"Beloved Leader" wrote in message
om...
"Joe Ramirez" wrote in message
...

I'm planning to learn either snowboarding or skiing....
I'm interested in taking up
boarding or skiing because (1) they look like a lot of fun, (2) I could
use
more exercise in the winter, and (3) I love the mountains.
I live in Pittsburgh,...
Good for you. 42 is not to old to learn. Realistically, should you
keep up with either skiing or boarding or both, you can expect to
become someone who enjoys skiing or boarding as a social activity
rather than someone who is in the top 1% of skiers or boarders. Either
one is a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. Going
down a slope by the light of the full moon is a blast no matter what
you're riding.

Yes, I have no delusions about becoming a pro. I just want to become good
enough to enjoy some fast rides on exciting slopes without killing myself.

You, especially, are in luck, as January 8 is "Pennsylvania Learn to
Ski" day. On this day, resorts all over PA will have blocks of
tickets, for $10 each, that include the equipment rental and lift
ticket. How can you go wrong? Google for "pennsylvania learn to ski"
or "Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association". The PSSA website,
http://www.skipa.com/events.htm , says little about the event, so
visit a Pittsburgh ski or board shop or call a nearby ski area for
more information. It's an unbeatable deal. Tickets may be limited, so
don't tarry.

Actually, I'm out of luck, because Jan. 8 is a Thursday, and I have to work.
You're right that it's a great deal, but the timing is not so hot. Of
course, there may not be any snow in these parts anyway. The temperatures
have been in the 40s and 50s for the past week, and we've just had 48
straight hours of steady rain. I don't think it's been snowing anywhere
around here recently, not even in the mountains. I doubt that even Seven
Springs' snow machines can cope with this much rain.

In addtion, learning to board involves (requires?) falling. Much, much
falling. It hurts. Yes, you'll fall on skis too, but learning to ski
strikes me as a less painful experience. Skis, since they can be
spread apart, provide an intrinsic stability not available with a
board. Whatever your choice, don't forget the painkillers.

I certainly don't enjoy falling, but when I was learning to ice skate I was
able to endure what I needed to in order to get through the clumsy stage. In
fact, my first time on skates I ended up in the emergency room. I was in the
middle of the ice holding my wife's hand, and I fell, dragging her down as
well. Her skate blade sliced through my finger, and my brother had to drive
me to the hospital for stitches and a tetanus shot. Anyway, I suppose that
even hard packed snow is not as bad as an ice rink.

Thanks,

Joe Ramirez