On 9/20/2011 2:00 AM, wrote:
I moved to Orange County a couple of years ago from the midwest and
some coworkers talked me into trying snowboarding. This year I want
to try skiing. Does anyone have any recommendations about how to
start out?

As others have said, take a lesson (perhaps several) from a certified
instructor. If you can schedule it, go on a weekday in December -
you'll probably get one of the full-time instructors who has loads of
experience getting never-evers to learn. DON'T wait until XMas week or
a Saturday holiday in the height of the season - that's when the ski
school is overwhelmed with customers and you're like to get a warm body
that they picked up at the plasma center that morning.

I'm not sure what resorts are near you, but don't be picky - a bunny
hill is a bunny hill, so you don't need to go to the big name resorts to
take your first couple of lessons. Just get out there and do it.

You should get your own pair of boots fairly early. The "real" way to
do it is to go to a bootfitter and have him or her do you up with the
best fitting boot. Unfortunately, this will cost well into three
figures, so your other option is to hit some used sporting goods stores
and pick up a pair for ~$50. They won't be ideal, but they'll probably
be better than the rental boots. Choose carefully, look for a
snug-to-very-snug fit. Ignore the size stamped on the boot, just choose
the boot that holds your foot firmly in place without hurting.

Likewise, you can pick up used skis that are as good or better than the
rental for ~$100. Once you have your own gear, you're more likely to
get out on the hill since the marginal cost of going skiing is lower.
At least that was my experience. Think of this stuff as "starter gear"
and plan to replace it in a year or two - you'll probably be able to
sell it for about what you paid for it, so it just an extended rental.

But rent the first time. See if you like it enough to come back.

//Walt