that all IOS courses are now in France where he can't teach. He is a huge loss to the 'Out' component of the enterprise, imho. |
I was really hoping to do that next year and was sad it was pulled
I am now booked onto their season Opener. First time doing something like this, hugely looking forward to it
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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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One reason I chose Ski Goddess when I was looking was that they do courses for all levels out in the alps. I tried to convince myself I'd be ok on an Inside Out course but in the end I'm probably more level 6, and the courses in the alps are all level 7 and above.
It's quite difficult to find courses if you're scared/a bit slow or lacking in confidence. It's all 'I ski fast and can ski blacks and do a bit of off piste'. Something more gentle appealed. 
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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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It's quite difficult to find courses if you're scared/a bit slow or lacking in confidence
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I think that's true - maybe then one-to-one lessons are better. When I've done courses I wasn't scared. I didn't "lack confidence" either - though I was pretty realistic in appraising my own competence and being aware of its limitations. I've never enjoyed being pushed out of my "comfort zone" and would tend to be conservative in choosing what runs to ski in different conditions. I've much enjoyed the "group" nature of courses - watching and learning from others and sociable times watching the videos, and finding you're not the only one still A-framing, or whatever. On the courses I've done the atmosphere has always been mutually supportive and encouraging, which adds greatly to the enjoyment.
NOW though, I'd be "scared" to do a ski course (or a lesson, come to that) because as my physical strength wanes I am rapidly losing confidence. And I can just envisage how I'd feel now at the top of a straightforward run I know well and have skied loads of times. I wouldn't be feeling good. And that feeling would, I think, get in the way of my gaining much value from a lesson - it's an inner constraint, isn't it? A barrier?
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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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@Origen, exactly that - a head barrier.
I reckon though that private lessons are great if you aren't feeling good. I take as many 1 to 1 lessons as I can afford, both to improve but also to avoid holding other people up due to the lack of confidence - basically it's me paying for any time spent having a wobble!
A course when you're with people who have similar wobbles is also great - you can share the pain, or even realize you're better than you think! 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@KSH, funny what we tell ourselves isn't it. I'm always a bit irritated that skiing is meant to be fun, but my head tries to tell me too slow, not good enough, worst/slowest skier on the hill... kind of spoils it!
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@ElzP, absolutely!
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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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@KSH, You are always in front of me!
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It's tricky, with "head barriers". I wouldn't say I'd suffered from "head barriers" in the past, and I never thought I was hopeless, and the worst skier on the hill, or any of that. I had a pretty good grasp of my abilities, and of the enjoyment and satisfaction to be head from improving them with lessons. When I did my most stretching course, which ended with skiing La Grave, the weakest member of the group had already dropped out - leaving me without doubt the weakest, the oldest and the only woman (well, except for Charlotte, who hardly enters into those other categories!!). But I got down, and was very grateful that a stronger skier stayed behind me, without crowding or rushing me in any way. But now, it's different. If I was at the top of a familiar, easy, slope now, I STILL wouldn't think I was the worst or slowest skier on the hill - I'd know perfectly well I'm not. But I would now be aware - and in a pretty realistic way, I'd say, that my physical strength and competence (particularly balance, and getting up off the floor!) is poor. I'd "get down" the slope OK - but I'd not enjoy it the way I used to. So my "confidence" is not what it was, but it's entirely realistic to be unconfident, not a "head barrier" as much as a sensible evolution! I've come across some friends and relatives whose "head barriers" were NOT realistic or sensible but nonetheless extremely real, and very debilitating. Sometimes the secret is to know when it's OK to decide that skiing (or whatever) is going to give you more anxiety than joy. It's definitely not "fun" for everyone. I haven't ridden my (electric!) bike much for months and I think that might be the next thing I "give up"! My sister dislikes cycling and was very cross when her OH bought her a (very nice) bike for Christmas. She was less cross when he "bought her" a vacuum cleaner.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Origen, it must be satisfying to be able to justify what might ostensibly seem like negative feelings. You often evince that ability. Lucky you.
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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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| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @KSH, You are always in front of me! |
That's not true when the going gets tough! I have distinct memories of you shooting past me when I'm thinking 'now what?!'
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You know it makes sense.
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It's funny, I call them my "head demons". Mainly due to knew problems, I ruptured and ACL while skiing, caused further damage playing hockey.
Periodically I suddenly get my head demons tell my I am going to crash and fall and wreck my knees again. When I get like that my skiing technique becomes awful and more like to cause just that injury.
Periodic lessons are my counter and help me no end.
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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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WSSA do a Weekend Academy which would be quite good for you
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Poster: A snowHead
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I’m just learning at 48 so I’m definitely not a young learner. Thankfully I’m fit, and do intense reformer Pilates twice a week as well as lots of hill walking so at least I’m not worried about my fitness and my core and balance are good. I don’t think it’s ever too late to learn new things and I’m sure I can be good at this, but I’d definitely like to feel less out of control. I think my main problem has been that my kids have both had a week of intensive lessons on a school trip and are both totally fearless and have taken to skiing very quickly. And my husband has boarded for 25 years. So like some of the people above, I’m very conscious of keeping them all waiting and I never really get the chance to practice at a speed I’d like to. Or otherwise I end up dumping the kids on my husband all holiday which isn’t very restful for him as I’m just not ready to take them down the red runs they want to go on or into the snow park. I think I just need a bit of time away from them all to learn without feeling that pressure and then I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’d love to then be able to all ski together next holiday.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Flipjango wrote: |
| I’d love to then be able to all ski together next holiday. |
You also need to go somewhere less crowded, in half term Italy or Austria or Scandinavia would be better options than France, and make sure you get a set of morning lessons (either group or private) booked up to get your technique on proper snow sorted out and then practice what you've learned en family in the afternoon.
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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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| Flipjango wrote: |
@nickyj @skimottaret I afraid have to respectfully but wholeheartedly disagree with you there. Most of my learning has actually been done at Hemel snowdome -beginners course, then private lessons, the stage 5 and 6 courses, plus some lessons at moving mountains on the magic carpet. I sailed through it all, and was flying down the slope doing pretty decent parallel turns. But I’m finding it just doesn’t translate at all well to the real world. At Hemel the slope is always the same, completely predictable and relatively very small and shallow. And my perfect technique is super technical but there’s so much in my head- do this, do that… but in the real world I suddenly have ice and slush and moguls being carved by the end of the day and bad light and I can fall off the edge of the slope, there are ski schools and new snowboarders taking up the entire narrow run so I can’t pass them, or I’m suddenly going so fast on a long blue run that my immediate instinct Is to revert to snowplough to slow down or it’s so much steeper than I’m used to and I immediately lean back rather than forward because I’m scared. I need lessons in a real world ski resort. The last thing I need is more indoor lessons to perfect technique and keep me in my head.
The ski goddess course sounds perfect for me. A chance to meet other women who are learning and probably lots of fun too! |
If you’re skiing parallel in the frig but having trouble snowploughing on the real mountain, sounds like you may need some coaching on “tactics”: how to apply your technique to different situations. A couple of one-on-one with a good instructor with that express purpose on a real mountain could make a huge difference.
| Flipjango wrote: |
| But I really don’t want to go away on my own to sit in a miserable hotel room on my own to do group lessons for 2 hours a day. I’d much rather be part of a group. |
You do need to be doing some practice “at your own speed”. Say, for the next 2 hours following the lessons? Or for the rest of the day! So you’ll only be “on your own” in whatever hours left of the day. 
In short, Ski Goddess or the like would certainly be ideal. But if you can’t get onto one for whatever reason, there’re other ways to get past your current block. The format of the courses/instructions isn’t as important as the quality of the instructor. The snowhead bash mentioned earlier would work just as well. Plus you’ll have company the rest of the day hanging out with the snowheads. 
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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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| KSH wrote: |
@sarahklt,
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the Inside Out season opener last season and he found it brilliant (went back this December too) but said I would NOT have coped....that said, I think they do a week in Baquiera that is more 'intermediate'
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Baqueira has, very sadly, been pulled. I did it last year and it was a mixed group, but tending towards early advanced. IOS 'levels' are very clearly drafted and each holiday blurb will show which levels will be catered for.
I too think that Rob (our rob@rar) is a peerless instructor and find it very sad that all IOS courses are now in France where he can't teach. He is a huge loss to the 'Out' component of the enterprise, imho. |
We relunctanly had to pause our trips to Baquieria for this season but will hopefully be returning in the future. Great resort and very well suited to intermediate and above level skiers, and we might look into a more self catered apartment based trip in future given the amount of quality restaurants and tapas bars .....
Sadly Brexit put the kibosh on us running trips to most of our previous EU destinations but there is always Japan and Meribel isn't too shabby.. 
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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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@skimottaret, I hope so, liked the look of it, and like sound of self watering facilities as well, though the idea of not cooking every day jn December is going to make a VERY nice change
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I would love a course in Baqueira! Will probably be there for the first time in early March.
For the comments on confidence, I see more head demons after age 50 (“you haven’t had problems up to now so it’s a near certainty this time…”), and so the last briefings for my private instructors were “I don’t want to be scared”. Improvements on steeps, bumps, small jumps, narrow tracks… just please not perfecting my carving on piste, which some seemed to insist on! The one in Canada was the best, identifying that my parallel stops could be improved; he did that and my confidence and control on steeps was SO much better.
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Ski Definition offer improver courses at various resorts. Courses are run for 3 levels of skier, blue run, red run or black run level. Might be something there to suit.
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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 think you mean Warren Smith
Yes, they have a minimum level of being able to ski parallel on a blue run. But once you're at that level, you will learn and improve a lot on one of their courses.
Interestingly I've just seen that Warren Smith have launched a new ski school called Synergy this season that does private lessons and says it accepts all levels of skiers.
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I guess that the needs of somebody who is probably not at all bad technically, and has been conscientious about lessons, but who has "head problems" of anxiety and lack of confidence are quite different from those of a confidently self-taught skier who can "get down" anything without endangering themselves or others and not scared of weather, or "edges", or anything else but aware that their technique is rubbish and they are succeeding through sheer courage and strong legs.
The same course might not suit both?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| abc wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
@nickyj @skimottaret I afraid have to respectfully but wholeheartedly disagree with you there. Most of my learning has actually been done at Hemel snowdome -beginners course, then private lessons, the stage 5 and 6 courses, plus some lessons at moving mountains on the magic carpet. I sailed through it all, and was flying down the slope doing pretty decent parallel turns. But I’m finding it just doesn’t translate at all well to the real world. At Hemel the slope is always the same, completely predictable and relatively very small and shallow. And my perfect technique is super technical but there’s so much in my head- do this, do that… but in the real world I suddenly have ice and slush and moguls being carved by the end of the day and bad light and I can fall off the edge of the slope, there are ski schools and new snowboarders taking up the entire narrow run so I can’t pass them, or I’m suddenly going so fast on a long blue run that my immediate instinct Is to revert to snowplough to slow down or it’s so much steeper than I’m used to and I immediately lean back rather than forward because I’m scared. I need lessons in a real world ski resort. The last thing I need is more indoor lessons to perfect technique and keep me in my head.
The ski goddess course sounds perfect for me. A chance to meet other women who are learning and probably lots of fun too! |
If you’re skiing parallel in the frig but having trouble snowploughing on the real mountain, sounds like you may need some coaching on “tactics”: how to apply your technique to different situations. A couple of one-on-one with a good instructor with that express purpose on a real mountain could make a huge difference.
| Flipjango wrote: |
| But I really don’t want to go away on my own to sit in a miserable hotel room on my own to do group lessons for 2 hours a day. I’d much rather be part of a group. |
You do need to be doing some practice “at your own speed”. Say, for the next 2 hours following the lessons? Or for the rest of the day! So you’ll only be “on your own” in whatever hours left of the day.
In short, Ski Goddess or the like would certainly be ideal. But if you can’t get onto one for whatever reason, there’re other ways to get past your current block. The format of the courses/instructions isn’t as important as the quality of the instructor. The snowhead bash mentioned earlier would work just as well. Plus you’ll have company the rest of the day hanging out with the snowheads. |
Not looking good for ski goddess. The only course at my level this year I can't make the dates and doesn't look like they do one early in the season.
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely on your own, and a bit of a chat during lessons, but I'd really quite a quiet person and don't mind being on my own on the slopes, and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, its all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present.
Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel.
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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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| Flipjango wrote: |
| abc wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
@nickyj @skimottaret I afraid have to respectfully but wholeheartedly disagree with you there. Most of my learning has actually been done at Hemel snowdome -beginners course, then private lessons, the stage 5 and 6 courses, plus some lessons at moving mountains on the magic carpet. I sailed through it all, and was flying down the slope doing pretty decent parallel turns. But I’m finding it just doesn’t translate at all well to the real world. At Hemel the slope is always the same, completely predictable and relatively very small and shallow. And my perfect technique is super technical but there’s so much in my head- do this, do that… but in the real world I suddenly have ice and slush and moguls being carved by the end of the day and bad light and I can fall off the edge of the slope, there are ski schools and new snowboarders taking up the entire narrow run so I can’t pass them, or I’m suddenly going so fast on a long blue run that my immediate instinct Is to revert to snowplough to slow down or it’s so much steeper than I’m used to and I immediately lean back rather than forward because I’m scared. I need lessons in a real world ski resort. The last thing I need is more indoor lessons to perfect technique and keep me in my head.
The ski goddess course sounds perfect for me. A chance to meet other women who are learning and probably lots of fun too! |
If you’re skiing parallel in the frig but having trouble snowploughing on the real mountain, sounds like you may need some coaching on “tactics”: how to apply your technique to different situations. A couple of one-on-one with a good instructor with that express purpose on a real mountain could make a huge difference.
| Flipjango wrote: |
| But I really don’t want to go away on my own to sit in a miserable hotel room on my own to do group lessons for 2 hours a day. I’d much rather be part of a group. |
You do need to be doing some practice “at your own speed”. Say, for the next 2 hours following the lessons? Or for the rest of the day! So you’ll only be “on your own” in whatever hours left of the day.
In short, Ski Goddess or the like would certainly be ideal. But if you can’t get onto one for whatever reason, there’re other ways to get past your current block. The format of the courses/instructions isn’t as important as the quality of the instructor. The snowhead bash mentioned earlier would work just as well. Plus you’ll have company the rest of the day hanging out with the snowheads. |
Not looking good for ski goddess. The only course at my level this year I can't make the dates and doesn't look like they do one early in the season.
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely eating on your own, and a bit of a chat here and there, but I'm really quite a quiet person and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, its all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present.
Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel. |
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The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest
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I don't have a lot of experience of bashes (done three) but it really is possible to decide for yourself how sociable or otherwise you want to be. But yes, can understand that a week might be too long to manage and you need something a bit more focussed and concentrated on your learning. Hope you find something suitable.
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You know it makes sense.
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@Flipjango, not sure what your exact level would be but there was an Aphrodite silver tune-up course before Christmas this year which might suit if you're skiing blues?
Either way, if you've not had a phone convo with Katie, do - she may have an early season possibility for next year that's not advertised yet. 
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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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| ElzP wrote: |
@Flipjango, not sure what your exact level would be but there was an Aphrodite silver tune-up course before Christmas this year which might suit if you're skiing blues?
Either way, if you've not had a phone convo with Katie, do - she may have an early season possibility for next year that's not advertised yet. |
I think I'm probably aphrodite bronze really. I can parallel on greens, blues (at least the ones I tried) I was solidly not parallel!
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Flipjango wrote: |
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely on your own, and a bit of a chat during lessons, but I'd really quite a quiet person and don't mind being on my own on the slopes, and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, it’s all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present. |
I’ve not done the early season bash, so I don’t know if the setup is different from the other bashes. The ones I’ve been to, there’s usually a button for “I’ll be in the neighborhood”. Basically, you’re not taking advantage of the lodging or lift pass group deals. But you can still pop over for some socialization. Ski with the group for half a day, or ski on your own and join the apres drink. All in all, it’s pretty flexible. (Not sure about meals, as it maybe included in the lodging so adding to it may not work as well)
Perhaps a private message to admin to clear things up a bit? Especially on the instruction side of things.
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| Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel. |
When you say “solo travel”, it’s just the single supplement of lodging, isn’t it? (Flights and ground transfer are usually per head so solo or not, the cost would be the same) If it’s just for a long weekend, I shouldn’t think it would be ruinous financially. Especially since you’re looking past the half term crunch period, lodging price may start to come down too.
You just need to ask for a recommendation of a good instructor to do a couple of privates. Given what you said your level and issues, I think a really good instructor could easily get your past the block in just a couple of 2-hr lessons. Which incidentally may lead you back to the early season bash. For the instructors in the snowhead bashes are usually top notch ones!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| abc wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely on your own, and a bit of a chat during lessons, but I'd really quite a quiet person and don't mind being on my own on the slopes, and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, it’s all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present. |
I’ve not done the early season bash, so I don’t know if the setup is different from the other bashes. The ones I’ve been to, there’s usually a button for “I’ll be in the neighborhood”. Basically, you’re not taking advantage of the lodging or lift pass group deals. But you can still pop over for some socialization. Ski with the group for half a day, or ski on your own and join the apres drink. All in all, it’s pretty flexible. (Not sure about meals, as it maybe included in the lodging so adding to it may not work as well)
Perhaps a private message to admin to clear things up a bit? Especially on the instruction side of things.
| Quote: |
| Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel. |
When you say “solo travel”, it’s just the single supplement of lodging, isn’t it? (Flights and ground transfer are usually per head so solo or not, the cost would be the same) If it’s just for a long weekend, I shouldn’t think it would be ruinous financially. Especially since you’re looking past the half term crunch period, lodging price may start to come down too.
You just need to ask for a recommendation of a good instructor to do a couple of privates. Given what you said your level and issues, I think a really good instructor could easily get your past the block in just a couple of 2-hr lessons. Which incidentally may lead you back to the early season bash. For the instructors in the snowhead bashes are usually top notch ones! |
I'm really not up for the bash, sorry. It's just not my cup of tea. A small supportive and quiet group is all I could cope with. I'm not into bars and small talk and the idea of walking into a large group of strangers literally leaves me in a cold sweat.
I think it's the lessons that would be ruinous to go for a weekend on my own. To make it worth my while I'd be wanting as a minimum to do 2 hours of lessons a day for 4 days. I don't think a couple of hours on 2 days is enough to make it worth bothering - if I was only doing that much, I may as well just wait for the next family holiday. The cheapest I can find is about £70 an hour so i'd be looking at around £500 for lessons to do it privately. As far as I can see, there are no ski schools that offer weekend courses so I could join a group.
On top of that, in order to be efficient, I'd probably need to hire a car to get from airport to resort efficiently as I'd have very little time. I don't want to be hanging around the airport for hours waiting for a group transfer. I'd need to fly in first thing friday, ideally somewhere with a reasonably short transfer, lessons that afternoon then the next three mornings, then fly home Monday evening really. I'd have to be super efficient.
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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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@Flipjango, as I suggested above, I would highly recommend going at Easter and then booking yourself into group lessons. You won't have the same challenges finding instructions as at February. But still book early
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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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We can’t ski at Easter next year as we’re going to Costa Rica. It’ll have to be feb or Christmas.
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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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@Flipjango, Christmas is better than Feb.
We went to Wagrain Christmas just gone and although found bits of the region and certain runs particularly busy but wasn't too bad.
That's our first Christmas.
Found Italy and Sweden better for half term than other places.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Flipjango wrote: |
| abc wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely on your own, and a bit of a chat during lessons, but I'd really quite a quiet person and don't mind being on my own on the slopes, and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, it’s all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present. |
I’ve not done the early season bash, so I don’t know if the setup is different from the other bashes. The ones I’ve been to, there’s usually a button for “I’ll be in the neighborhood”. Basically, you’re not taking advantage of the lodging or lift pass group deals. But you can still pop over for some socialization. Ski with the group for half a day, or ski on your own and join the apres drink. All in all, it’s pretty flexible. (Not sure about meals, as it maybe included in the lodging so adding to it may not work as well)
Perhaps a private message to admin to clear things up a bit? Especially on the instruction side of things.
| Quote: |
| Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel. |
When you say “solo travel”, it’s just the single supplement of lodging, isn’t it? (Flights and ground transfer are usually per head so solo or not, the cost would be the same) If it’s just for a long weekend, I shouldn’t think it would be ruinous financially. Especially since you’re looking past the half term crunch period, lodging price may start to come down too.
You just need to ask for a recommendation of a good instructor to do a couple of privates. Given what you said your level and issues, I think a really good instructor could easily get your past the block in just a couple of 2-hr lessons. Which incidentally may lead you back to the early season bash. For the instructors in the snowhead bashes are usually top notch ones! |
I'm really not up for the bash, sorry. It's just not my cup of tea. A small supportive and quiet group is all I could cope with. I'm not into bars and small talk and the idea of walking into a large group of strangers literally leaves me in a cold sweat.
I think it's the lessons that would be ruinous to go for a weekend on my own. To make it worth my while I'd be wanting as a minimum to do 2 hours of lessons a day for 4 days. I don't think a couple of hours on 2 days is enough to make it worth bothering - if I was only doing that much, I may as well just wait for the next family holiday. The cheapest I can find is about £70 an hour so i'd be looking at around £500 for lessons to do it privately. As far as I can see, there are no ski schools that offer weekend courses so I could join a group.
On top of that, in order to be efficient, I'd probably need to hire a car to get from airport to resort efficiently as I'd have very little time. I don't want to be hanging around the airport for hours waiting for a group transfer. I'd need to fly in first thing friday, ideally somewhere with a reasonably short transfer, lessons that afternoon then the next three mornings, then fly home Monday evening really. I'd have to be super efficient. |
I know what you mean. I know many people including close family who’d loath the meeting up, drinks, how are you’s, hubbub.
Warren Smith run 2 day weekend courses, no socialising. I realise that doesn’t tick your boxes exactly.
I’m looking into a full week with them next season in Verbier. Open minded about airports, trains, taxi transfers, hotel or a small flat. Research in its early stages.
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@Flipjango, when I first started to learn to ski (at 41), I started with 6 hours of sessions in the local fridge, then a week of group lessons with ESF at a resort. The latter was not a great experience, so after that, I would book a private instructor from one of the better ski schools (e.g. New Generation) for 2-3 hours one-to-one normally on the second day of a trip, and sometimes a follow-up session later in the week. That was enough instructor input to give me more than enough to work on for the whole of the week.
With one-to-one instruction, they very quickly identify the points you need to focus on, and are also usually very good at picking slopes with the right level of challenge for your confidence and ability.
As most of my friends who I went on ski trips with at the time had been skiing for many years and were lots better than me, I also used to spend a lot of time skiing around on my own and just meeting up with them for lunch etc, so that I could practice without feeling pressured (and also not stress about holding them up). I also went on a few trips on my own, just so that I could get more mileage in.
Once I was good enough for the entry level intermediate group coaching weeks I started doing those.
Sixteen years later, I am now a lot better than most of my old skiing friends!
You have to find a way of putting in the days on the slopes though if you want to improve. At least a couple of weeks a year really.
I've only been on one Snowheads bash so far, but if you can get on one with the instruction option, I'd highly recommend it. I did the PiPAU last December and the instructor we had was absolutely first class. As others have said, you can opt to be as social (or anti-social) as you want, and people are very friendly, so there's no need to feel intimidated. You don't have to room share if you don't want to, and on the pre-season bashes there was also the option of self-catering rather than joining the mass dining each evening. I don't really drink much and don't tend to stay up late either, but still felt that I fitted in and had a really fun week.
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@Flipjango, I just thought of a possibility that might work, the private tuition would still be expensive but then it will be whatever option, the intensive courses aren't cheap!
If you can fly to Salzburg how's about train to Radstadt (1.30 hrs) and stay at Haus Susanne for a long weekend, the bnb is run by a pair of snowheads and means you have a few friendly faces in the evening (think they can also provide dinner). Very reasonable price and a calm place to stay. Then book private lessons with another snowhead - redandwhiteflachau, has a reputation for being great with more cautious skiers. If you go mid December it'll be nice and quiet and that'd set you up for a Christmas trip with your family!
If no courses, could be a good compromise?
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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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| Snow&skifan wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
| abc wrote: |
| Flipjango wrote: |
The bash just sounds a little TOO social for me to be honest. I like the idea of sharing a meal with others as its a bit lonely on your own, and a bit of a chat during lessons, but I'd really quite a quiet person and don't mind being on my own on the slopes, and as I don't really drink the rest of the socialising just leaves me feeling a bit scared. I just think I'd find the whole thing overwhelming. Anyway, it’s all a bit long for me - don't think there's a chance I could get a whole week away from family responsibilities at present. |
I’ve not done the early season bash, so I don’t know if the setup is different from the other bashes. The ones I’ve been to, there’s usually a button for “I’ll be in the neighborhood”. Basically, you’re not taking advantage of the lodging or lift pass group deals. But you can still pop over for some socialization. Ski with the group for half a day, or ski on your own and join the apres drink. All in all, it’s pretty flexible. (Not sure about meals, as it maybe included in the lodging so adding to it may not work as well)
Perhaps a private message to admin to clear things up a bit? Especially on the instruction side of things.
| Quote: |
| Not sure what to do now! Can't find another course that's as short as ski goddess and heading to a resort for group lessons doesn't fit with going for a long weekend. I'm not sure I'm able to stretch to private lessons as well as solo travel. |
When you say “solo travel”, it’s just the single supplement of lodging, isn’t it? (Flights and ground transfer are usually per head so solo or not, the cost would be the same) If it’s just for a long weekend, I shouldn’t think it would be ruinous financially. Especially since you’re looking past the half term crunch period, lodging price may start to come down too.
You just need to ask for a recommendation of a good instructor to do a couple of privates. Given what you said your level and issues, I think a really good instructor could easily get your past the block in just a couple of 2-hr lessons. Which incidentally may lead you back to the early season bash. For the instructors in the snowhead bashes are usually top notch ones! |
I'm really not up for the bash, sorry. It's just not my cup of tea. A small supportive and quiet group is all I could cope with. I'm not into bars and small talk and the idea of walking into a large group of strangers literally leaves me in a cold sweat.
I think it's the lessons that would be ruinous to go for a weekend on my own. To make it worth my while I'd be wanting as a minimum to do 2 hours of lessons a day for 4 days. I don't think a couple of hours on 2 days is enough to make it worth bothering - if I was only doing that much, I may as well just wait for the next family holiday. The cheapest I can find is about £70 an hour so i'd be looking at around £500 for lessons to do it privately. As far as I can see, there are no ski schools that offer weekend courses so I could join a group.
On top of that, in order to be efficient, I'd probably need to hire a car to get from airport to resort efficiently as I'd have very little time. I don't want to be hanging around the airport for hours waiting for a group transfer. I'd need to fly in first thing friday, ideally somewhere with a reasonably short transfer, lessons that afternoon then the next three mornings, then fly home Monday evening really. I'd have to be super efficient. |
I know what you mean. I know many people including close family who’d loath the meeting up, drinks, how are you’s, hubbub.
Warren Smith run 2 day weekend courses, no socialising. I realise that doesn’t tick your boxes exactly.
I’m looking into a full week with them next season in Verbier. Open minded about airports, trains, taxi transfers, hotel or a small flat. Research in its early stages. |
Warren Smith would be fine, but I'm not good enough for their minimum level unfortunately
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| ElzP wrote: |
@Flipjango, I just thought of a possibility that might work, the private tuition would still be expensive but then it will be whatever option, the intensive courses aren't cheap!
If you can fly to Salzburg how's about train to Radstadt (1.30 hrs) and stay at Haus Susanne for a long weekend, the bnb is run by a pair of snowheads and means you have a few friendly faces in the evening (think they can also provide dinner). Very reasonable price and a calm place to stay. Then book private lessons with another snowhead - redandwhiteflachau, has a reputation for being great with more cautious skiers. If you go mid December it'll be nice and quiet and that'd set you up for a Christmas trip with your family!
If no courses, could be a good compromise? |
Thanks, that sounds like a great idea.
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