Another skiing noob.

Hi, just joined today.

I have always fancied skiing, and yesterday bought my first pair of skiis/poles and boots (ebay specials).
the skis are 6'6" Rossignol parallel, and the boots and bindings are Saloman.
We have a lot of snow here in the UK at the moment, so just fancy going to a fairly small hill and throwing myself down it.
I would like any help or advice you could give me in relation to set up, leg/feet/knee positions etc.

I am 40 years old, and 14 1/2 stone.

Right, well this is a different kind of question.

Although we have a lot of snow, the conditions aren't ideal for learning, trying to ski in powder is something I am completely crap at and I've been skiing for 20 years.

If you have a dry slope anywhere near you I suggest you go there, if they have snow on their slopes it will be like 'proper' skiing, but you would need to have a lesson before they let you on the lift.

If you are adamant that you want to go skiing with your new skis, take someone with you and be careful!

Can someone else help me out here?

I thought about being sensible but I will give it a miss.

Clip one ski on (I am sure you will work it out) and have a skate about. Clip the other ski on and get sliding on both. Go further up the hill and let yourself slide down (be careful of going too high) then work your way up and you will get a little faster each time. Don't try and 'teach' yourself how to turn because if you come round to having lessons should you enjoy it, you will experience the 'un-learning' process which isn't nice.

Should you decide to take lessons at any point, the skis you bought are too long and will only make it more difficult for you.

PCthug wrote:Hi, just joined today.

I have always fancied skiing, and yesterday bought my first pair of skiis/poles and boots (ebay specials).
the skis are 6'6" Rossignol parallel, and the boots and bindings are Saloman.
We have a lot of snow here in the UK at the moment, so just fancy going to a fairly small hill and throwing myself down it.
I would like any help or advice you could give me in relation to set up, leg/feet/knee positions etc.

I am 40 years old, and 14 1/2 stone.

Go sledging!!! Then go get some lessons. Your knees need to last you for a few more years yet.

NellyPS wrote:

Can someone else help me out here?

All I can add Nelly, is that anyone happy to start skiing and buy the whole kebang off of ebay, is obviously someone with a lot of get up and go. I suspect he will just get on with it and either love it or hate it.

PCthug, I would strongly advise that as Nelly says you seek some guidance if possible at a ski slope, but if you wish to just get on a hill and go for it, then please try to be careful.

The first thing you will really need to do, is learn how to control your speed and stop. This is usually done by beginners with a method called the snowplough. This is where youspread your feet apart and turn your toes inwards, making the ski tips come towards each other making a V shape. You then need to apply pressure to the inner edges of the skis to slow yourself down. However in powder snow, the most likely method of you stopping yourself is to fall over before you hit something.

Please try to at least find someone who can ski to go with you and tell you what to try.

Frankly, we could post pages of information about what you should do, but you will forget it all when you get on the snow. I say that from total personal experience :D

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it and get the bug properly.

Regarding positions. If you have kept your legs below your body, your knees in the middle of your legs and your feet below your knees, after you have thrown yourself down this hill you will be progressing.
I agree you need to take someone with you, perhaps a paramedic.
Seriously though , you need to know what you are skiing on, will you be hitting rocks or branches covered with snow.
I think it would be advisable to take a few lessons first if that is possible.
But good luck.

PCthug wrote:We have a lot of snow here in the UK at the moment, so just fancy going to a fairly small hill and throwing myself down it.

A1 for Endeavour! But... STOP. DO NOT DO THIS.

You must get your skis, bindings and boots checked by a professional or a trusted (and knowledgeable) friend before you use them.

Your best bet is to go to your nearest dry slope / indoor centre, take some lessons and listen to their advice.

If you "throw yourself down a hill", even a small one, you risk serious injury or death. Seriously.

Your enthusiasm is brilliant, so we'd love for you to live long enough to apply it. Take your kit to a pro, get some advice and we'll be here to cheer you on. 8)

Post back and tell us how you get on.