Learning to do "winter sports" from scratch in your (late) fifties?

[Ganymede]

getting down using defensive techniques..

*laughter of recognition*

 

[Globalti]

Namely side-slipping, snowploughing and zigzagging with kick turns when it gets really bad!

 

[Tim Hall]

I think you might be better off learning Bridge or something like that.
Unless your really, really fit and be honest with yourself I wouldnt bother.

It's being so cheerful as keeps you going.

 

[Trickedem]

As @Ganymede said boarding is going to be tough on your knees and backside. I was late to skiing and it was relatively easy to pick up the basics. I learnt most when I went out with a group who pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Once I started cycling again skiing became much easier because the leg muscles used are similar.
I've had a blast today, skiing with someone half my age.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Just to add - you really need to invest in some good instruction. You really do. One group lesson at the start of the week won't cut it, I would say especially with an older starting age (kids bounce, after all).

One-on-one is pricey, but I believe very much worth it - or perhaps a small class, maybe 3 or 4 pupils. But I would say have morning lessons for the first 2 days.

I was really lucky when I learned to ski at 45 (ish?) as I was invited by a rich friend who basically gave me my own ski instructor for the long weekend - there were no other beginners in the group and I couldn't ski alone! I realise this was a mad stroke of good fortune but it really set me up well. Being taught properly just makes the whole experience more agreeable and manageable.

Plan is to do an all-day small group (five tops, I'm told) beginner session (indoors) and then follow up with the next day (indoors) seeing what has been learnt. tlh has said not to boarding but yes to skiing.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I think you might be better off learning Bridge or something like that.
Unless your really, really fit and be honest with yourself I wouldnt bother.

Define how really, really fit is in this context. Genuine question.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

As @Ganymede said boarding is going to be tough on your knees and backside. I was late to skiing and it was relatively easy to pick up the basics. I learnt most when I went out with a group who pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible. Once I started cycling again skiing became much easier because the leg muscles used are similar.
I've had a blast today, skiing with someone half my age.
View attachment 391770

Trayz is hard to learn but easy to master
Plankz is easy to learn but hard to master

 

[Tin Pot]

I think you might be better off learning Bridge or something like that.
Unless your really, really fit and be honest with yourself I wouldnt bother.

I think you* underestimate the human body.

Lots of people look at themselves and their years on the sofa and think “I’m not that kind of person”.

It’s bullshit.

The human body, anyone’s body - with the obvious exceptions - can adapt enormously given the right stimulus. Everyone is “that kind of person”. The only thing you need is the desire..The will to achieve. Your body can cope, easily.



*I hope it’s obvious that I’m not attacking you, but encouraging those who don’t believe in themselves.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

What , sledging down a snowy hill on a tray nicked from the canteen is for nobbers? What a thing to say

That is proper use of snow, none of this "sport" nonsense

 

[Tin Pot]

Define how really, really fit is in this context. Genuine question.

Not at all, is enough.

Snow sports are all about technique. Like swimming, if you jump in and try to do a dozen lengths you’ll be half drowned in a couple of lengths thinking it’s impossible! Once you learn the technique and how to relax it becomes an entirely different beast.

I was pouring sweat trying to force my way into skiing, but all it really took was time and repetition.

 

[Tin Pot]

Just to add - you really need to invest in some good instruction. You really do. One group lesson at the start of the week won't cut it, I would say especially with an older starting age (kids bounce, after all).

One-on-one is pricey, but I believe very much worth it - or perhaps a small class, maybe 3 or 4 pupils. But I would say have morning lessons for the first 2 days.

I was really lucky when I learned to ski at 45 (ish?) as I was invited by a rich friend who basically gave me my own ski instructor for the long weekend - there were no other beginners in the group and I couldn't ski alone! I realise this was a mad stroke of good fortune but it really set me up well. Being taught properly just makes the whole experience more agreeable and manageable.

Totally agree.

We started skiing as a family, trying to get everyone into there various ESF classes was a nightmare for a newbie, so I took a chance on some internet research and ended up employing ‘Megeve’ Mike to teach all of us, now we’re good friends and my skiing is good enough he’s tried to encourage me to take it up as a guide!
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowU...Megeve_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html

He really loves teaching newbies and can really explain the technique and mindset better than anyone else I’ve tried in other resorts.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Not at all, is enough.

Snow sports are all about technique. Like swimming, if you jump in and try to do a dozen lengths you’ll be half drowned in a couple of lengths thinking it’s impossible! Once you learn the technique and how to relax it becomes an entirely different beast.

I was pouring sweat trying to force my way into skiing, but all it really took was time and repetition.

One of my colleagues has just come back from a 'boarding holiday in the Alps. He is four inches shorter and about five stone heavier than me and can't make it up the stairs from the basement to the ground floor without taking a break on the LGF landing. Yet he seems to get by on the slopes. He isn't a noob but, being Australian, neither did he learn at kindergarten.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I have done neither, but isn't one major difference between skiing and snowboarding that in the latter your feet face sideways? I only ask because a friend who is a very proficient skier tried snowboarding and gave herself a nasty twisting fracture of her thigh bone first time out.

Your feet face sideways, are locked in place and thus you also have a massive blindside on a board. I'm relying on the fact I have no skills as a skier but have spent a fair amount of time falling off a longboard at speed.

 

[Tin Pot]

I have done neither, but isn't one major difference between skiing and snowboarding that in the latter your feet face sideways? I only ask because a friend who is a very proficient skier tried snowboarding and gave herself a nasty twisting fracture of her thigh bone first time out.

Personally I think injuries are - very much like in cycling - over reported. (Don’t worry, they have their own Helmet debate too)

But the balance is completely different. A competent boarder and skier who spends a season doing one will struggle switching to the other. Hilariously so, if you are watching

 

[Ganymede]

Not at all, is enough.

Snow sports are all about technique. Like swimming, if you jump in and try to do a dozen lengths you’ll be half drowned in a couple of lengths thinking it’s impossible! Once you learn the technique and how to relax it becomes an entirely different beast.

I was pouring sweat trying to force my way into skiing, but all it really took was time and repetition.

I know I use far less effort now that I'm an experienced skier. Problem: can't eat so much delicious Alpine cheese...!