 Poster: A snowHead
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Please help!
Ive got four weeks skiing under my belt but dont seem to be improving and my confidence is low. My husband and children are leaving me behind - Im not speed freak like them but I would like to feel less afraid at speed. At the moment I cn manage a blue run (slowly) but thats my lot. As soon as build up a bit of speed I panic and either stop or fall! 
We're off to Zell am See shortly, should I shell out for private tuition? Does anyone have any recommendations?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Jennyski, If you can get in touch with rob@rar and skimotteret on here they are probably in the best people to help prior to your trip. Check out their ski school www.insideoutskiing.com
They are both really good and creative instructors and particulartly good with low confidence skiers (they are good at refining the technique over confident ones too).
The have a building confidence clinic.
Their rates are good.
It would require a trip to Hemel.
IMO confidence is very important in skiing, I'm sure that will grow if you have some breakthroughs (however small) in your skiing, once you get a bit of confidence you try more things and it keeps going from there. I think if you ski with a good instructor and are willing to try what they tell you you will get some break throughs.
A few private lessons in resort may be useful, Hopefully some snowheads can reccomend good schools or instructors in Zell am See. I also think group lessons are useful in that you have others of a similar level and it can be fun. Its good to be in a group where you feel a little bit challenged but not in a lower group than your level you will not have as many oppertunities to make break throughs.
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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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RPF, altis, Thanks for the suggestions! I think I may have found a good instructor in Zell recommended by rob@rar. I think will go for some private tuition as I feel it will make my holidays that much more enjoyable. Might even try to get to Hemel at some point too! Will let you know how I get on.
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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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altis, Just ordered the book!!!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Looks like you are sorted...but just wanted to say that I was exactly the same as you (and didn't help that I had a nasty fall in a class and tore my calf muscle, really knocked my confidence!)...but I then booked private tuition the next trip and it made a HUGE difference. I think because he was actually watching my own technique and advising where I could improve. I found that just undertsanding more about how I ski meant I gained confidence. Good luck and have fun! You'll be on here after your hols telling us about your conquering of the reds....
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Also, I do think having to trail around after gung-ho spouse and kids is really demoralising. Yes, definitely, to private instructions (and all the other suggestions above) but to make really good progress why not treat yourself to a separate holiday with a specialist ski-instruction company?
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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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Or just encourage your partner to 'enjoy some time on their own' and book full day lessons - I agree with Pam always being at the back while family friends try and hide their impatience is half the problem!
aj xx
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I don't think many of us have the mental (and maybe physical) capacity to cope with all day lessons - a few hours of lessons then a bit of time to let it sink in and practice, suits me better.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Jennyski, You should definitely not think you have to keep up with your husband and children. (There are lots of reasons why there is this difference, which I won't go into here). In my experience (over 30 years teaching skiing professionally) very few wives are able/want to do this. The men and boys want to tear around, so let them! The first time you have the confidence to say 'no' will be a big step forward for you. It is nice to ski together as a family, but why don't they ski to your level? Be strong and be yourself on your skis, but skiing is a very personal passtime, so they shouldn't expect you to like it in the same way they do 
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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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Thanks everyone fo your kind supportive comments.
Hubby and kids are very supportive but it is me who has the problem - I feel like I am holding them back. Also, in the original group of friends who we started skiing with, the other two wives have given up on the skiing and dont come any more. I dont have company of the same skiing ability and therein lies the problem.
I have decided to get private tuition this year and yes, pam w, its a good idea to do it in the mornings, personally I like to be back in the pool/hot tub by 4pm!
easiski, You are so right and I will bear your comments in mind.
I will let you all know how I get on in a few weeks.
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| Quote: |
its a good idea to do it in the mornings, personally I like to be back in the pool/hot tub by 4pm
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Yes, getting worn out is not a good idea. You need to go at your own pace, but once you get some private lessons then providing you have a decent instructor you should find things go much better. Have a little practice on your own, but don't let them drag you round the mountain at their pace. Go back to the apartment, read a book, have an hour in the hot tub, and relax.
You see a lot of people skiing around quite fast, who are pretty useless - clearly out of control, all over the place, way beyond their ability. Personally I can't stand the idea of doing that - I like to keep 100% in control, though I can ski quite competently and can go quite fast on the right occasion. It's partly a female thing - if you work hard at your lessons you might end up the bet skier in the family!
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You know it makes sense.
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| pam w wrote: |
| I don't think many of us have the mental (and maybe physical) capacity to cope with all day lessons - a few hours of lessons then a bit of time to let it sink in and practice, suits me better. |
True and I never normally suggest it, but on the odd occassion i've seen someone do the full day courses the instructors know that and the pace is much more relaxed throughout. I'd think it would be better than being on your own, or feeling like you are holding people up?
Anyway glad to see you have a plan - good luck, let us know how it goes!
aj xx
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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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pam w, Lets hope you are right!
Last year I decided to ski back on my own and was feeling rather pleased with myself, going along nicely when I was suddenly knocked right off my feet from behind and sent
sprawling by some crazy stupid skiier as you described. It was a woman too and she didnt even stop to help! That didnt do much for my confidence but I brushed myself down got back on my skis ( with a tear in my eye) and skied home. But Im back for more and determined to improve!
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Poster: A snowHead
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Jennyski, as Pam said, our trip to LDA in March could have been made for you! Maybe next year? We have gentle confidence building lessons in groups of max 4 and that gives us "buddies" to ski with too. Those friends/family not wanting the lessons can all buddy up as well to go off exploring or to have special technique clinics - it worked a treat last year.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Butterfly, Yes, I dont think this year is an option forme, but I would definitely consider it next year - it sounds right up my street. Thanks!
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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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Butterfly, Hi Your trip sounds perfect for me and my daughter unfortunately we are already booked for this year in Feb, to Kaprun Austria dont suppose you know of anything similar there?
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debbiejess, probably some snowheads who know Kaprun could recommend a good instructor for some private lessons - maybe worth a new thread asking specifically.
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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 Pam, I have posted a new thread asking this but as yet no replies. Thanks for the suggestion.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi Jennyski: being in the same category as your husband; my wife has not taken to skiing and son is a risk avoidance skier I have made use of the Ski Club GB repping service and their Freshtraks holidays which may be of interest to you.
They have a rep in Zell-am-Zee who you can join up with to ski on a day that suits your ability. You can get one free taster day with them before you have to join but the membership is not much anyway and you get four free ski mags a year... It will give you a day skiing with similar ability skiiers and the rep meets in a local bar every evening for their social hour. They don't teach but you are in a group and they will look out for you. See following link to reps in Zell:
http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/skiresorts/resortrepinfo.aspx/Zell-am-See
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Jennyski, I used to be a very timid skier, well behind my OH, friends and the rest of the family, I think I can say I have just about now caught up and love skiing all-over the mountain at speed. Zell-am-Zee is lovely, very pretty and perfect for you and your family, and with tuition, you should be able to gain some confidence during your stay there.
Good luck, and don't forget to let us know how your skiing went 
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Jennyski, This won't work for everyone but worked with our friend who (over the years) skied more than us, had loads of private tuition but had confidence issues - wear a helmet. She became a lot more confident as soon as she started wearing a helmet. Other alternative is to have a wee Gluhwein or three after your first run 
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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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boabski, I do carry a little hip flask of Drambuie with me to keep me warm you know! I find that my skiing is a little mor relaxed after a snifter or two!
Good suggestion with the helmet too I will think about that.
I have made enquiries about private lessons - Outdo charge 55 euros per hour so I think I will book two mornings of two hours each then practice in the afternoons. If anyone reading this has any suggestions for any other instructors/schools in Zell please let me know, I intend to book fairly shortly.
I will let you all know how I get on! Thanks all!
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Jennyski, Don't know about Zell but most Austrian resorts (that I've been to) offer private tuition at a cheaper price during lunch time - only an hour right enough but would agree that 2 hours tuition each morning (post Drambuie of course), sounds like a good plan to me.
On the hemlet front, I got one at Xmas and wore for our week in Kappl - genuinly did not really notice I was wearing one and I reckon two thirds of people were wearing them in Kappl/Ischgl when we were there
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Jennyski, just wondered if you managed to organise you private lessons?
I'm also off to Zell (this Saturday) and wanted to fit in some private tuition, but haven't actually got round to it - so would be interested who you ended-up booking with.
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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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Jennyski - you sound just like my boyfriend! I've been skiing off and on since I was 14 and am used to bombing around, taking the occasional risk, crashing occasionally and enjoying speed when it's safe.
My boyfriend will be on his third week of skiing this year and isn't nearly as confident as I was at that stage. He's done ski school for the last two trips, but is only going to have a few hours tuition this time. I'm really nervous as I don't want him to feel that he's holding me up or anything like that. I'm planning on having a week of easy cruising so he can get his confidence up. We're going to Cervinia which I've heard would be suitable for this sort of skiing.
I also have a friend who used to always be trailing behind us. After a few years of this I realised she was slow because she was concentrating so hard on her technique. One year, it all came together and she's way better than me now and far faster... Speed isn't everything!
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| sazza42 wrote: |
| I also have a friend who used to always be trailing behind us. After a few years of this I realised she was slow because she was concentrating so hard on her technique. One year, it all came together and she's way better than me now and far faster... Speed isn't everything! |
I have a female friend who has done exactly the same. She saw the improvement in my skiing after a weeks course in Tignes so signed up for it the year after. In a couple of seasons she's gone from tidy but quite steady to fast but very in control. Good instruction works wonders.
Now I just need the race training to stay in front...
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You know it makes sense.
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Just ordered this.... looks interesting 
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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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| Jennyski wrote: |
Please help!
Ive got four weeks skiing under my belt but dont seem to be improving and my confidence is low. My husband and children are leaving me behind - Im not speed freak like them but I would like to feel less afraid at speed. At the moment I cn manage a blue run (slowly) but thats my lot. As soon as build up a bit of speed I panic and either stop or fall!
We're off to Zell am See shortly, should I shell out for private tuition? Does anyone have any recommendations? |
Do 2 weeks at a time.
If you are over 21, you will never become a good rider doing 1 week at a time.
It takes ~5 days for occasional skiers to get back uptospeed. And then it's time to go home again.
More continuous practice = better skiing.
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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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| Whitegold wrote: |
| Jennyski wrote: |
Please help!
Ive got four weeks skiing under my belt but dont seem to be improving and my confidence is low. My husband and children are leaving me behind - Im not speed freak like them but I would like to feel less afraid at speed. At the moment I cn manage a blue run (slowly) but thats my lot. As soon as build up a bit of speed I panic and either stop or fall!
We're off to Zell am See shortly, should I shell out for private tuition? Does anyone have any recommendations? |
Do 2 weeks at a time.
If you are over 21, you will never become a good rider doing 1 week at a time.
It takes ~5 days for occasional skiers to get back uptospeed. And then it's time to go home again.
More continuous practice = better skiing. |
Everyone is different but I find that 2 x 1 week holidays (Jan and March) is a better way to learn, after 5 full days skiing my body and brain needs a rest. At home for a month, think a little more recharge and then out for another week.
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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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Well folks Im back from Zell...... I got two mornings of private tuition and wow what a difference!
Ok I am far from being an Olympic downhill skiier but I feel much more secure and less afraid and my family couldnt get over the difference in me in just four hours! My instructor was Jonas from Outdo - Swedish and very patient and understanding. My technique was all wrong - he took me back to basics and fixed that. I would recommend him. I was very nervous leaving the family and going off for my first lesson but they were very friendly and welcoming.
I think I will top up with another lesson next year wherever that may be - wish I could afford another trip again shortly as suggested above but sadly not
Thanks for all the help and suggestions!!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Jennyski, fantastic. So glad it went well. A small helping of confidence building goes a long way, doesn't it? 
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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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Jennyski, Well done lass I always try to get at least one lesson in every year... it really is amazing how much improvement they make, especially if you ask for some drills that you can practice on your own at quiet times or at the start of a days skiing.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Scarpa,
| Quote: |
especially if you ask for some drills that you can practice on your own at quiet times or at the start of a days skiing.
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Aha, great minds. That is exactly what I was discussing with skimottaret only yesterday.
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| Whitegold wrote: |
Do 2 weeks at a time.
If you are over 21, you will never become a good rider doing 1 week at a time.
It takes ~5 days for occasional skiers to get back uptospeed. And then it's time to go home again.
More continuous practice = better skiing. |
That's not my experience. First time I did two weeks in a single ski trip was when I did my Level 2 instructor exam. I agree that the more you ski the more opportunity you have to develop your ability, but I don't think you need to worry that one-week trips will condemn you to mediocrity. IMO quality of tuition is the key to success for the majority of people.
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Jennyski, Well done - I'm really glad to hear it. Core skills and the holes most people have in them are responsible for a lot of problems. Unfortunately many instructors/schools try to 'paper over' the holes rather than fix them. It sounds as though Jonas is very good.
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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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oh sory didnt read all the posts !!!!well done jenny!!!! if you ever go back to austria go to arhwald , it seems that would be right up your street ... its very looked after and graded well so no nasty surprises!!!! i have skiied and sledged there and its really nice why dont you practice at your local ski slope ? its not quite the same as skiing on real snow (my local one has man made snow) but its a good confidence booster! i think as soon as you start to have more fun its easier , but the harder the run (in my opinion,others may differ) you just have to ski aggresive and attack it but no better feeling than doing a run you thought you couldnt do and getting to the bottom of it (never had a feeling again quite like doing my first hard red run even if i did fall over lots i didnt brake anything so great success ) hahahaha
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