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#1
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Questions from a new skiing family
My family has just gotten into skiing (wife and I went 10 years ago
for our first experience and after many falls I was on intermediate slopes by the end of the day). I now have a 9 year-old who had his first experience Saturday and the two of us (my wife was otherwise engaged but will re-join us next week for another trip) spent the entire day (after some classes) on beginner slopes and Big Boulder in the Poconos. Our son was so taken with the experience that he just cannot stop talking about it so we've decided we want to foster this endeavor. We've never seen him so happy or confident in himself (he's quite a normal kid but this was something quite different). First, on technique, apparently going once every 10 years isn't enough (joking) as the 10 years added a bit of fear to my situation. I want to be in control before I brave anything more aggressive and my son felt the same. We can J-turn decent, wedge-slow, wedge turn, etc. However, for both of us we're stuck with two confusing things: First, we J-turn down a hill (it was mainly ice so that didn't help) but sooner or later something forces us to take a more direct line down the hill which catapults us into a free-for-all chaotic run down the hill where we don't dare attempt to turn and attempts to wedge even feel like a waste. What are we doing wrong here that we can correct in time (hopefully shorter than longer)? Second, we see the more experienced skiers managing to just do a quick stop by doing a hard turn and we cannot fathom how to make that adjustment. Does this just come with lots of trial and error? We are going to get private lessons on this next trip for an hour or so and hopefully we'll get help on these issues. I will say that the introductory lessons we got at Big Boulder (called Discovery) were exceptional. They really took time to work with each and every skier and made sure we got the concepts and went down the hills with us initially. Very helpful. Now that we're going again, I'm thinking about equipment. We are pretty adamant that we'll be skiing for many years now as the whole family really did enjoy it and it took this trip to drive that home. However, I also don't want to jump in and spend thousands on equipment to find that we go 3 times a year. We're complete novices so I have NO idea what good skis are, what types we want to consider (my wife and son were given skis everyone referred to as "cheater skis" while I got what looked to be very similar to what the instructors were skiing on) and so forth. For right now I KNOW I want to get my own boots so that they're comfortable, warm and not worn which the rentals were questionable on. I also know that I want to get goggles but have no idea what I should get. I also wear glasses and wonder if goggles can easily accomodate glasses as I'd rather avoid having to get prescription goggles. I did notice many wearing tinted goggles and wonder about night skiing and their impact. I'd consider skis and poles if I could get something at this point that would be sure to last and that I can comfortable grow into and get solid use out of for some time. Lastly, if anyone is familiar with our area, we live in Southern, NJ just outside of Philadelphia and we're now looking at where to go this weekend. We could go back to Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Big Bear or any others. We're looking for a place that would have some pretty good diversity for beginners (aside from one hill or two, and possibly something cross-country-like). Any help on any of this would be greatly appreciated. |
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#2
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Questions from a new skiing family
"Rich Heimlich" wrote in message ... My family has just gotten into skiing (wife and I went 10 years ago for our first experience and after many falls I was on intermediate slopes by the end of the day). I now have a 9 year-old who had his first experience Saturday and the two of us (my wife was otherwise engaged but will re-join us next week for another trip) spent the entire day (after some classes) on beginner slopes and Big Boulder in the Poconos. Our son was so taken with the experience that he just cannot stop talking about it so we've decided we want to foster this endeavor. We've never seen him so happy or confident in himself (he's quite a normal kid but this was something quite different). First, on technique, apparently going once every 10 years isn't enough (joking) as the 10 years added a bit of fear to my situation. I want to be in control before I brave anything more aggressive and my son felt the same. We can J-turn decent, wedge-slow, wedge turn, etc. However, for both of us we're stuck with two confusing things: First, we J-turn down a hill (it was mainly ice so that didn't help) but sooner or later something forces us to take a more direct line down the hill which catapults us into a free-for-all chaotic run down the hill where we don't dare attempt to turn and attempts to wedge even feel like a waste. What are we doing wrong here that we can correct in time (hopefully shorter than longer)? Second, we see the more experienced skiers managing to just do a quick stop by doing a hard turn and we cannot fathom how to make that adjustment. Does this just come with lots of trial and error? We are going to get private lessons on this next trip for an hour or so and hopefully we'll get help on these issues. I will say that the introductory lessons we got at Big Boulder (called Discovery) were exceptional. They really took time to work with each and every skier and made sure we got the concepts and went down the hills with us initially. Very helpful. Now that we're going again, I'm thinking about equipment. We are pretty adamant that we'll be skiing for many years now as the whole family really did enjoy it and it took this trip to drive that home. However, I also don't want to jump in and spend thousands on equipment to find that we go 3 times a year. We're complete novices so I have NO idea what good skis are, what types we want to consider (my wife and son were given skis everyone referred to as "cheater skis" while I got what looked to be very similar to what the instructors were skiing on) and so forth. For right now I KNOW I want to get my own boots so that they're comfortable, warm and not worn which the rentals were questionable on. I also know that I want to get goggles but have no idea what I should get. I also wear glasses and wonder if goggles can easily accomodate glasses as I'd rather avoid having to get prescription goggles. I did notice many wearing tinted goggles and wonder about night skiing and their impact. I'd consider skis and poles if I could get something at this point that would be sure to last and that I can comfortable grow into and get solid use out of for some time. Lastly, if anyone is familiar with our area, we live in Southern, NJ just outside of Philadelphia and we're now looking at where to go this weekend. We could go back to Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Big Bear or any others. We're looking for a place that would have some pretty good diversity for beginners (aside from one hill or two, and possibly something cross-country-like). Any help on any of this would be greatly appreciated. Hi, You live in my neck of the woods, I also live in S. Jersey. My family (11 year old son and wife) ski every weekend and some times during the week. Jack Frost has better snow than Big Boulder (normally icy). for beginners and family skiing Shawnee is great and so is Montage but it is further away. Camel back is normally icy and is more difficult for beginners, Blue Mountain we nick name Ice Mountain, it has some nice beginner runs the closest to South Jersey. We have season passes to Mountain Creek in Northern NJ, it has much more character and a wider range of terrain. I would recommend the South Lodge area it is not as crowded as Vernon Lodge (north) and it has much better conditions. Do not worry about the trail map designated difficulty level at south all the runs except the race course is either a green or blue. As far as goggles go, they do make goggle to fit glasses but if you wear large frame glasses they will not fit to well and you have to be careful when taking the goggles of or they will rip the glasses from your face and hurt if not cut you or damage the glasses. If you can see without them or can wear contacts that would be better. Get something that has a lighter shade lens. I like yellow, light amber, light rose and light tan you can see in low light, foggy conditions, flat light and night skiing. As a first pair get something inexpensive $25-$35 range. Oh make sure they are double lens design or they will fog up on you. Get a helmet this is a wise investment, here you will need to try the different ones on. They all fit a little differently, it should fit snug not to tight and definitely not to loose. You will be amazed how many times things will hit your head. My helmet has paid for itself the first year I used it. The helmet also keeps the head warm in all sorts of weather. I also would advise one that has a venting system. I use a Leedom, my wife a Boeri and my son Giro helmet. Boots are probably the most important part of the equipment package. If they are not comfortable you will not have a great day. Do not buy a high end boot to start with. You want a beginner boot that has a softer flex. Next you want a boot that is comfortable when fitted correctly. The boot liner should be about a 3/8" to 1/2" longer than you foot with thin ski socks on. With liner inside of the boot and on you foot if you stand erect your toes should touch the front of the boot. When you bend your knees forward your toes should not touch anymore. Buckle them up but not too tight, now walk, jump, hop, sit with them on for about 30 minutes. If they become very painful they are not the correct boot for you. Do not get larger boots! Try on a different brand, each brand fits a little different just like the helmets. Spend the time to get a good fitting boot or you will suffer the consequences on the slopes and your progress will also suffer. Boots will run about $100 - $350. There are other ways to get a good boot for less. As far as skis goes you may want to wait but if you are anything like myself it is an all or nothing thing. There are many different brands and sizes. If you are going to buy new you will need to make a commitment and ski at least 10 - 15 times per year to make them pay for them self over renting skis. like boots and all other items you will need, there are ways to get them at about 1/2 of the retail value. The cheater skis were probably shorter skis, as a beginner you will want a shorter ski to learn on, it is much easier to control. One of the biggest mistake I see many people on the slopes make is what they wear. If you dress improperly you will be clod or get cold quickly and if you are cold you will not want to be out there. Many people over dress as I did when I first started. You need a good base layer that will wick moisture away from the body polypropylene, polyester, capalene or some similar fabric for the upper and lower body. Then a second thin layer of similar fabric (fleece) upper body and a jacket that is wind and water resistant, ski pants. A decent pair of gauntlet gloves or mittens that are water and wind proof. A good pair of ski socks and a neck warmer. Make sure you do not wear any cotton at all, cotton holds water and will get cold which in turn will make you cold. Oh yes, your undies should be of nylon, silk or similar fabric or you will definitely have a freezing rear end. If you would like more info. e-mail me. See you on the slopes... JQ Dancing on the edge |
#3
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Questions from a new skiing family
Wow...a new convert! Congrats!
Here are some thoughts will will help you get on your way while spending as little as possible until you are absolutely ready to... 1. Technique/Skill - Spend some time (and some $) and take a private lesson for your whole family next time you go up skiing. Not only will you have fun with the family, but hopefully you will get some quality 'on-snow' time with a decent instructor. Make sure that you leave the lesson with several things that you can 'practice on your own'. Also, make sure you pay attention to each other's skiing styles. This way you can 'gently coach' each other until you decide to take another lesson. 2. Equipment - At this stage, I wouldn't spend a penny on buying any skis, boots or poles. Rather, I would do the following: - Ask your instructor (above) for ideas and recommendations. They should have some thoughts which you can use as good base information as you continue to search and try new things. - Talk to your local ski shop. Go in and explain your circumstances and see if they can walk you through the process. If they are willing to help and 'educate' you, rather than just swipe your credit card, they may be a good shop that you can continue to rely upon in the future. If they just want your $$ and don't care about the relationship, I would find another shop. - Try 'demos'. Some local shops will allow you to 'rent' 'demo equipment'. This is usually higher quality than typicall rental stuff and will start to give you a taste for all the shapes, sizes and flavors of stuff on the market. 3. Goggles - Buy 'em. There are many goggles on the market that fit over glasses. This is something that will last you a while and will help make skiing more enjoyable. They are worth the $35-40. 4. Ski Areas - As with many sports, skiing is a sport where mileage is important. This means that the more you ski and the more varied terrain you experience, the better you will get. I would recommend trying many of the different ski areas in your region. I used to race back there and I think you will find that all of the areas have something to offer for your family. Once you find an instructor that you like, you may wan to return to that area for future lessons and then explore other times. 5- Ski Programs - if your son's school has a ski program (ski bus etc.) get him signed up. Its a great experience and nothing helps a kid improve more in sports than a little friendly peer pressure. Good luck and have a great time! - The Outfitter www.mpgear.com "Rich Heimlich" wrote in message ... My family has just gotten into skiing (wife and I went 10 years ago for our first experience and after many falls I was on intermediate slopes by the end of the day). I now have a 9 year-old who had his first experience Saturday and the two of us (my wife was otherwise engaged but will re-join us next week for another trip) spent the entire day (after some classes) on beginner slopes and Big Boulder in the Poconos. Our son was so taken with the experience that he just cannot stop talking about it so we've decided we want to foster this endeavor. We've never seen him so happy or confident in himself (he's quite a normal kid but this was something quite different). First, on technique, apparently going once every 10 years isn't enough (joking) as the 10 years added a bit of fear to my situation. I want to be in control before I brave anything more aggressive and my son felt the same. We can J-turn decent, wedge-slow, wedge turn, etc. However, for both of us we're stuck with two confusing things: First, we J-turn down a hill (it was mainly ice so that didn't help) but sooner or later something forces us to take a more direct line down the hill which catapults us into a free-for-all chaotic run down the hill where we don't dare attempt to turn and attempts to wedge even feel like a waste. What are we doing wrong here that we can correct in time (hopefully shorter than longer)? Second, we see the more experienced skiers managing to just do a quick stop by doing a hard turn and we cannot fathom how to make that adjustment. Does this just come with lots of trial and error? We are going to get private lessons on this next trip for an hour or so and hopefully we'll get help on these issues. I will say that the introductory lessons we got at Big Boulder (called Discovery) were exceptional. They really took time to work with each and every skier and made sure we got the concepts and went down the hills with us initially. Very helpful. Now that we're going again, I'm thinking about equipment. We are pretty adamant that we'll be skiing for many years now as the whole family really did enjoy it and it took this trip to drive that home. However, I also don't want to jump in and spend thousands on equipment to find that we go 3 times a year. We're complete novices so I have NO idea what good skis are, what types we want to consider (my wife and son were given skis everyone referred to as "cheater skis" while I got what looked to be very similar to what the instructors were skiing on) and so forth. For right now I KNOW I want to get my own boots so that they're comfortable, warm and not worn which the rentals were questionable on. I also know that I want to get goggles but have no idea what I should get. I also wear glasses and wonder if goggles can easily accomodate glasses as I'd rather avoid having to get prescription goggles. I did notice many wearing tinted goggles and wonder about night skiing and their impact. I'd consider skis and poles if I could get something at this point that would be sure to last and that I can comfortable grow into and get solid use out of for some time. Lastly, if anyone is familiar with our area, we live in Southern, NJ just outside of Philadelphia and we're now looking at where to go this weekend. We could go back to Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Big Bear or any others. We're looking for a place that would have some pretty good diversity for beginners (aside from one hill or two, and possibly something cross-country-like). Any help on any of this would be greatly appreciated. |
#4
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Questions from a new skiing family
First of all, I am duplicated my response to your post to
rec.skiing.alpine as I was told by others that the newsgroup rec.skiing is becoming obsolete. Rich Heimlich wrote in message . .. My family has just gotten into skiing (wife and I went 10 years ago for our first experience and after many falls I was on intermediate slopes by the end of the day). That is great. Just one word of caution though... Don't be in such a hurry to ski ahead of yourself -- if that is the case. I know it's ego boosting but being able to advance with confidence is far more satisfying than hacking it -- not mentioning the higher risk of getting hurt. I now have a 9 year-old who had his first experience Saturday and the two of us (my wife was otherwise engaged but will re-join us next week for another trip) spent the entire day (after some classes) on beginner slopes and Big Boulder in the Poconos. IMHO, skiing is one of the few sports that can be genuinely shared amongst family members by doing it side by side year after year. Frankly, my family is the biggest reason I love the sport so much. Our son was so taken with the experience that he just cannot stop talking about it so we've decided we want to foster this endeavor. We've never seen him so happy or confident in himself (he's quite a normal kid but this was something quite different). It sound like a great start. Congrats! First, on technique, apparently going once every 10 years isn't enough (joking) as the 10 years added a bit of fear to my situation. I want to be in control before I brave anything more aggressive and my son felt the same. Sound good to me. We can J-turn decent, wedge-slow, wedge turn, etc. However, for both of us we're stuck with two confusing things: First, we J-turn down a hill (it was mainly ice so that didn't help) but sooner or later something forces us to take a more direct line down the hill which catapults us into a free-for-all chaotic run down the hill where we don't dare attempt to turn and attempts to wedge even feel like a waste. What are we doing wrong here that we can correct in time (hopefully shorter than longer)? It is very likely that you (and your son) are sitting back on your skis. It is the biggest error that many skiers (particularly with the beginners and every once in a while with the more established) experience is that they are sitting in the back seat. Putting pressure (as much as you can) on the tongues of the boots with your shins will help you hold your skis in place while sliding and in turn steer. The trick here is to flex your ankles and not just bending your knees so that you're not sitting. Picking up your toes in attempt to touch the roofs of the boots will help too. Another couple of less obvious things are keeping your hands forward (straight arms and about shoulder height) and looking ahead. These two things will naturally help you to bring your weight forward. Make sure your upper body is quiet and following your skis. Throwing your arms and body around will not help you steer but will definitely help you fall. Second, we see the more experienced skiers managing to just do a quick stop by doing a hard turn and we cannot fathom how to make that adjustment. Does this just come with lots of trial and error? Somewhat. Actually, a nice quick stop amounts to a tightly rounded (not sharp) turn followed by a abrupt hockey stop. For that reason, I believe that stopping by turning until the momentum is gone (I think what you refer to as a J stop) is a far better way to stop than with a traditional hard wedge (even for a newby). So, in a way, the first step to a quick parallel stop is the turning stops (with a wedge or in parallel). We are going to get private lessons on this next trip for an hour or so and hopefully we'll get help on these issues. I will say that the introductory lessons we got at Big Boulder (called Discovery) were exceptional. They really took time to work with each and every skier and made sure we got the concepts and went down the hills with us initially. Very helpful. Although all (or just about) self-taught skiers will disagree, you are absolutely doing the correct thing by taking lessons. For the others, once "self-taught", it's hard to swallow the pride to give in (or justify) for a lesson -- plus it will really difficult to break those bad habits. Now that we're going again, I'm thinking about equipment. We are pretty adamant that we'll be skiing for many years now as the whole family really did enjoy it and it took this trip to drive that home. However, I also don't want to jump in and spend thousands on equipment to find that we go 3 times a year. We're complete novices so I have NO idea what good skis are, what types we want to consider (my wife and son were given skis everyone referred to as "cheater skis" while I got what looked to be very similar to what the instructors were skiing on) and so forth. A good ski shop can help you with that. In general, all major brands are pretty comparable in quality but you are really paying for is in performance and in feature. That is, the higher the cost gets you the better performance/feature. For a starter, the more novice skis are probably adequate for your needs. There are skis that you can "grow" into but they generally start at the intermediate level and they are more expensive. Many ski shops offer seasonal rentals and they are guarantied to fit you for the season. (In fact, some of the online places are doing that as well. I don't know how that works though.) That is a good option, especially for your son, who is constantly growing. Another good bet is to go to a ski swap just prior to the beginning of a season. (The ski club that we belong to -- 4 hours from you -- runs a good sized swap during every Holloween and the weekend after if you're interested). For right now I KNOW I want to get my own boots so that they're comfortable, warm and not worn which the rentals were questionable on. Much of the cost of the boots is in the liners. Don't worry about spending money on a high performance pair of boots for now. Getting boots with a good (i.e. durable) pair of liners is more important. This is more so with the front entry boots. Just by merely stepping into the boots does a job on the liners. One liner on my first pair of boots literally disintergrated. I also know that I want to get goggles but have no idea what I should get. I also wear glasses and wonder if goggles can easily accomodate glasses as I'd rather avoid having to get prescription goggles. I did notice many wearing tinted goggles and wonder about night skiing and their impact. I wear prescription glasses as well. I myself do not recommend wearing contacts unless you are planning on using your goggles all the time. Between the wind, the snow and the dryness in air, I don't think I need to explain why contacts are bad for skiing. However, I can share with you what works out quite well for me. Instead of wearing my normal glasses, I got myself a pair of these sports glasses that have a wrap-around but small profile. (I don't mean one of those with the RX inserts) The better makes of these glasses allow for prescription lenses. On top of that, you can get transitional lenses that are made out of polycarbonate. My lenses work really well in both bright and dim situations. My frame is by Oakley, who makes a huge line of frames of that sort. Now, get yourself a pair of goggles that can fit over these glasses. I have a pair of UVEX myself but Oakley again has at least one model that serves that purpose. I'd consider skis and poles if I could get something at this point that would be sure to last and that I can comfortable grow into and get solid use out of for some time. Skis are a bit more tricky but there isn't much to the poles (except for the real fancy ones). Lastly, if anyone is familiar with our area, we live in Southern, NJ just outside of Philadelphia and we're now looking at where to go this weekend. We could go back to Jack Frost/Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Big Bear or any others. We're looking for a place that would have some pretty good diversity for beginners (aside from one hill or two, and possibly something cross-country-like). Although I have not been to it, I have heard many good things around Elk, which is another 45 minutes or so from Camelback. |
#5
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Questions from a new skiing family
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#6
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Questions from a new skiing family
Sven Golly wrote:
rec.skiing was rmgrouped as a result of the big split-up. It is not supposed to be used or carried. Don't tell me what to do, dumbass. Uh...What was the question again? -- //-Walt // // http://tinyurl.com/3gg3e |
#7
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Questions from a new skiing family
Hey, I'd say the kid has earned his own ski trail sign. That's the
sign of a real skier. Get him one at... www.mytrailsign.com FREE SHIPPING offer through Feb. |
#8
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Questions from a new skiing family
Chuck wrote in message . 4...
(Wai Chan) wrote in om: First of all, I am duplicated my response to your post to rec.skiing.alpine as I was told by others that the newsgroup rec.skiing is becoming obsolete. Would be nice to see this entire thread. The german server doesn't carry messages from rec.skiing though. It's just there to complete the heirarchy. Try google.com under Groups. They keep all the archives of everything including rec.skiing and rec.skiing.*. In fact, I'm using that for this follow up as we speak. |
#9
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Questions from a new skiing family
"JQ" wrote in :
[op snipped] Hi, You live in my neck of the woods, I also live in S. Jersey. My family (11 year old son and wife) ski every weekend and some times during the week. Jack Frost has better snow than Big Boulder (normally icy). for beginners and family skiing Shawnee is great and so is Montage but it is further away. [snip] Blue Mountain we nick name Ice Mountain, it has some nice beginner runs the closest to South Jersey. When did you hit ice at Blue Mountain? I've been there lots of times and the only time I hit ice is during late afternoon or at night. But that's typical of ALL ski areas in PA. It's the nature of skiing in PA. Most days the temps get above freezing during the day, and all that melted snow freezes over at night when the temps dip back down resulting in boiler plate ice. Couple that with side slipping uniplankers and it doesn't take long to scrape off what precious little manmade snow was laid down the night before. (Uniplankers please read this - PLEASE LEARN TO CARVE before attempting the blue or black trails). I've only skied once at Jack Frost and would have to agree they had the best snow of any ski area I've been to in PA. But again it's the nature of PA skiing. JF is only open until sunset so the ice forms after everyone moves over to Big Boulder. I liked JF because of the snow but the I found the trails pretty short. I spent more time riding lifts than I did skiing. I'd probably only go back if I were getting really cheap lift tickets, or if they were the only mountain with snow. BTW I just discovered that Bubbabews carries this obsolete NG. Postings about downhill skiing have been going to rec.skiing.alpine for years. Most usenet servers, including the one I usually use, don't even carry this group any more. -- Chuck Remove "_nospam" to reply by email |
#10
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Questions from a new skiing family
"the outfitter" wrote in
: 3. Goggles - Buy 'em. There are many goggles on the market that fit over glasses. This is something that will last you a while and will help make skiing more enjoyable. They are worth the $35-40. Goggles are one thing you can get at a department store sprting goods department or sports superstore. About this time of year you should be able to get them even cheaper as they're trying to move all the skiing equipment out to make room for spring and summer equipment. I think I paid about $20 at Boscovs for my over the glass googles last year. They are definitely a good investment for anyone who's getting into skiing. I even use them at night to just to keep the wind out of my eyes and face while riding the lift. |
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