Need advice for ski lessons before we go on first ski holiday!

We took dry slope lessons before going on our first ski holiday and it made a huge difference in terms of progression once we arrived. In fact we skipped the novices class completely. I would definitely have more lessons when you get there. Unless you one of those really sporty people who can become proficient in hours without any help then the instructor will they help you progress quicker. You also get taken to the best places in terms of snow conditions, sunshine, out of the wind etc. by the instructors because let's face it they don't want a miserable time either. I am 100% in the 'it is much easier on real snow' camp. Try not to see the lessons as 'lessons' but they can be a really good laugh (probably more so when you are just starting because so much is happening with your fellow students), you find out about the resort and can meet some really nice people (of course some might be wallies but that's life). I am always quite envious of people who are going skiing for the first time because I can still remember what a good laugh it was. Don't get me wrong, skiing is better when you can go higher; faster; longer; but probably not as many belly laughs as you do when you are learning. Take some arnica cream for the bruising. Regards, Mark

caron-a wrote:

I may be wrong but I thought lessons in austria were generally two hours in the morning, an hour for lunch and then another two hours in the afternoon?

That's certainly been my experience in Austrian resorts, though maybe just a morning/afternoon was an option and I was to dum to ask in those early novice days.

Dave

Tony_H wrote:
As for lift passes, the Euro HAS to weaken against the pound, so I'd wait and get it in resort to be honest.

Hmm.

As you mite be aware im hoping to book soon and be out in jan

u think im better waiting to pay for equipment hire and lift passes when im out there?

Hedge it, buy half your Euros now incase it all goes tits up.

I actually learnt to ski in St Anton - in retrospect not the best resort for beginners but like yourself we went with a group of friends who were experienced. I would really recommend that you go to ski school for the week - a lot of the blues in St Anton can be a bit tricky and its important that you know the slope before you take it on. an instructor will know exactly what you are capable of and will ensure that you are not out of your depth!

While St Anton would never top the list of resorts suited for beginners there are still plenty of nice beginner slopes. From memory, the Rendl area has a few nice gentle slopes. Also try to get to Lech - its about a 20 minute bus ride away but has loads of easy blues that you will really enjoy.

As Tony mentions, the Mooserwirt and the Krazy Kangaroo are two pubs worth visiting at about 4pm for an end of day beer. Not unusual to see people dancing on the tables with their skiboots on - great fun. But beware, they are located up the hill from the village so you will still have to ski down from there to get home - tricky after a few strong beers :lol:.

RossF wrote:Hedge it, buy half your Euros now incase it all goes tits up.

hmm

so i could do something like

buy ski passes with the TO

and wait and hire equipment at the resort

or sumthing

good plan!

Hello!! sorry for the late post! i've got the joys of night shifts this weekend so my days are when im asleep at the moment!! Its nearly 1am now so only another 6 hours untill i finish! :D
Tony_H i must admit its a small world!! My friend who goes every year is already raving about the Krazy Kangarah so it would be good to tilt a beer or 3!!!
RoseR I did mean Krazy can not Karzy! That opens up an entirely different sort of image and im not sure i'd want to spend my apri ski time in there!!! (mind you im sure that depends on how good the chef at the chalet is!) hehehehehe :D
mtr259 i cant wait to go skiing1 its something ive always wanted to do!
Wanderer is there any hints for skiing back after a jar or 3! :-0

chrisn_28 wrote:
Tony_H i must admit its a small world!! My friend who goes every year is already raving about the Krazy Kangarah so it would be good to tilt a beer or 3!!!

Chris, just drop me a PM a week or 2 in advance of the trip, and we can arrange to meet up.