to become a casual skiier

I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.

I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
snow).

I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
and view the scenary.

My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
a perefect fit)
- how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?
- how risky is it to get injured?
- are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
got about it?

Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
that.

I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
and a boto is a must for me. Beyond that what are the expenses
involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
enough.

If it is not feasible for me, I'd rather not get involved at all
investing in skis and boots.

On 6 Mar 2007 17:56:56 -0800, "mm" wrote:

I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.

I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
snow).

I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
and view the scenary.

My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
a perefect fit)
- how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?

How long is a piece of string?

It depends very much on the individual. Some people will be able to
ski most of the blue runs after 3-4 lessons, others might need 10-12.

- how risky is it to get injured?

Not really all that risky nowadays, provided you don't do anything
stupid.

As with most sports, it is riskiest when you start, or when you are
doing it at a high competitive level. For most recreational skiers,
the risk is pretty low once they are over the initial learning curve.

- are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
got about it?

No idea - I live in the UK :-)


Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
that.

You don't need to worry about those at this stage. Wait until you are
skiing on a more than "casual" basis.


I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
and a boto is a must for me.

No. A set of boots, probably, although it is possible to get rentals
that are not painful.

But your own skis will make no difference to the comfort level
whatsoever.

And you certainly should NOT buy your own skis until you are at least
skiing all the blue runs comfortably, and probably getting on to some
of the single blacks.

If you get skis that are suitable for an absolute beginner, you will
soon progress to the point where you want/need better ones. And if you
get those better ones to start with, they will actually hold you back
in the early stages.

Beyond that what are the expenses
involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
enough.


You will need suitable clothing - Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Hat, Goggles,
socks, and some base layer stuff. How much base layer (and maybe
intermediate layer too) you need will depend on you as an individual.

You will need to pay for lift passes - generally cheaper by the
season, unless you are only doing 2-3 weeks worth in a winter.

And the lessons you have already mentioned.

Ski rental until you reach the stage where you are good enough to want
your own.
--
Alex Heney, Global Villager
Why doesn't DOS ever say "Excellent command or filename!"
To reply by email, my address is alexATheneyDOTplusDOTcom

On Mar 6, 6:48 pm, Alex Heney wrote:
On 6 Mar 2007 17:56:56 -0800, "mm" wrote:

I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, not
to emention that I am not young ..anymore.

I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
snow).

I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
and view the scenary.

My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
a perefect fit)
- how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?

How long is a piece of string?

It depends very much on the individual. Some people will be able to
ski most of the blue runs after 3-4 lessons, others might need 10-12.

- how risky is it to get injured?

Not really all that risky nowadays, provided you don't do anything
stupid.

As with most sports, it is riskiest when you start, or when you are
doing it at a high competitive level. For most recreational skiers,
the risk is pretty low once they are over the initial learning curve.

Got it.

- are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
got about it?

No idea - I live in the UK :-)


Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
that.

You don't need to worry about those at this stage. Wait until you are
skiing on a more than "casual" basis.



I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
and a boto is a must for me.

No. A set of boots, probably, although it is possible to get rentals
that are not painful.

But relying on the employees there to give me the right one didn't get
me pain free last time.


But your own skis will make no difference to the comfort level
whatsoever.

And you certainly should NOT buy your own skis until you are at least
skiing all the blue runs comfortably, and probably getting on to some
of the single blacks.

Okay.


If you get skis that are suitable for an absolute beginner, you will
soon progress to the point where you want/need better ones.

Okay, I'll rent it.

And if you
get those better ones to start with, they will actually hold you back
in the early stages.

Beyond that what are the expenses
involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
enough.

You will need suitable clothing - Jacket, Pants, Gloves, Hat, Goggles,
socks, and some base layer stuff. How much base layer (and maybe
intermediate layer too) you need will depend on you as an individual.

True. I was talking more about the fees to ski.


You will need to pay for lift passes - generally cheaper by the
season, unless you are only doing 2-3 weeks worth in a winter.

May be I should think about doign by season, a way to force myself go
there ...


And the lessons you have already mentioned.

Ski rental until you reach the stage where you are good enough to want
your own.

Right. I

--
Alex Heney, Global Villager
Why doesn't DOS ever say "Excellent command or filename!"
To reply by email, my address is alexATheneyDOTplusDOTcom- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

|I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
| to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.
|
| I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
| was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
| fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
| I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
| try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
| snow).
|
| I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
| and view the scenary.
|
| My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
| a perefect fit)
| - how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
| before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?
| - how risky is it to get injured?
| - are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
| got about it?
|
| Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
| that.
|
| I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
| and a boto is a must for me. Beyond that what are the expenses
| involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
| good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
| enough.
|
| If it is not feasible for me, I'd rather not get involved at all
| investing in skis and boots.

There are many ski councils (councils are made up from a group of local
clubs) affiliated with the Far West Ski Association. Probably closest
to you is Sierra League & Council.
http://www.fwsa.org/page/page/686860.htm
Heavenly is more expensive than other ski resorts in the area like
Kirkwood or Sierra at Tahoe so wouldn't be my first choice. You can get
hurt on the first run down the hill or ski ten years and not get hurt,
it depends. Contact Sierra League and find out what clubs are in your
area.

On Mar 6, 6:54 pm, "John" wrote:
|I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
| to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.
|
| I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
| was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
| fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
| I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
| try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
| snow).
|
| I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
| and view the scenary.
|
| My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
| a perefect fit)
| - how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
| before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?
| - how risky is it to get injured?
| - are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
| got about it?
|
| Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
| that.
|
| I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
| and a boto is a must for me. Beyond that what are the expenses
| involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
| good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
| enough.
|
| If it is not feasible for me, I'd rather not get involved at all
| investing in skis and boots.

There are many ski councils (councils are made up from a group of local
clubs) affiliated with the Far West Ski Association. Probably closest
to you is Sierra League & Council.http://www.fwsa.org/page/page/686860.htm

Thanks.

Heavenly is more expensive than other ski resorts in the area like
Kirkwood or Sierra at Tahoe so wouldn't be my first choice.

Okay, then no Hevanely. I said that becasue that 's where we were at
in 2002. I wasn't living in CA then.


You can get
hurt on the first run down the hill or ski ten years and not get hurt,
it depends.

Contact Sierra League and find out what clubs are in your
area.

Thanks a lot.

The main thing to remember about lessons is that the instructor can only
take you as far as your conditioning, athletic ability, willingness to
practice, motivation, skill, ability to put your natural fears and phobias
aside, ability to listen and apply his or her recommendations, etc. will
allow. While your instructor can explain balance, pressure, edging,
rotation, compression, etc. Unless you can put them into practice--nothing
happens.

So what kind of athlete are you? How coachable are you? How motivated are
you? The answer to that will tell you how many lessons you will need. I've
seen adults skiing parallel and ready for the expert slopes in a single day
or less. I've also seen adults get no further than the pen despite days and
days of lessons. Believe me, that isn't the instructors fault.

The biggest need for beginners is time on the slopes to put what you learned
into "muscle memory" so that each motion becomes second nature--then you can
build upon each.

Take your lesson. Let the instructor give you a drill or 2 to work on. Then
practice, practice, practice.

In terms of danger: "Skiing is a dangerous sport. Accidents can and do
happen resulting in injury and even death."...from the release that you
agree to every time you buy a ticket or rent equipment. Remember that the
better a skier you are, the safer you are. In my own experience-and I've
been skiing for 32 years--I have gotten injured 3 times. The first time it
was my fault. That time was very serious. And I deserved it. It was 30
years ago and I was showing off. the other 2 times were from being run into
from behind by newbi snowboarders who weren't looking and paying attention.
I consider that a pretty good record considering I ski between 80 and 100
days a year. Day for day, I've had more mishaps driving than skiing.
BUT--and this is important-- I WERE A HELMET. Not because I fear my own
skill or because it is cool--because I don't trust others on the slopes.

BTW I'm 56. I have skiing friends that are octogenarians. Skiing knows no
age limit.

As for gear: remember that your boots are the most important piece of
equipment. If you are even half way serious about the sport, get your own
boots. Ask around. Get them from a reputable, expiriensed boot fitter.
Have custom footbeds made. This is really worth it.---and don't buckle the
instep buckle so tight that it cuts off the circulation to your toes and
breaks any of your metatarsals.

One last piece of advice for you to ignore. Don't try to ski runs your
ability won't let you ski comfortably. Don't let friends sandbag you. Stay
on the green until you are sure you are ready for blue. Stay on the blue
until you are sure your are ready for black. Trust yourself. You want to
have fun--not be screaming internally with fright and panic. I see "skiers"
all the time in places where they really shouldn't be. They become a danger
to themselves and to me.

I generally don't ski in the Tahoe area--or I'd invite you to come share a
day with me. I live 35 minutes south of Mammoth in Bishop. It's kind of
silly for me to head to Tahoe when the largest single resort on the west
coast is in my backyard.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

"mm" wrote in message
oups.com...
I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.

I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
snow).

I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
and view the scenary.

My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
a perefect fit)
- how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?
- how risky is it to get injured?
- are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
got about it?

Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
that.

I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
and a boto is a must for me. Beyond that what are the expenses
involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
enough.

If it is not feasible for me, I'd rather not get involved at all
investing in skis and boots.




----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
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----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

On Mar 6, 7:25 pm, "Wayne Decker" wrote:
The main thing to remember about lessons is that the instructor can only
take you as far as your conditioning, athletic ability, willingness to
practice, motivation, skill, ability to put your natural fears and phobias
aside, ability to listen and apply his or her recommendations, etc. will
allow. While your instructor can explain balance, pressure, edging,
rotation, compression, etc. Unless you can put them into practice--nothing
happens.

So what kind of athlete are you? How coachable are you?
How motivated are you? The answer to that will tell you how many
lessons you will need. I've seen adults skiing parallel and ready for the
expert slopes in a single day or less.

They must have done similar sports.

I've also seen adults get no further than the pen despite days and
days of lessons. Believe me, that isn't the instructors fault.

Of course not.


The biggest need for beginners is time on the slopes to put what you
learned into "muscle memory" so that each motion becomes second
nature--then you can build upon each.


Take your lesson. Let the instructor give you a drill or 2 to work on. Then
practice, practice, practice.

Then season pass is needed. I wouldn't mind doing that but my
job .. . Welll, I'll see. If I can get into this thing and get away
from the mundane of faily life afafirs, that'd be great.


In terms of danger: "Skiing is a dangerous sport. Accidents can and do
happen resulting in injury and even death."...from the release that you
agree to every time you buy a ticket or rent equipment. Remember that the
better a skier you are, the safer you are. In my own experience-and I've
been skiing for 32 years--I have gotten injured 3 times. The first time it
was my fault. That time was very serious. And I deserved it. It was 30
years ago and I was showing off. the other 2 times were from being run into
from behind by newbi snowboarders who weren't looking and paying attention.
I consider that a pretty good record considering I ski between 80 and 100
days a year. Day for day, I've had more mishaps driving than skiing.
BUT--and this is important-- I WERE A HELMET. Not because I fear my own
skill or because it is cool--because I don't trust others on the slopes.

I once had head on collison with a newbie doing roller blading. We
both were new but she was heading toward me. Lucky that I didn't get
permanent back injury. It hurt for a few days.


BTW I'm 56. I have skiing friends that are octogenarians. Skiing knows no
age limit.

I have nevere been athletic, not y chocie but academic work + not
being in the right climate for my nasal codntion kept me from doing a
lot of things I would have tried.


As for gear: remember that your boots are the most important piece of
equipment. If you are even half way serious about the sport, get your own
boots. Ask around. Get them from a reputable, expiriensed boot fitter.

You mean, buy a used one from the store like REI?

Have custom footbeds made. This is really worth it.---and don't buckle the
instep buckle so tight that it cuts off the circulation to your toes and
breaks any of your metatarsals.


One last piece of advice for you to ignore. Don't try to ski runs your
ability won't let you ski comfortably. Don't let friends sandbag you. Stay
on the green until you are sure you are ready for blue. Stay on the blue
until you are sure your are ready for black. Trust yourself. You want to
have fun--not be screaming internally with fright and panic. I see "skiers"
all the time in places where they really shouldn't be. They become a
danger to themselves and to me.

People don't have the ability to determine where they belong. Now I am
scared, to be run over by them


I generally don't ski in the Tahoe area--or I'd invite you to come share a
day with me. I live 35 minutes south of Mammoth in Bishop.

I heard that place. It's by LA?

It's kind of silly for me to head to Tahoe when the largest single resort on
the west coast is in my backyard.

No wonder you have been skiiing most of your life.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

You did. Thanks.



"mm" wrote in message

oups.com...





I don't have the time nor the money to pursue skiiing as a hobby, ntot
to emntion that I am not young ..anymore.

I visisted Tahoe in summer (loved it) and winter (the only good part
was skiiing - I took intro lesson at the time, 4 years ago and it was
fun except that the boot caused me not to finish the whole lesson when
I was gettign good at it; that after vowing 10 years earlier to NVER
try skiing after seeing someone hurt her knee in an event in the
snow).

I now live so close to Tahoe that it'd be a bummer not to get up there
and view the scenary.

My questions are (I am not going to rent boot because I want it to be
a perefect fit)
- how many lessons - group lesson is all I can afford - would I need
before I get good enough to feel like I am skiiing?
- how risky is it to get injured?
- are there groups (in CA) to join these events on weekends? How do I
got about it?

Of course, I want to understand about *waxing* and *shaped* and all
that.

I want pain free experience and so I know that owing a set of skiis
and a boto is a must for me. Beyond that what are the expenses
involved if I were to go to Heavenly? Remmeber that I need to become
good enough and so I am taking about the expenses to become good
enough.

If it is not feasible for me, I'd rather not get involved at all
investing in skis and boots.

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----http://www.newsfeeds.comThe #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Snip
"mm" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Mar 6, 7:25 pm, "Wayne Decker" wrote:
The main thing to remember about lessons is that the instructor can only
take you as far as your conditioning, athletic ability, willingness to
practice, motivation, skill, ability to put your natural fears and
phobias
aside, ability to listen and apply his or her recommendations, etc. will
allow. While your instructor can explain balance, pressure, edging,
rotation, compression, etc. Unless you can put them into
practice--nothing
happens.

So what kind of athlete are you? How coachable are you?
How motivated are you? The answer to that will tell you how many
lessons you will need. I've seen adults skiing parallel and ready for
the
expert slopes in a single day or less.

They must have done similar sports.

Basketball? Cycling? Yoga? ---not so much "similar" but that require an
understanding of BAS---Basic Athletic Stance---and balance.
I've also seen adults get no further than the pen despite days and
days of lessons. Believe me, that isn't the instructors fault.

Of course not.


The biggest need for beginners is time on the slopes to put what you
learned into "muscle memory" so that each motion becomes second
nature--then you can build upon each.


Take your lesson. Let the instructor give you a drill or 2 to work on.
Then
practice, practice, practice.

Then season pass is needed. I wouldn't mind doing that but my
job .. . Welll, I'll see. If I can get into this thing and get away
from the mundane of faily life afafirs, that'd be great.


In terms of danger: "Skiing is a dangerous sport. Accidents can and do
happen resulting in injury and even death."...from the release that you
agree to every time you buy a ticket or rent equipment. Remember that the
better a skier you are, the safer you are. In my own experience-and I've
been skiing for 32 years--I have gotten injured 3 times. The first time
it
was my fault. That time was very serious. And I deserved it. It was 30
years ago and I was showing off. the other 2 times were from being run
into
from behind by newbi snowboarders who weren't looking and paying
attention.
I consider that a pretty good record considering I ski between 80 and 100
days a year. Day for day, I've had more mishaps driving than skiing.
BUT--and this is important-- I WERE A HELMET. Not because I fear my own
skill or because it is cool--because I don't trust others on the slopes.

I once had head on collison with a newbie doing roller blading. We
both were new but she was heading toward me. Lucky that I didn't get
permanent back injury. It hurt for a few days.


BTW I'm 56. I have skiing friends that are octogenarians. Skiing knows no
age limit.

I have nevere been athletic, not y chocie but academic work + not
being in the right climate for my nasal codntion kept me from doing a
lot of things I would have tried.


As for gear: remember that your boots are the most important piece of
equipment. If you are even half way serious about the sport, get your
own
boots. Ask around. Get them from a reputable, expiriensed boot fitter.

You mean, buy a used one from the store like REI?

I was not thinking of used and we don't have an REI anywhere near us so I am
unfamiliar with them. Used is ok---I guess--if it can be fitted properly.
Boots are very personal. Your feet are completly unique. Getting boots is
like going to the doctor. Make sure the fitter takes an interest in you.
Make sure he takes the time you need to get a good fit. Go somewhere where
they have a balance table so that the fitter can tell what, if any
adjustments need to be made for your stance. Take time to walk around in
them utill you don't walk like Frankenstine any longer. Make sure the boots
come with an iron clad guarentee that they will fix, adjust or replace your
boots anytime if you find they are uncomfortable. If your boots are
uncomfortable, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

Have custom footbeds made. This is really worth it.---and don't buckle
the
instep buckle so tight that it cuts off the circulation to your toes and
breaks any of your metatarsals.


One last piece of advice for you to ignore. Don't try to ski runs your
ability won't let you ski comfortably. Don't let friends sandbag you.
Stay
on the green until you are sure you are ready for blue. Stay on the blue
until you are sure your are ready for black. Trust yourself. You want
to
have fun--not be screaming internally with fright and panic. I see
"skiers"
all the time in places where they really shouldn't be. They become a
danger to themselves and to me.

People don't have the ability to determine where they belong. Now I am
scared, to be run over by them

If you trust your instincts--you can tell.



I generally don't ski in the Tahoe area--or I'd invite you to come share
a
day with me. I live 35 minutes south of Mammoth in Bishop.

I heard that place. It's by LA?

No. It is 1/2 way between LA and Reno ( 280 miles north of LAX and 220
miles south of Reno/Tahoe international) on the Eastern Side of the Sierras,
along the 395. It marks the boundry between the John Muir and Ansel Adams
wildernesses and borders on the lower part of Yosemity National Park. 32
lifts. 3500 square arcers of groomers and thousands more off pist--within
the patroled area. Check it out at www.mammothmountain.com BTW I do not
work for them I teach @ Bishop High School)


It's kind of silly for me to head to Tahoe when the largest single
resort on
the west coast is in my backyard.

No wonder you have been skiiing most of your life.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

You did. Thanks.

Good. You are most welcome. See you on the slopes.

snip!



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On Mar 8, 6:05 pm, "Wayne Decker" wrote:
Snip"mm" wrote in message

oups.com...



On Mar 6, 7:25 pm, "Wayne Decker" wrote:
The main thing to remember about lessons is that the instructor can only
take you as far as your conditioning, athletic ability, willingness to
practice, motivation, skill, ability to put your natural fears and
phobias
aside, ability to listen and apply his or her recommendations, etc. will
allow. While your instructor can explain balance, pressure, edging,
rotation, compression, etc. Unless you can put them into
practice--nothing
happens.

So what kind of athlete are you? How coachable are you?
How motivated are you? The answer to that will tell you how many
lessons you will need. I've seen adults skiing parallel and ready for
the
expert slopes in a single day or less.

They must have done similar sports.

Basketball? Cycling? Yoga? ---not so much "similar" but that require an
understanding of BAS---Basic Athletic Stance---and balance.





I've also seen adults get no further than the pen despite days and
days of lessons. Believe me, that isn't the instructors fault.

Of course not.

The biggest need for beginners is time on the slopes to put what you
learned into "muscle memory" so that each motion becomes second
nature--then you can build upon each.

Take your lesson. Let the instructor give you a drill or 2 to work on.
Then
practice, practice, practice.

Then season pass is needed. I wouldn't mind doing that but my
job .. . Welll, I'll see. If I can get into this thing and get away
from the mundane of faily life afafirs, that'd be great.

In terms of danger: "Skiing is a dangerous sport. Accidents can and do
happen resulting in injury and even death."...from the release that you
agree to every time you buy a ticket or rent equipment. Remember that the
better a skier you are, the safer you are. In my own experience-and I've
been skiing for 32 years--I have gotten injured 3 times. The first time
it
was my fault. That time was very serious. And I deserved it. It was 30
years ago and I was showing off. the other 2 times were from being run
into
from behind by newbi snowboarders who weren't looking and paying
attention.
I consider that a pretty good record considering I ski between 80 and 100
days a year. Day for day, I've had more mishaps driving than skiing.
BUT--and this is important-- I WERE A HELMET. Not because I fear my own
skill or because it is cool--because I don't trust others on the slopes.

I once had head on collison with a newbie doing roller blading. We
both were new but she was heading toward me. Lucky that I didn't get
permanent back injury. It hurt for a few days.

BTW I'm 56. I have skiing friends that are octogenarians. Skiing knows no
age limit.

I have nevere been athletic, not y chocie but academic work + not
being in the right climate for my nasal codntion kept me from doing a
lot of things I would have tried.

As for gear: remember that your boots are the most important piece of
equipment. If you are even half way serious about the sport, get your
own
boots. Ask around. Get them from a reputable, expiriensed boot fitter.

You mean, buy a used one from the store like REI?

I was not thinking of used and we don't have an REI anywhere near us so I am
unfamiliar with them. Used is ok---I guess--if it can be fitted properly.

It's along way for me to get to that stage (of buying) ..if I get
there.

Boots are very personal. Your feet are completly unique. Getting boots is
like going to the doctor. Make sure the fitter takes an interest in you.
Make sure he takes the time you need to get a good fit. Go somewhere where
they have a balance table so that the fitter can tell what, if any
adjustments need to be made for your stance. Take time to walk around in
them utill you don't walk like Frankenstine any longer. Make sure the boots
come with an iron clad guarentee that they will fix, adjust or replace your
boots anytime if you find they are uncomfortable. If your boots are
uncomfortable, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

I wouldn't want a used boot.I can't handle any pain in my feet. I
didn't know that custom footbed can be made. Must eb expensive though.



Have custom footbeds made. This is really worth it.---and don't buckle
the
instep buckle so tight that it cuts off the circulation to your toes and
breaks any of your metatarsals.

One last piece of advice for you to ignore. Don't try to ski runs your
ability won't let you ski comfortably. Don't let friends sandbag you.
Stay
on the green until you are sure you are ready for blue. Stay on the blue
until you are sure your are ready for black. Trust yourself. You want
to
have fun--not be screaming internally with fright and panic. I see
"skiers"
all the time in places where they really shouldn't be. They become a
danger to themselves and to me.

People don't have the ability to determine where they belong. Now I am
scared, to be run over by them

If you trust your instincts--you can tell.


I generally don't ski in the Tahoe area--or I'd invite you to come share
a
day with me. I live 35 minutes south of Mammoth in Bishop.

I heard that place. It's by LA?

No. It is 1/2 way between LA and Reno ( 280 miles north of LAX and 220
miles south of Reno/Tahoe international) on the Eastern Side of the Sierras,
along the 395. It marks the boundry between the John Muir and Ansel Adams
wildernesses and borders on the lower part of Yosemity National Park. 32
lifts. 3500 square arcers of groomers and thousands more off pist--within
the patroled area. Check it out atwww.mammothmountain.com BTW I do not
work for them I teach @ Bishop High School)


The friend who menitoend that city once happened to cll me last night
soon after I posted here. According to him, it's a neat town...with
rich people.

From your description, it is so close to the two national park. Nice.



It's kind of silly for me to head to Tahoe when the largest single
resort on
the west coast is in my backyard.

No wonder you have been skiiing most of your life.

I hope I answered some of your questions.

You did. Thanks.

Good. You are most welcome. See you on the slopes.

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mm wrote:


I wouldn't want a used boot.I can't handle any pain in my feet. I
didn't know that custom footbed can be made. Must eb expensive though.


I made a mistake of buying cheap boots once in the past. Then I dropped
skiing for long time and picked it up a few years ago. I started with
rentals and indeed I was able to find good boots at least that did not
hurt. After a year I went to pro boot fitter and decided to start
collecting my equipment of very good boots. It took a few visits, some
patience and finaly almost 2h fitting procedure to be happy for
many/many days and trips to Colorado/Utah and local Midwest resorts.
That $500 is best invested money in the sport. After trying out a
several boots and giving them an honest feedback that there is something
wrong with all of them I decided to take a break. When I came next week
someone else found one more pair we did not try before, namely Techica
Rival X9 and after some modifications including raising the heel I got
very good and comfortable boots.

For the record: I bought them at www.vikingski.com - They have a huge
selection to chose from.

I see so many friends complaining about boots - they spend $1000s on
vacations yet try to save $300 on boots ...


--
alf