Beginner would you recommend artifical slopes for practise

A helmet will not prevent you from falling over. Contrary to popular belief. Nor will a woolly hat keep your hands warm.

I would certainly start with group lessons, I think it is a great way of learning and laughing with others, and then move on to private lessons when you get a bit more experience 8)

Depending on where you live in relation to dry slopes or indoor manufactured snow slopes I would suggest.

1)Initial lessons on a dry slope to get the basics. (group or individual - it's your choice)
2) Before your real holiday then go for a play or a lesson on an indoor snow slope.

Go on holiday & you shouldn't, all being well end up in the beginner class, and therefore get much more out of your expensive holiday, particularly out side of lesson time.

After that never go near a dry slope again - you'll simply hate it.

there is nothing like real snow, skiing on dry slopes however "keeps you in touch" and allows you practice between holidays both my lads who are good skiers ski on a dry slope 2/3 times a week, you will then find it so much easier to ski on snow after the plastic !

If you have a choice, I think you should go for the artificial snow dome, rather than the 'dry' i.e. mat type of slope. The mats are very hard to fall on - I should know, I broke my shoulder on one! And I have heard of plenty of other people who have hurt themselves on them. Plus, the artificial snow is much more like the real thing - and in fact you are quite likely to be ski-ing on artificial snow at some point during your actual ski holiday as the lower slopes are usually covered in snow cannons.

And, don't worry about falling over in a group lesson and making a ***** of yourself - you need to get used to it :D

Someone in my advanced ski group lesson in Courchevel fell off a drag lift (not me I hasten to add) and had to be rescued by our instructor. These things happen. And if you continue to have lessons you will continue to fall over. In fact, it might even be a good idea to practise falling over - seriously - so that you don't put your hand down first, for example (like practising break falls in judo). It's very important not to fight the fall, and to go down in such a way that you don't hurt yourself.

I do think practising on a snow dome is a good idea before your holiday. Ski-ing can be very intimidating to begin with, so the more you know about it before you get out there the better. You can then relax more, and enjoy the lessons, and get a chance to admire the view of the mountains.

I hope you have a great time,

Ally

Artificial slopes or Snow domes are a good way to learn the basics. Starting, stopping and turning and also learning how to use the drag lifts.
That's how I started. Took some group lessons and then when I had my first holiday, I was able to really enjoy it. Whatever you decide - have fun. :D

1. Boots & footbeds

2. I found individual lessons, you progress faster (but depends on quality of instructor) ask the poeple candidly at you local slope which instructor they recomend.

3. lessons on dry slope wont hurt you and will make sking on snow easier when you get on it

3. take a lesson or two at a snow dome before you go on your first holiday away

4. Keep at it and dont give up ! (its possibly one of the most rewarding hobbies you will ever take up and say bye to all your spare cash!!)

Welcome to the club :D

Not sure about the Dry slope. Almost put my wife off going on holiday, Thankfully we did go & she has been hooked ever since.