 Poster: A snowHead
|
I'm off to Obergurgl for Xmas (woo-hoo! only 4 weeks to go  ), and am thinking of booking a few days of group lessons.
Looking at the ski school website, it looks like they only do full-day lessons - so before committing to what would be a fair chunk of my hols, it would be great to know what I can expect from Austrian ski school.
I know it works for some people, but I really don't get on with the 'bend the knees and follow me' style of teaching. So if I'm hoping this isn't what I'm going to get!?
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never been to Austria and really don't know what to expect (although I'm looking forward to some Tiroler Grostl .... yum).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
abj, I've got no experience myself of Austrian ski schools, however, it may be quite telling that there are often quite a few recommendations for Austrian ski resorts when people are asking specifically for resorts with good instruction. So, you'll probably get a good few days in Obergurgl.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
I learnt to ski in Obergurgl and have been with the ski school quite a few times over the years. Can't think of anything particularly negative. One guy had us drinking beer at lunchtime as we would then "ski better in ze afternoon". The classes start at 10am next to the Rosskar lift and finish at 3-4. I think the ski school is the only option for tuition in Obergurgl but I've had worse in France. I really like Obergurgl, there's nothing like skiing down for a beer at the Schirm bar at the end of the day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
abj, Think Obergurl will be like most - couple of hours in morning then couple of hours in afternoon. We came accross quite a good thing in Oberlech this year - you can get private tuition during the lunch break for an absolute fraction of the price - something €50 for two of my kids for around 90 mins from memory. Basically any instructors that are kicking around will take you, so it's just your donald duck in terms of availability, but probably 90 mins one to one is better than 5/6 hours in group lesson. Don't think they really advertise this though, for obvious reasons.
My view has always been that is a ski HOLIDAY. Get lessons at home then enjoy your skiing when away, and if necessary get a wee top up one to one whilst away. You'll also get a lot more mileage out of a one to one lesson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
OK, I'll bite. With four hours of lessons each day you will get a fair bit of "follow me", but not of "bend ze knees". I have been to Obergurgl many times in the past and taken the group lessons. Would I do so now - I'm not so sure. If you are looking to improve your skiing, then private lessons are much better. If you just want someone to ski with then try the SCGB (they'll give you a free day and then sign you up for 2 seasons for the price of one, I believe). If you want someone to ski with and the possibility of some small improvement in your skiing, then by all means try group lessons. Groups can be fairly large - 10 or so.
If you sign up for group lessons then most people do either 3 (or is it 4) days or the full week. Lesson plans are fairly predictable with the majority of the teaching and exercises early on in the day and more skiing later on to put your new-found skills into practice (I think this is all very sensible). Where you ski will depend on your level and the weather, but most groups make it over to Hochgurgl for at least one day and the better groups often for several days. Just bear in mind you will be away from base and any others in your party for the entire day.
Whatever you do, you must spend an early evening at the Nederhütte. They used to have live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but check first. It's an easy ski down in the dark, with the occasional little light, and great fun. Get there about 3.30 and don't leave until it's definitely gloomy outside. The hut may be very noisy, but the little trickle of skiers coming down the slope have never been rowdy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Derek Jackson, thanks for the info.
It's very much about improving our technque (I'm going with my GF, so have a ski-buddy).
Private lessons would be my first choice - but group lessons look such good value: 3 x days is about 139 Euros, against 200-Euros for a single-day of private tution.  Maybe I need stop being such a tight b%gger!
I've heard quite a bit about the Nederhutte - so it's definitely on my list of things to do. I've also heard that the evening ski show that the instructors put on once a week is worth going to (?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
abj, I think the three day option is a good one to go for as five days is sometimes a bit too much as people start dropping away towards the end and you can get moved between different instructors, which can be bit unsettling. I've always found the people in the groups to be good fun and a mix of Germans and brits. THe Nederhutte is worth a look but there's a limit to the number of times I want to hear rock god Rudy playing "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC. Last time I was in there a table keeled over with loads of people dancing on it, depositing people and glasses all over the floor. It was carnage, but after a quick bit of sweeping up, the table was uprighted, everyone climbed back on and the band continued as if nothing had happened! The ski show is really good and definitely worth a look, you take the Festkogl gondola to get to it, just remember to take your ski pass, as I didn't!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Wise words from easiski, and Derek Jackson, My wife and I learnt more from easiski, in a couple of hours than in a couple of weeks when in a group. Sure the social side is good if going solo and an international group is fun. We liked Obergurgl but found the blue runs at Hochgurgl particularly good; you take the Express lift across or bus direct if the run down to the Express is too challenging. Kelskii, is on the ball with the ski show which is up the mountain. We were lucky enough to see this on a cloudless moonlit night and it is not to be missed. It may be very cold though so dress as you would skiing (maybe even more layers!).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ok - I think I'm convinced about the private lessons
As a matter of interest, do the Austrians have a particular teaching style?
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
abj, I've done 2 weeks of ski school in Obergurgl and found the teaching brilliant. One week we had an older chap and the next, a young macho guy. The younger guys seem to be more 'up-to-date' in their approach and the older guys are quite particular and refined in their style (if that makes sense  ) And, in my experience, there is no such thing as 'can't do that'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABJ..we have been going to Obergurgl for the last 10 years , the ski school is very well run and are more than willing to accommodate you in any way, they are most obliging and speak very good english,,the first day is a bit hectic after that it is easy to organise lunch hour private tuition . Enjoy,,it is a great resort and the Nederhutte is something else !
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
We all work pretty much all day - indeed I had a client somewhat miffed the other day when I explained that I wanted half an hour in between lessons (and that's just because I'm old!)
