 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm a bit confused, having had a fair amount of lessons over 3 ski holidays.
I can ski parallel on blues and easy reds (in good conditions) although I struggle sometimes with one of my turns, tending to tuck my shoulder in rather than lean out.
I am quite a fearful skier which frustrates me as I want to get better but at the top of every slope I get "the fear"!
This holiday I skied a more challenging red which I didn't really enjoy. I found myself traversing a lot and I know my body was facing across rather than down. What I found unnerving was my skis were sliding downhill after my turns, on the traverse. What should I have been doing? I had a week of private lessons this holiday but to be honest the ski instructor was French and wasn't particularly engaged, maybe the language barrier.
I think I need more miles under my belt but I don't want to keep repeating the same mistakes! I've signed up for a Warren Smith day at Hemel Hempstead so hopefully that will help. Can anyone offer words of advice or encouragement? Thanks very much 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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RosieL, what is it that scares you, the steepness, the speed, falling over? Without seeing you ski I couldn't comment on your skill level. A few things that might help; keep doing what you enjoy the most, focus on control, ie learn to keep a constant speed and how to stop quickly when ever you want, also turning where you want rather than traversing the slope. You talk about skidding after your turn, think about always turning so there is no after. A week of private lessons is a lot, but also quite intense. You are obviously keen on progressing which is good, there are instructors that specialise on the physiological side of things that might help, maybe next time get a native English speaker but look for someone with higher lever qualifications.
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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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| RosieL wrote: |
| ...What I found unnerving was my skis were sliding downhill after my turns, on the traverse. What should I have been doing? ... |
Hard to say without seeing a vid of your skiing. I suspect you're rotating your shoulders up the hill.
Easy to fix, but hard to explain in words. Get yourself to an indoor snow-dome for an all day lesson.
Edit: If speed is your greatest fear, then stay on the baby slopes and sort out your technique. Once it's set, then go steeper...you'll enjoy it alot more that way.
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Sat 12-04-14 23:36; edited 1 time in total
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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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RosieL, If you're in Scotland, why not go up to the highlands, there's still plenty of skiing to be had up there... or even Braehead which should be as good as Hemel
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| ALQ wrote: |
| RosieL wrote: |
| ...What I found unnerving was my skis were sliding downhill after my turns, on the traverse. What should I have been doing? ... |
Hard to say without seeing a vid of your skiing. I suspect you're rotating your shoulders up the hill.
Easy to fix, but hard to explain in words. Get yourself to an indoor snow-dome for an all day lesson. |
Yes you could be right there, it's the fear of the slope 
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RosieL, We've all been there 
Remember: Face the Fear !!
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| feef wrote: |
| RosieL, If you're in Scotland, why not go up to the highlands, there's still plenty of skiing to be had up there... or even Braehead which should be as good as Hemel |
Thanks but unfortunately we're a bit of a trek from the ski resorts in Scotland. I went to Braehead with the children for one afternoon and it was ok but the instruction wasn't brilliant tbh, she seemed to think I was fine and I would be learning to carve next....
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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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| RosieL wrote: |
| feef wrote: |
| RosieL, If you're in Scotland, why not go up to the highlands, there's still plenty of skiing to be had up there... or even Braehead which should be as good as Hemel |
Thanks but unfortunately we're a bit of a trek from the ski resorts in Scotland. I went to Braehead with the children for one afternoon and it was ok but the instruction wasn't brilliant tbh, she seemed to think I was fine and I would be learning to carve next.... |
If steepness is the problem, then that's an understandable comment on their part, as steep is the one thing you can't do on an indoor slope 
I grew up in East Kilbride and used to do day-trips to the Scottish areas. Miss it now that I'm living down here....
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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RosieL, If you are planning a trip to Hemel; I teach there and may be able to help. Let me know nearer the time. Do you have any video of you skiing?
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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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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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| scooby_simon wrote: |
| RosieL, If you are planning a trip to Hemel; I teach there and may be able to help. Let me know nearer the time. Do you have any video of you skiing? |
Thanks!
Sorry no video.... I'm doing a WS course in hh next month.
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Poster: A snowHead
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RosieL, There are two points to begin with, they exist symbiotically. The first is RELAX . . . the second is 'leave your brains in the boot-room'. That's not an invitation to be reckless but to listen with your mind to what your body is doing and learn to communicate with it in a reciprocal manner rather than just trying to force it to your will and get frustrated, angry or scared when things don't go the way you expect. Everything about controlling your skis relies upon your ability and willingness to intrepet and respond to what you feel through your body . . . you will only begin to do that as you relax.
The rest is lessons and practice
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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RosieL, you are not going through what you are alone, SH will tell you that there was no-one who took as long to 'get it' as I did, I understand exactly where you are. I had loads of ski lessons, and couldn't get off the nursery slopes. What fixed me were several vin chauds, and a sympathetic ski partner who knew the area and nursed me round slopes I could manage whilst gently slipping in descents that were pushing me a little. I found this on a SH's bash. Why not get the summer lessons you are proposing, factor in some mileage on a slope indoors or outside, and get yourself on a SH's trip to get some enjoyable mileage in - you might find the company of people at all levels of experience and the will to understand where you are very confidence giving - well it worked for me and I shall be ever grateful.
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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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What am I doing wrong?
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You're over-analysing - as Masque, says, leave your brain in the boot room. Your first post has all sorts of descriptive self-analysis. Rather than stepping onto the slope and telling the instructor your preconceived ideas about what you believe to be your issues, let him/her look at your skiing and then come up with some ways of improving your skiing. After all, that's what you're paying for.
[Without wishing to open a can of worms, why did you take a whole week of private lessons with someone who was not engaged and who you could not understand? Whether it's ESF, WS, Snozone or any other ski school, you should be describing right up front what you want to achieve from the lessons (e.g. I want to be confident on blues and gentle reds) but as I say, let the instructor do the analysis of your issues. If the instructor is not delivering, or there are communication issues, request a different instructor].
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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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| Megamum wrote: |
| RosieL, you are not going through what you are alone, SH will tell you that there was no-one who took as long to 'get it' as I did, I understand exactly where you are. I had loads of ski lessons, and couldn't get off the nursery slopes. What fixed me were several vin chauds, and a sympathetic ski partner who knew the area and nursed me round slopes I could manage whilst gently slipping in descents that were pushing me a little. I found this on a SH's bash. Why not get the summer lessons you are proposing, factor in some mileage on a slope indoors or outside, and get yourself on a SH's trip to get some enjoyable mileage in - you might find the company of people at all levels of experience and the will to understand where you are very confidence giving - well it worked for me and I shall be ever grateful. |
Thanks MM, I've been reading some of your posts and we're quite alike! Why are we women so critical of ourselves?! I need to think more like a man 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| quinton wrote: |
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What am I doing wrong?
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You're over-analysing - as Masque, says, leave your brain in the boot room. Your first post has all sorts of descriptive self-analysis. Rather than stepping onto the slope and telling the instructor your preconceived ideas about what you believe to be your issues, let him/her look at your skiing and then come up with some ways of improving your skiing. After all, that's what you're paying for.
[Without wishing to open a can of worms, why did you take a whole week of private lessons with someone who was not engaged and who you could not understand? Whether it's ESF, WS, Snozone or any other ski school, you should be describing right up front what you want to achieve from the lessons (e.g. I want to be confident on blues and gentle reds) but as I say, let the instructor do the analysis of your issues. If the instructor is not delivering, or there are communication issues, request a different instructor]. |
I think because I'm fearful of the slope, I try to focus on my technique to try and improve my confidence. Apparently it's quite a female way of skiing! I think I need to ski more like a man I find that my instinct tells me to do all the wrong things (lean up face across) so I need to concentrate on my technique to fight my instinct. All a bit exhausting! I definitely need to relax and enjoy it a bit more but the fear factor holds me back, hence my focus on technique... Does that make sense?
You are totally right about the instructor! I am cross with myself about that as I'm no shrinking violet! I think I was just wanting to enjoy the family holiday and not feel any negative vibes. Cost a fortune too  
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| Quote: |
I think because I'm fearful of the slope, I try to focus on my technique to try and improve my confidence. Apparently it's quite a female way of skiing! I think I need to ski more like a man I find that my instinct tells me to do all the wrong things (lean up face across) so I need to concentrate on my technique to fight my instinct. All a bit exhausting! I definitely need to relax and enjoy it a bit more but the fear factor holds me back, hence my focus on technique... Does that make sense?
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No. You're analysing again and coming up with your own possible solutions. Find an instructor who can identify your issues, whatever they are, and who can help you to focus on exactly what you should be doing. Then turn off brain, put your trust in the instructor and do what he/she recommends.
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| quinton wrote: |
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I think because I'm fearful of the slope, I try to focus on my technique to try and improve my confidence. Apparently it's quite a female way of skiing! I think I need to ski more like a man I find that my instinct tells me to do all the wrong things (lean up face across) so I need to concentrate on my technique to fight my instinct. All a bit exhausting! I definitely need to relax and enjoy it a bit more but the fear factor holds me back, hence my focus on technique... Does that make sense?
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No. You're analysing again and coming up with your own possible solutions. Find an instructor who can identify your issues, whatever they are, and who can help you to focus on exactly what you should be doing. Then turn off brain, put your trust in the instructor and do what he/she recommends. |
Ok. Any tips on finding such an instructor? We're going away again at new year and I'm hoping to get some indoor stuff (might even brave our local dry ski slope) in the meantime.
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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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| Quote: |
Any tips on finding such an instructor?
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where are you going?
How many times have you fallen RosieL?
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Any tips on finding such an instructor?
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Well, all good instructors should be able to assess and develop the person that they are teaching, and do it in a way that acknowledges that different people have different ways of learning. At the same time, it's supposed to be fun! Sadly, there are still instructors who 'teach the lesson' rather than 'teach the student'.
Where to find them? Personal recommendations are obviously good - there's a thread on here or you can ask specifically for recommendations for the resort that you're going to. When indoors or on the dry slope in the UK, try to spot an instructor who looks like s/he will be suitable and once you find one, stick with him/her. If you're not getting on with any particular instructor, ask for another one.
Similarly once abroad; be clear about what you want to achieve from the lessons, be aware of your own learning style and make sure that the ski school provides a suitable instructor. If you're not learning and you're not having fun, change the instructor - it's a holiday, not a boot camp! You might also want to consider different types of lessons - do you need private lessons or would you have more fun in a small group of similar age/ability/gender where you can support each other?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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RosieL, one very specific suggestion is to go to Les Deux Alpes and have lessons with Charlotte Swift. She runs a week specifically for cautious skiers - see http://www.easiski.com/C2C.html for details of this year's course. Charlotte is an excellent instructor who will home in on what you need to work on within about 30 seconds of skiing you ski! The C to C week would be fun, but provided you book far enough in advance you could also get some private lessons, during other weeks.
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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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... and even if you're not going to LDA, read Charlotte's Top Tips, as well as her course descriptions, so that you know what to ask of the ski school in your resort. Note that Top Tip #1 is 'Select your resort carefully', so ensure that you go somewhere suitable for you and your family.
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I would say there is only one thing you are doing wrong, and that's being scared. Your fear is making you rigid and holding you back. Conquer the fear, with good instruction and plenty more practice, and the rest will come...
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You know it makes sense.
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| RosieL wrote: |
| This holiday I skied a more challenging red which I didn't really enjoy. I found myself traversing a lot and I know my body was facing across rather than down. What I found unnerving was my skis were sliding downhill after my turns, on the traverse. What should I have been doing? |
Without seeing you ski I'd guess that you were twisting your upper body back up the hill, which will usually means the skis lose grip at the end of the turn and sometimes the tails can break away. A couple of things you might want to focus on:
Are you really well balanced on the outside ski? If you are dropping your inside shoulder and rotating your upper body too much you are much more likely to transfer too much of your balance on to your inside ski, resulting in the outside ski breaking away when you don't want it to. You might want to practice picking up your inside ski from time to time (on relatively gentle slopes) and you should find that your body will automatically find an effective stance to allow you to be more fully balanced on your outside ski.
Can you link turns and not make a traverse between them? Traversing between turns is something to avoid (unless you need to head across the slope rather than down it). Make sure you link our turns as well as you can, perhaps using a pole plant to trigger each and every turn.
I'm going to suggest an alternative to the advice to switch off your brain. I don't think that's good advice, but it is important to focus on making effective movements until they become automatic. No point in "going with the flow" if you ain't flowing! A good instructor will be able to help you focus on making effective movements which you can then practice.
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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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I would agree about overcoming the fear. Try not to let yourself think too much, and get stuck in. It is worth remembering that while you can get injured in a fall, by far the biggest chances are you will bounce a little, slide a bit and then stop with nothing much more than a little bruise. It can even be funny. When you overcome that fear, your skiing will flourish.
Keep at it, it's great fun and worth all the effort.
Good luck.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| pam w wrote: |
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Any tips on finding such an instructor?
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where are you going?
How many times have you fallen RosieL? |
We don't know where we're going yet. Maybe Obergurgl in Austria. Somewhere fairly high as it's for new year.
I have fallen quite a lot but nothing major apart from a stupid wipeout last year in Saas Fee on a hideous icey red. Took my skis off (first mistake) to help the kids and fell about 50m down on the ice. Didn't hurt myself but was bloody scared.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Somewhere fairly high as it's for new year.
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Generally most resorts should have enough to ski on for new year - don't think you need to head particularly high. More important than altitude, at that time of year, is often where the precipitation is. This year the western Alps did relatively better (major generalisation) but other years the east does better. Trouble is that at new year you do need to book in advance. But personally I'd aim for somewhere lower, with a more "human" and comfortable vibe, some trees, etc. I'm not an unconfident skier but I do find those high, bleak, places a bit of a challenge.
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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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pam w,
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I'm not an unconfident skier but I do find those high, bleak, places a bit of a challenge.
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+1 with knobs on! I'm hoping that, if I get to VT, there's more than the glacier and upper runs of VT to ski on.
queen bodecia,
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Conquer the fear, with good instruction
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It's impossible to conquer fear without help in acquiring a technique you can rely on.
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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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| quinton wrote: |
| Quote: |
Any tips on finding such an instructor?
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Well, all good instructors should be able to assess and develop the person that they are teaching, and do it in a way that acknowledges that different people have different ways of learning. At the same time, it's supposed to be fun! Sadly, there are still instructors who 'teach the lesson' rather than 'teach the student'.
Where to find them? Personal recommendations are obviously good - there's a thread on here or you can ask specifically for recommendations for the resort that you're going to. When indoors or on the dry slope in the UK, try to spot an instructor who looks like s/he will be suitable and once you find one, stick with him/her. If you're not getting on with any particular instructor, ask for another one.
Similarly once abroad; be clear about what you want to achieve from the lessons, be aware of your own learning style and make sure that the ski school provides a suitable instructor. If you're not learning and you're not having fun, change the instructor - it's a holiday, not a boot camp! You might also want to consider different types of lessons - do you need private lessons or would you have more fun in a small group of similar age/ability/gender where you can support each other? |
Thanks, all good points. Very helpful.
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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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| pam w wrote: |
| RosieL, one very specific suggestion is to go to Les Deux Alpes and have lessons with Charlotte Swift. She runs a week specifically for cautious skiers - see http://www.easiski.com/C2C.html for details of this year's course. Charlotte is an excellent instructor who will home in on what you need to work on within about 30 seconds of skiing you ski! The C to C week would be fun, but provided you book far enough in advance you could also get some private lessons, during other weeks. |
Thanks Pam, I'll definitely bear that in mind. She sounds great. We're going away with friends this time so it's not just my decision but I'm hoping for a sneaky Easter break too if I can wangle it
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| quinton wrote: |
| ... and even if you're not going to LDA, read Charlotte's Top Tips, as well as her course descriptions, so that you know what to ask of the ski school in your resort. Note that Top Tip #1 is 'Select your resort carefully', so ensure that you go somewhere suitable for you and your family. |
Will do, cheers.
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| queen bodecia wrote: |
| I would say there is only one thing you are doing wrong, and that's being scared. Your fear is making you rigid and holding you back. Conquer the fear, with good instruction and plenty more practice, and the rest will come... |
Thanks and yes! I wish I wasn't so pathetic! I am generally not a sporty person although my fitness level is good....
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| RosieL wrote: |
| This holiday I skied a more challenging red which I didn't really enjoy. I found myself traversing a lot and I know my body was facing across rather than down. What I found unnerving was my skis were sliding downhill after my turns, on the traverse. What should I have been doing? |
Without seeing you ski I'd guess that you were twisting your upper body back up the hill, which will usually means the skis lose grip at the end of the turn and sometimes the tails can break away. A couple of things you might want to focus on:
Are you really well balanced on the outside ski? If you are dropping your inside shoulder and rotating your upper body too much you are much more likely to transfer too much of your balance on to your inside ski, resulting in the outside ski breaking away when you don't want it to. You might want to practice picking up your inside ski from time to time (on relatively gentle slopes) and you should find that your body will automatically find an effective stance to allow you to be more fully balanced on your outside ski.
Can you link turns and not make a traverse between them? Traversing between turns is something to avoid (unless you need to head across the slope rather than down it). Make sure you link our turns as well as you can, perhaps using a pole plant to trigger each and every turn.
I'm going to suggest an alternative to the advice to switch off your brain. I don't think that's good advice, but it is important to focus on making effective movements until they become automatic. No point in "going with the flow" if you ain't flowing! A good instructor will be able to help you focus on making effective movements which you can then practice. |
Thanks Rob, that's really helpful. I definitely have a tendency on my right turn to lean up and dip my shoulder so have to consciously force myself not to!
On easy reds/blues my turns are ok, linked and I try and used the balls of my feet/pressure to turn making an s shape rather than leading with my upper body. The traverse starts when it gets steep and I get nervous! How can I control my speed whilst still keeping my s shape (I hate that part if the turn where I have to point my skis downhill!) when it gets steeper? The traversing is my attempt to do that. My last instructor said I need to bend my knees more as I'm turning to apply more pressure as it gets steeper. I don't like the feeling of picking up speed.
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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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| pam w wrote: |
| Quote: |
Somewhere fairly high as it's for new year.
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Generally most resorts should have enough to ski on for new year - don't think you need to head particularly high. More important than altitude, at that time of year, is often where the precipitation is. This year the western Alps did relatively better (major generalisation) but other years the east does better. Trouble is that at new year you do need to book in advance. But personally I'd aim for somewhere lower, with a more "human" and comfortable vibe, some trees, etc. I'm not an unconfident skier but I do find those high, bleak, places a bit of a challenge. |
Any suggestions? Yes I took one look of the photos of Tignes and VT and decided no, too bleak! I was thinking maybe les arcs/vallandry as there is a New Gen ski school. I think a Brit instructor is the way to go for me. Still think Austria would be lovely at NY though....
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FAQ
