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Group or Private Lessons for first time skier off this Sunday?!!

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Hello all!

I'm off to Corvara this Sunday with my girlfriend for my first ever ski holiday and I must admit I'm apprehensive/nervous to say the least! She's been skiing a few times before and so can ski to a decent level whereas I'm a complete beginner.

I did the 'learn to ski in a day' course at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead a couple of weeks ago and was in no way prepared for just how much being on ski's takes it out of you physically! It wasn't helped by the fact that I was also under the weather with a virus but by about three quarters of the way through the day most of us on the course (there were 5 of us) were absolutely shattered!! To be honest though I don't feel I did very well on the course. I can snowplough just about and could turn left but struggled greatly to turn right! Had my fair share of falls too (one high speed :-/ ) which was to be expected though really but did keep denting my confidence.

My girlfriend is going to book into a course of group lessons when over there as a refresher but I'm really torn on what to do for myself now. Initially I was thinking of joining the group beginner class which is 2 hours 45 minutes a day but after my Snow Centre experience I'm now seriously considering 1 hour private lessons a day instead. Reason being that even though it was a relatively small group of us at Hemel, just 5, I don't feel that I learnt that much or benefited from enough direct, specific help considering the time I was there for and the fact that I was clearly struggling to grasp certain things. Felt as though I needed the instructor to give me a bit of one on one help to get me past the stage I was stuck at which it seems perhaps you don't get in a group.

So I'm really torn as to whether I'd benefit more from a private hour lesson each morning or joining in with the beginner group. Another concern is that once my private hour was up my girlfriend would still be in her group for another 1 hour 45 minutes though I guess I could use that time to practice. I've also seen some on here say that an hour isn't really enough though I couldn't really afford more.

Group lessons for the week are 180 euros whereas 1 hour private lessons would work out at 250 euros so not a huge difference in cost.

Any thoughts, help, guidance will be much appreciated!!

Here's the link to the ski school in question in Corvara: http://www.scuolascicorvara.it/index.php?page_id=1050&lang_id=3

Thanks in advance!

Dan
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Dan, I was in a similar position to you when I first went skiing, 6 years or so ago. I had done "learn to ski in a day" [ha ha] at Milton Keynes and was then out - the only first timer - with a group of friends in Alpe d'Huez. I decided to go down the private lessons route and after 2 hour lessons on days 1 and 2 was happily skiing on the blues and even trying the odd red with the other skiers. In the group, there were people who had only skied a couple of times and who had only done group lessons and I overtook them in terms of ability after my second lesson. I have since done some group lessons (for cost reasons) and although they are certainly much better than nothing, there is no comparison, in terms of what can be got out of them, with 1 to 1 lessons. So my very firm advice would be to have the private lessons. The only thing I'd add is that 1 hour is probably not long enough - you'll likely just be getting the hang of things when your hour is up. 1 1/2 or 2 hours would be much better. Chris
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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?
Groups can be supportive and anyone can struggle. I would certainly consider them providing that the lessons are in English and the group size not to large, check with the ski school. I wouldn't get to demoralised about a day in a fridge. In the alps you can take your time in beautiful scenery without the flu.
Have a great time
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I would say Groups - its a great way to have a laugh, you rarely see adults crying on the sidelines, and you will socialise.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
danj, given what you said about feeling you needed more direct help, I'd go with the private lessons. Don't use all the free time while your gf is in lessons to practice - take some time to put your feet up, have a coffee and enjoy the mountain air!

Hope it works out for you. Corvara is a great choice for beginners, plenty of lovely blue runs that are much easier than the Hemel slope Very Happy
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If you are going with private lessons I think 2 hrs every second day would be better than 1hr a day. 1 hr really isn't very long at all.
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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Nadenoodlee wrote:
I would say Groups - its a great way to have a laugh, you rarely see adults crying on the sidelines, and you will socialise.


I agree with this. Group ski school isn't just about learning to ski, it's a great social thing. The 3 or 4 times I did it I always had a great time with the people I was put with.


.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
Just to add another variation - I'd say 1.5 hour lessons are about ideal - I'd certainly agree that an hour is too short.

But yes, group lessons are a good laugh, and now that you have some basics you should do OK, and probably be one of the best people if you sign up for a beginners class. You'll probably find it a lot easier out in the fresh mountain air and not feeling ill. The "ski in a day course" is certainly exhausting - well, I've not done it, but I did "Snowboard in a day" and that was Shocked Shocked Shocked Had some huge crashes and could barely move for the next few days. Laughing

If you do private lessons whilst the GF is in her ski school you will spend quite a lot of time alone, and that can be a bit lonely and demoralising. On balance I'd go for the group.
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Thanks a lot for all the help and advice everyone! It's been a great help. I've decided to go with beginners group lessons and will sign up for them when I'm there. Seems to make the most sense all round given my situation.

I'm so apprehensive though! Of the skiing, of coming back in one piece and of chairlifts which are waaaay out of my comfort zone! Other than all that I can't wait! Haha!

Not long now... 4am Sunday morning and we'll be jumping in the car down to Gatwick!!
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danj, You will have an absolute ball - stop worrying! It's all pretty scary before you start.. fear of the unknown and all that, but once you're out there, you will be so amazed at all the beautifuly scenery (and the Dolomites are absolutely stunning), the fresh mountain air, the vibe etc that you will forget about your concerns and have a great time. Every ski trip gives me that feeling.. but there's nothing like your first. Very Happy I had a similar start to you and went as the only beginner - I remember the feelings you're experiencing now and trust me, they won't last once you're out there. wink

Have a great time and please let us know how you got on, when you get back. snowHead
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danj, wot Schuss in Boots said snowHead
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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.
danj, Good call! As others have said if you got at least some of the basics from Hemel you'll have a big head start over the ones who are really having their first go on skis
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