 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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kath_T, welcome to snowHeads! 
We first went skiing about 6 years ago, and get completely addicted - so much so that when we driving back from the airport on the way home we swore we wouldn't book another skiing holiday for at least a week - we booked our second one on the Tuesday! This despite the fact we'd be variously wet, far too hot, in pain or scared through the week. My personal, and probably inaccurate view, is that you're unlikely to injure yourself in the first week - you never really get up enough speed if you're in a competantly run ski class. In fact, I think I'm currently most likely to be injured falling down the slippy stairs to the toilet in a mountain restaurant or being hit by someone skiing out of control.
My guess is you'll either take to it, or you won't.
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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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kath_T, welcome to snowHeads - lessons are the key.
A good instructor will give you confidence and they will only take you on hills which they think are suitable for you / your group
Overall - think fun fun fun ! and you'll have a great time.
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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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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Kath_T -- Welcome.
Skiing is like Pringles. Once you pop, you can't stop.
As above, be sure to take lessons. Every day.
Don't be timid.
Enjoy.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hiya Kath_T, welcome to snowheads
You'll have a blast, relax, enjoy it, go at your own speed, the instructor will start you on an almost flat slope and introduce everything gradually.
A lot of people imagine skiing to be like what they've seen on TV ie. ski-racing down some near-vertical piste at 80mph. That's like comparing going for a drive in the country with Formula 1, you can be as sedate and controlled as you like and enjoy the views and mountain air as you go.
As to injuries, I've been 9 times with friends as well and no injuries bar some aching muscles, remember snow is fairly forgiving and you're well padded (in all that skiwear, I mean) EDIT: before I get slapped  .
I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time you'll go, once you get the bug.
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sat 12-01-08 18:09; edited 1 time in total
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kath_T, welcome to Snowheads. I would echo the points above; learning to ski in a group, with a competent instructor, is a lot of fun and your plans sound very well sorted out. When are you going? You are probably pretty fit, having to look after a baby, but it wouldn't do any harm to try to do a bit of work on your leg muscles - squats, lunges etc. There are lots of suggestions on the internet, or elsewhere on Snowheads. You will have a great time. Please report back after your holiday.
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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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kath_T, I was in a very similar position to you, except I was very much older and it was something my wife always wanted to do. 11 years on and I am an addict! We went to Bulgaria at first too and it was a good choice. The good things are that the instructors really look after you and learning with a group is huge fun. The downside to Bulgaria (some time ago admittedly) were TERRIBLE toilets and big queues for the lifts, but we have to go main weeks. Some people hate the food too, but we will eat anything.
I think you wil have a huge amount of fun and I am sure we snowHeads wil be delighted to give you every necessary bit of advice and encouragement.
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Might be an idea to have a couple of lessons on an indoor slope here before you leave. Will make a big difference and give you confidence and save you arriving as a complete beginner. Have a wonderful time and I'd be surprised if you don't all get hooked - a wonderful but expensive addiction!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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All of the above. You're about to start sliding for fun and your body will take some time to adjust to the sensation. In that sense it's just like ice skatingonly much more stable. Don't fight it, go with it and get used to it. Don't panic at the first bit of speed, use all the space you have, just trust your skis and your instructor and you'll be amazed at how much quicker you will progress if you're not afraid of moving.
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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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kath_T, You will either love it or hate it, there is usually no in between. The problems start when you love it and your husband does not or the other way around. Best of luck.
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You know it makes sense.
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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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Welcome,
I was slightly nervous before my first ever lesson. But i loved it.
As long as you have a good instrcutor, you should never be scared as a complete begginer.
I advise you take lessons at a dry slope beforehand. It will help you all enjoy your holiday much more, you will learn all the basics like putting on boots. You will also progress much quicker when on holiday and give you a lot of confidence.
Just to reitterate, you shouldn't injure yourself as a begginer. But there are no assurances that accidents wont occur.
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Poster: A snowHead
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To set some expectations, I can tell you what my first time was like (keep it clean)
- was nervous and reckoned I'd be rubbish as I have never been good at sliding, skating, skateboarding or any of that
- arrived in resort to see people scorching down the slope into town and wondering if I would ever be able to do that
BUT....
- it took me 3 days to fall over.....when I did it really didn't hurt
- i was happily skiing easy reds by the end of the week and enjoying that run into town
- I was completely hooked and I very much hope that I always will be
I envy beginners......you will never again enjoy that sense of trepidation mixed with discovery and then the sudden, fantastic realisation that skiing is easier and more rewarding than you ever expected.
relax and enjoy it.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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As gollancz says, falling over isn't so bad - Mrs Hoppo did it repeatedly during her first week. I, on the otherhand, went through many contortions to avoid falling over and did manage to sprain myself a little bit by doing this.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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Just one little bit of advice which someone gave me and was very useful: if your boots are really hurting, take them back to the hire shop and swop them. They should not be so painful that they stop you skiing. Don't worry about going back two or three times. Also if you find you get some acute pain either on your foot or your shin, pull your socks up !! It's surprising how a small crease in your socks can hurt.
Other that I'm sure you will have loads of fun.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Kath,
I went last year for the first time, supposed to be an 'adventurous holiday' for my wife and I and a couple of friends...something that none of us had tried before.
Our friends chickened out last minute, so we went alone. We were both nervous, to say the least, but we had the best time imaginable!
You, your husband, your child, and your friends will be introduced gently to the most wonderful experience.
You are all going to fall a lot, but it's not like ski sunday! your 'falls' will be more a case of sitting down...not painful at all and not even embarrassing, because all of your class is doing the same. Before you know it you'll be screaming, to yourself and the world in general, "I'm skiing!!" as you glide gracefuly down the nursery slope.
Two days after you get back to England, you'll be planning next year's trip.
Believe me.
Welcome to
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My advice for a group of first timers, with kids would be to be super organised about having all your kit, knowing where to go and where to meet etc... Gloves, goggles, etc.. make all the difference and when you're not used to walking in ski boots and lugging all that stuff around, the last thing you want to have to do is be in a rush to get to lessons, realise you've forgotten bits, not know where you're going etc... A small rucksack with all the bits inside will be useful so you're not dropping stuff as you go along, on the way to your first lesson.
You'll have a great time and don't be disheartened if it all seems like hard work at first - you soon get organised and once you've started to learn to ski you'll love it as much as the rest of us!
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FAQ
I know it sounds silly but i am petrified of breaking my arm or leg, or one of the kids hurting themselves! (I know that no-one can give guarentees that this isn't going to happen!!)
) the first day, in fact I didn't sleep all night and spent all morning in the bathroom!! but it was brilliant! i am still nervous but I love it!! rescue remedy helps!
