Where do i start?

Hi

I've never been skiing before in my life, in fact I've never even seen a set of Skis apart from on TV, but always wanted to do it. For some reason I've agreed to go skiing with my Girlfriend, who's been skiing since she was 8, and a load of her friends this year.

Any basic tips would be greatly appreciated, just so I don't make a complete fool of both myself and my girlfriend on holiday.

Thanks in advance

Stay warm-be fit-otherwise I can;t see any reason why you won't love it:D

hi completenovice!

being only 3 seasons on from right where you are now i can offer this advice...

book private tuition in the mornings, that way your friends get some good runs in, then let your girl friend and her experienced mates help you in the afternoon - in a week you'll be amazed how quickly you come on.

Accept your crapness and be proud of it, there's only one way to go!

good luck!

Welcome to this wonderful sport.
I must warn you, it is addictive.

Above all just enjoy yourself and forget about looking "silly". We all did, thus other skiers will respect your first "steps".

Think this way....it will always get better!

Now for practical points.

1. By all means get lessons right away.
2. Learn just to walk about those silly boards.
3. Try NOT to look at them. They get very shy when you do and thus do silly things.
4.Do not go up with friends for at least a day. You will be too self-conscious and they will want to go too fast!
5. Learn to fall correctly

Have lots of fun,,since you will remember your first day on skis for the rest of your life.

Several good tips here. Good advice all.

OF note try to get into shape and remember to stretch. You will be using muscles that you don't normally use and you will be sore.

Take a hot bath after a day on the slopes to relax the tension out of your sore bones. You'd be surprised how much tension is inherent in a new activity.

I saw a Learn to ski film once where the instructor said that there is only fear where there is danger and danger is there because of ignorance - lack of knowledge. Eliminate the ignorance and danger is gone - then there can be no fear. Knowledge is what makes us successful. - take a lesson to learn about our sport.

Look at the web and watch good examples of what you will be doing. The mental rehearsal is good for the brain.

I know it's alot to take in at first but keep trying. Babies learn to walk one step at a time and after they fall they just keep on going withoout self deprication. Joy is their sucess button. Joy of accomplishment should be yours. Don't measure yourself by the others who ski with you - remember you might just be the best in your family!

Last tip dress for the sport. You wouldn't go swimming in a baggy jeans and a sweater that 's just stupid. The same goes for a good ski experience. Wear proper clothes that breath, keep you warm and dry. Gloves or mitts a proper hat and eye protection sun glasses or goggles wear it all - hey it's a chance for you and your girlfriend to shop for a new wardrobe and that's worth merit points :wink: !

James,
he best one was the correct clothing! You are soo,,,,, right on the mark!

Be prepared to fall over a lot for the first few days, but the most important thing is to keep getting up and get the miles in.

you will progress very quickly and it will be your best ever holiday :D

If at all possible, get some lessons at a dry slope or indoor snow slope before you go on your holiday abroad. That means you get through the early bits of learning to stand, walk , fall over, stand up again, slide around, make simple turns in advance. Which then means you are not spending precious and expensive holiday minutes on snow in a beginners' class learning to stand, walk, fall over ...etc. Half a dozen lessons at a dry slope and you should hit the snowy slopes suffiently mobile to sign yourself into a plough swing class in the resort right away. Then you can explore more of the mountain with your friends.

Enjoy! It's a great sport.