Adventure Bike Rider Forum

After those that know me have stopped laughing..yes i am going on a Ski holiday in Feb with my son and lady and her son....they oth Ski very well already.

Been Skiing for a day before and lived to tell the tale btu my son has never done it before.

Going to Bulgaria so we shall see what it's like.

My son and i are both on Ski School for a week which should be interesting.

So you lot..any tips for a first time bod..and yes i know..don't break a leg!!!!

And it's only skiing..i mean how hard can it be...!!!!!

Mike

Go to your local dry slope and get some lessons there, you will enjoy the trip a lot more.

You will find that people drink a lot on the slopes, join them its great fun B)

Take a back pack for removing layers if you get hot, I always get hot on the slopes.

Take goggles and glasses with you each day.

Don't eat yellow snow...

Bend zee knees.

Just come back from Austria as a skiing newbie so have a few insights Mike

Buy good quality jacket, salopettes and snow boots - being warm was something my whole family really valued

We did one hour at a dry slope as a taster session back in September. Out in Austria I paid for private lessons from an English speaking ski instructor (about 4 hours per person) and we all came on really quickly Yes it cost but it was 1 on 1 tuition and we all went from absolute beginners to three of us (aged 9, 44 and 50) ending up on the mountain. Our 5 year old stayed on the learner slopes.

Have fun! We were part of a wedding party and there was plenty of apres ski but we have small children and in the end the adults got fed up of skiing with hang overs.
(thumbs)

Agree with what's already been said reg. dry slope practice.
Sort out your fitness (unless you're already ripped) Strength/endurance/joint flexibility/agility.
There are some cross over benefits for off-road/MX bikers. Weight transference/looking forward/familiarity with speed.
Have a great time

skiing by the master himself (AKA me)
step 1. put those ill fitting boots on and make sure they rub so you get PLENTY of blisters.
step 2. put your boots into the skis and fall flat on your face.
step 3. after standing up, walk slowly like a frog uphill
step 4. ski backwards down afore mentioned hill and scream like a girl.
after much of step 3 and 4. you will eventually make it to the top of the hill.
step 5. push off with those walking stick things and crouch as if there is a rocket up your butt.
step 6. scream like a girl
step 7. repeat step 6
step 8. apply brakes.
step 9. realise you dont know how to brake and resort to step 6 again.
step 10. reach terminal velocity (mach 4) and then gently use your face as an emergency brake.
step 11. give up.

true story

Forgot to mention, don't skimp on stretching in the morning. Whole body too, you can easily pull muscles in your neck or something if you don't.

Don't worry about the horror stories, skiing is completely awesome. Snowboarding is obviously superior though...

My thoughts...
[ol]
[li]Get lessons here in the UK[/li]
[li]Rent don't buy on your first trip (in fact I have sold my boards and now rent all the time - less hassle )[/li]
[li]Does any of your bike armour fit under your skiing / boarding stuff?[/li]
[li]You will get hot and tired[/li]
[li]A beer helps[/li]
[li]Maybe two[/li]
[li]Get lessons in the UK[/li]
[/ol]

dave_ac wrote: [li]Does any of your bike armour fit under your skiing / boarding stuff?[/li]
[/ol]

I used all mine when boarding, I was very hot but was practicing jumps every afternoon. Wouldn't have lasted a day without them. For gentle skiing knee protection would be good.

Bren