We’re developing a beginners section of the site, as you may have seen. It would be really useful to hear from beginners on the the subjects it is most important to cover. For some of us, those days are so long ago ...
 
Chris
 

under "gear" add borrow everything if possible (except boots) it softens that intial expense, we kept all our old stuff just for that reason

Hi All,
 
Although not a beginner,but as a skier who has taken several beginners away with them and taught them the ropes,when listing a resorts lifts/pistes etc information on the free lifts available for use without a ski pass would be good.
 
As for a complete beginner sometimes the nursery slopes are not all that good in some places,and the cost of a lift pass is a major expense if you are not sure if you are going to like skiing or not.
 
just a thought
 
all the best
 
JonG.

My first ski experience (abroad) was to Bag Gastein and went with my girlfriend (now wife) her brother and his wife - all of whom had been skiing for years. I basically tried to keep up with them all week, with often hillarious results, at my expense and dignity. The first thing I did when I came back was to join my local dry ski slope in Glasgow and get a serious of lessons, so that I could keep up with them next time round.
 
My first tip would be to get lessons in UK before you go, as I now do with my kids. This way you get accustomed to having these planks attached to your feet and you get excellent instruction and without doubt get the basics right. Admitedly dendex will never replace the real thing, but as it is harder to ski on it, I reckon you find it easier when you hit the real stuff. In addition the likes of Xscape would be provide a more realistic, if more expensive, alternative.
 
Second tip again would be done in UK and that is choosing the right resort for you. There are specialist Ski travel agents (Ski Travel Centre in Glasgow are excellent) who are great and without doubt better than the major high street operations. Obviously websites such as this and of course the WTSS book are great for researching the right resort if booking independently. Bearing in mind that nursery slopes are usually at village level the resort would need to be fairly high and you would need to ensure that the resort had easy runs back to village and easier slopes to progress on to. I agree with Jon in that somewhere that offered a free pass for nursery slopes would be good too. Val d’Isere used to do this when I was there back in the 90’s, and thought this was a great and very fair idea.
 
Again I suppose my last tip would be done over here and that would be to try where possible to get accommodation close to slopes/ski school. As a beginner, trudging about carrying skis and walking in ski boots is the worst part of the experience. If you can take that element out of the equation it makes for a better experience.
 
Sorry but I think I would sqeeze in a 4th tip. Get fit before you go and if a member of a gym, get a ski specific program designed for you that works the relevant muscles. This makes a huge difference to your ability, reduces aching limbs significantly and should therefore make the whole experience better. If not a member of gym, get on your bike, go running and do squats/lunges etc in the house. Believe you me, it does make a big difference. Even as an experienced skier you should be doing this 2-3 months before you go.
 
Hopefully if all the preparation is done right it should make for a better experience.

Wow - you wait four months for a response to your posting, and then three come along all at once!
 
Thanks, guys. I do think lift access for beginners is something we need to get better at in the book, as well as in the beginners section of the site.
 
Chris
 

Lots of useful stuff here guys, thanks.
 
Beginner lift passes:
 
Just been reading a report that about a beginner to Soldeu having to buy the full area pass - outrageous!
 
But in contrast one French resort has improved its passes this year, to make some lifts free and extend coverage for progressing novices without them requiring a full area pass.
 
So, if you or your chums are beginners please report back with your views/experiences this season.
 
Does anyone actually (beginner or not) take advantage of Les Arcs’ free lifts at weekends offer?

All good stuff - thanks, people - but ...
 
Are there any actual beginners out there reading this? What I really want to know is not what experienced skiers want to pass on to beginners, but what subjects beginners would like us to cover in our beginners section. What are the things you are really unsure about as you plan your holiday?
 
cheers
 
Chris

I just found this forum and registered today! All information from you guys if very helpful to me and I do read it in all detail.
 
I never go skiing but I will make it comes true this year. Although I am 29 years old (I am old but my heart is still young), I do not think it is too late for ski lesson ^-^ I am from Thailand where snow never exist!
 
The questions come to my mind are mostly what you guys already posted in here. However please let me specific more in detail;
 
1. How many days do I have to take a ski school?
2. If this is my first time to ski, can I go skiing in the real snow slope-extensive terrain/gentle slope (not indoor snow) at the first start?
3. Where is the best place for the beginners to ski? I am looking for the ski resorts that have extensive terrain, no lifting pass required, reasonable price for skiset rental, hotel, food, etc (I am on budget ^^), friendly environment and English spoken. I got one suggestion to go to St. Anton in Austria, is it a good one?
 
I actually plan about 2 weeks trips to Germany and Austria, my goals are to go skiing and go sight seeing as well. Still not sure how many days I should spend for skiing, any suggestion please?

Excellent questions and ones you never see the answers for. This is because there are no definate answers. Here are some of my personal views.
 
1. How many days do I have to take a ski school?
 
Answer: As many as possible. If you are only skiing in the first instance for 2 weeks then take lessons every day. Not only will the instructor teach you how to ski but will guide you around the resort and help with basic skiing knowledge such as where to eat, what equipment to have, what that mountain is over there called, will it snow tommorrow etc.
 
2. If this is my first time to ski, can I go skiing in the real snow slope-extensive terrain/gentle slope (not indoor snow) at the first start?
 
Answer: Yes, you will start on real snow immediately. The instructor will start you in a specific area dedicated to learning for the first day or so, then you will be taken onto the easier slopes of the mountain and gradually onto the harder slopes
 
3. Where is the best place for the beginners to ski? I am looking for the ski resorts that have extensive terrain, no lifting pass required, reasonable price for skiset rental, hotel, food, etc (I am on budget ^^), friendly environment and English spoken. I got one suggestion to go to St. Anton in Austria, is it a good one?
 
Answer: Not St. Anton, but the resort selection part of the wtss site will give guidance as will a number of other ski guide web sites. Just select beginner, low cost and large extent and see what pops up. You will need to purchase a lift pass and these can be very expensive.
 
I actually plan about 2 weeks trips to Germany and Austria, my goals are to go skiing and go sight seeing as well. Still not sure how many days I should spend for skiing, any suggestion please?
 
Sorry, but I cannot answer that question. As an enthusiastic I would say all of them, but then you may actually like to experience a bit more of the country.
 
John

John, thank you very much for your prompt response! I will go through web sites and look for the ski resorts that suit my requirements.
 
Unfortunately I can not extend my vacation, therefore I will try to manage my 2 weeks as good as it gets.
 
Thank you again,
Chuthathip

Hi Asian traveller
 
You’re never too old to learn to ski and you’re going to love it, I’m sure! You have some very sensible questions here - that John has given some good answers to.
 
Here are my thoughts too, but also try our Shortlist builder on this site to give you a list of resorts that might be of interest - let me know if you still have more questions.
 
1. Best places to ski: Please avoid St Anton as your first choice - this isn’t at all suitable for a beginner and is likely to put you off big time. Not because it isn’t a great resort, but because the nursery slopes are very steep and often with difficult snow conditions that won’t make life easy. What you really need are wide, gentle areas with - preferably - easy lifts to use. Many resorts now have what is know as a "moving carpet" that you stand on rather than an awkward draglift - though some are gentle enough.
 
Resorts to consider (depending on time of year you go) would be those that offer free lifts or part-day passes, perhaps a beginner package that includes rental equipment.  Don’t be fooled into buying a full area pass when you don’t need it. Resort websites are very good at listing the choices available, but many people don’t think to look at them. (let me know if you want further advice on this)
 
For example, if your interest was in France you could try Courchevel - they have good nursery slopes and a part-day pass, some free lifts etc. Other French resorts are similar. One of the best I’ve been to with gentle green runs is Alpe d’Huez.
 
For Austria: there are plenty of good choices, which are close for the sightseeing part of the trip you mention.
 
2. Ski school: As John says, take as many days as you can. The more you learn early on the better progress you’ll make on future trips. Try and choose a resort with several choices of school - that way, if you don’t get on with one you can try another. I favour group lessons for the social side of getting started, but consider one or two private lessons as well.
 
3. Yes, you don’t need to start indoors. Most resorts have a dedicated nursery area, where you’ll learn the basics in a safe environment. Often these "snow gardens" are enclosed and with their own lifts - but if not, you’ll be taken to a gentle slope.
 
Please do list any other questions you might have.
 
Wendy
Assistant ed

I was here yeaterday but could not finish my post due to the internet connection..
 
Wendy, thank you for your suggesting. I am glad to hear that there are some places offerring the free lift, thus I can save money in my pocket ^^
 
I plan to go skiing at the end of November this year, is this a good timing for skiing in Austria? I found St Johann in Tirol, Alpbach and Wagrain catch my interest (for beginner). Not sure if one of these resorts offer free lift passes. However I do need time to look through the packages of each resort and make comparision between them in order to find the best one that suit me. Skiing in France sounds good to me as well but probably I can not make it this year.
 
Once I know where I will go, I am sure I will have more question about the technical stuffs about skiing. However I will take time with some good tips in here firt and will let you know if I may have some other questions.
 
By the way, let me ask one more thing. In gerneral, does everyone need to wear full safety set when skiing? or it depends? Just curious to know because I think I may not feel comfortable with the helmet. If it is a must, I am okay to wear it though.
 
Ps. I did find you in ‘Where to Ski and Snowboard’ group in Facebook, so I will also keep updating there.
 
Thank you,
Chuthathip
 

Chuthathip,
 
November may not be a good time to go skiing. There is almost no skiing in November. You will be wasting your money. Go in January if you want to ski on a budget and avoid febuary and early march.
 
You will need good ski clothing, such as googles, gloves, trousers and jacket. The helmet is optional, but the merits of wearing or not wearing one generate considerable debate.
 
John

John,
 
My friend said that there are some ski resorts open in late November….then I plan ahead for my ski trip with hope. If November is not a good time then I have to change my plan (T-T)...
 
Mid December-January is impossible for me due to my work schedule. Do you have any suggestion for other places that skiing in November is possible? If not, I may need to change my plan to go to Australia instead and my vacation will be sooner than I have expected before.
 
Chuthathip

Hi Chuthathip
 
Excellent that you found us on Facebook! Please, encourage your skiing friends to join too - we haven’t really got going yet, as lots to do on the new book.
 
November in ticky in Europe - most resorts won’t be open then, unless you fancy going to the glaciers. You could, for example try Hintertux (not far from Innsbruck). The slopes there would be fine for learning, but they are high and exposed if the weather is poor. There are other glacier resorts too. If there is excellent snowfall, some resorts do open early but that’s quite risky for planning your trip based on that.
 
If you were able to ski in early December, it can be a good time to go - these resorts you mention, open around 10/11 Dec usually; I’ve been then and had a great time on quiet slopes.
 
If the snow is good then Wagrain / Flachau would be an excellent choice for you in terms of slopes - really lovely wide learning pistes and lots of fast lifts.
 
For the clothing: John has listed good items here. You don’t need to spend a fortune on special gear, but the ski trousers, eye protection and waterproof jacket are important.  Think about borrowing items from friends if you need them.
 
Also think about layers - such as a thermal top (not cotton!), light fleece etc. Things that you can put together if it gets really cold.
 
I would encourage the use of helmets - but it’s not compulsory. You might be able to rent one depending on where you go.
 

Hi Wendy,
 
Thank you for the info. As you mentioned about going to the glaciers, I have found 2 interesting resorts at Hintertux and Kaprun. I will check and see what I can do ^-^
 
Best Regards,
Chuthathip