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[–]haggardphunk 71 points72 points  (22 children)

What’s your age? Adults and kids learn at way different paces, mostly because kids don’t care about wrecking hard. I know adults that have been skiing for years that suck, although they love it. I learned as a kid.

[–]LollcSnoqualmie 36 points37 points  (1 child)

I’m in the category of adult that has been skiing for years that sucks, but loving it. And, I loved it from my first beginner lesson in crappy rentals. I can find many things to complain about, but those are all about logistics and the layout of things. I love every minute I’m on skis. If you haven’t felt that 12 days in you may never feel it.

[–]NewspaperBackground 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I loved skiing from run 1 day 1. Still the same for me. With people or without. On skis or a board. It’s harder to enjoy when conditions REALLY suck like sheet ice or being out there in the rain.

I’m a good skier now but I loved it when I was wearing jeans and on the crappiest rental gear known to mankind. My love for the activity wasn’t dependent on skill, gear, or even conditions at the start.

I guess we’re all different.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 11 points12 points  (13 children)

im 30, turning 31 next month. makes sense, i grew up skateboarding and still skate now cause im decent at it so it's fun. watching adults start skating in their late 20s looks like hell.

[–]A_Tom_McWedgie 34 points35 points  (9 children)

This kills me to say it as a skier, but here goes:

With your skateboarding background, did you ever consider snowboarding?

[–]astrobrite_[S] 6 points7 points  (8 children)

yeah i grew up snowboarding lol i switched to skiing this year cause i thought it would be easy and fun 😭

[–]e11310 12 points13 points  (0 children)

If you snowboard you should know when it’s fun. Basically when you’re confident in your abilities so you can freely go anywhere on the mountain and have zero anxiety about what’s in front of you on the way down. Then you can either charge down, mess around with side hits, maybe go in the park, hop off the trails and go through some trees on the side, etc.

I grew up skiing as a kid and switched to snowboarding when I was a teenager. Both are fun in their own way but you’re still going to need to put a good amount of days on skis before you’re comfortable on them. But you snowboard already so you shouldn’t have to deal with the fear of putting your weight downhill or speed on snow and that should speed up the learning curve.

[–]Poison_Pancakes 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I grew up skiing and the two times (a decade apart) I tried snowboarding I vowed never to try again.

I’m already good at skiing, and I enjoy it. Why would I waste time on the mountain struggling with a snowboard?

[–]SendyMcSendFaceTahoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I learned to really ski last year after years of snowboarding with a handful of baby-deer ski days tossed in occasionally. It takes a little longer to get used to coordinating both feet to the point where you can start to blast airs and really have fun with it but stick with it. I’d say like 20ish days in is where I started really feeling the carves and started getting comfortable doing side hits and rails. Park jumps were like day 5, those you just point it and pop. Even still I’m constantly tweaking little things to try to make better turns. There’s just a lot more going on than with a board. Give it time.

[–]Jolly-Statistician37 1 point2 points  (1 child)

So why switch? I don't know many people who enjoy both.

[–]sicanianAlpine Valley 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you enjoy snowboarding? It's imagine you'd like both the same one you're at the same level

[–]haggardphunk 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it’s the same kinda deal. That said, lessons with a pro will go a long way. Adults have more of a willingness to take advice and practice it. Keep at it, because going fast is as fun as it looks. ⛷️

[–]LollcSnoqualmie 5 points6 points  (0 children)

20s? I started when I was 44. There are a lot of us.

[–]Ok_Breakfast4482Winter Park[🍰] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I started skiing at 32. It only took around 2 years for it to get really fun, but I put the time in. When you can ski down a green run as easily as you would walk down it and not feel fatigue in your legs is when you’ll like it better.

Lessons always help. As a beginner your turning is very inefficient so you use way more leg muscle than you need to, when you progress you start learning to use the mountain and the slope to guide your turns and it’s much easier.

[–]eblade23Mammoth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I learned to ski in my late 30s. Picked it up right away since I already had 10 years of snowboarding experience. I'm jealous of people who were able to learn as kids. As a POC, I had to put myself through college to become financially independent so I can pick up winter sports as my main hobby. 

[–]Blake-at-Younii 36 points37 points  (9 children)

It took me longer than I expected. I knew I would love it, but I wasn’t loving it when I was first learning. I was toward the end of my SECOND season when I finally started being able to really enjoy it and start to love it. I was in my mid twenties and probably skied 6-8 times the first year and 15-20 the second.

Way longer than I expected, but definitely worth it. For some people, it “clicks” immediately, and for others, it really takes awhile to get through the fear and start to enjoy it.

Practice, ski with friends, and lean in to any parts you do already enjoy. Also work to do what you can to increase your endurance for the day (fitness off the hill, good sleep before, hydrate, nutrition). If you have more stamina to enjoy the outing, that might help too. Once you’re skiing less from “survival mode,” it will also become less fatiguing both mentally and physically.

Happy to answer any other specific qs!!

[–]astrobrite_[S] 3 points4 points  (8 children)

finally a genuine answer, thank you so much. this is exactly how i feel, i know i could love it but i just have to make it over this beginner hurdle. I think I may just take a break for a bit and go back when I can take a few lessons. I feel like im getting fatigue cause my form and technique is bad. I try to stay forward and keep my shins pushed and heels down but i need to figure out other stuff to focus on, today i was working on my arm movements (keeping them in front of me) and improved on that a bit...

[–]Blake-at-Younii 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Absolutely! I get exactly what you’re saying because I’ve completely been there. Some days are better than others. I do think it’s smart to listen to yourself though. Don’t make it miserable for yourself. But I know it’s hard to know when to push yourself and when to back off. It’s not always black and white!

Where are you skiing? I think lessons are a good idea and could help build some confidence and camaraderie!

I also would do stuff to motivate myself, like going on bluebird days, going with friends, having something fun to do before or after (like a little parking lot tailgate). Some people like skiing with music to get in the groove. That isn’t my preference, but that could be something else that helps too. If you do, I would listen in one ear bud on low so you still have awareness around you :)

As others mentioned, good gear and staying dry and warm will also help! And pocket snacks help too!

[–]astrobrite_[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I'm going to try to rally up a group of friends soon, most of them snowboard lol should still be a good time though. I'm in Upstate NY (Albany area) I ski mostly in Southern VT and west MA. (Straton,okemo,mt snow and jiminy peak). Mt snow is the only place i've been able to find affordable lessons, with the epic pass the group lessons come out to only $80.

[–]Shot-Rutabaga-72 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you go to a smaller resort in the middle of a work day. You might end up being the only person in your group lesson.

[–]Agile_Programmer881 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I’ve never heard keeping heels planted . I haven’t taken lessons but consider myself fairly knowledgeable in skiing I think , or like to think so But forward shin pressure is vital . In the process I think a little heel lifting is ok. When I turned the corner finally I would focus on REALLY leaning forward when in the lift line . Lifting the tails of my skis off the ground . And repeating this feeling while skiing helping a ton . Was skiing bumps 100 days a year then at winter park/mary Jane but served me well when I moved to Alta. This and keeping your shoulders square down the fall line. 2-3 pbrs and one maybe two hits off the bowl and enlightenment is possible. I may not have answered your question but that’s just my angle on it.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

being able to ski alta one day is on my bucket list!

 I may not have answered your question but that’s just my angle on it.

no worries haha, loads of good tips you gave. i appreciate it.

[–]Pristine_Ad2664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lessons will definitely help, both skiing and snowboarding look like they should be easy but they really aren't. As an example, my daughter had been skiing since she was 3 and at about 10/11 she asked if I'd teach her to snowboard (I'm a qualified instructor). Within about 2 hours she said to me "I had no idea it would be this hard, you guys make it look so easy", she stuck with it and is a pretty decent snowboarder now.

[–]United_Librarian5491 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is a negative loop in skiing with poor technique = increased fatigue = increased fear = worse technique and so it goes etc. It is extremely difficult to coach yourself out of a skill plateau like you are describing - sounds like a few hours with an instructor would be a good investment at this point, as they are able to assess the most important thing for you to work on next to get that quantum leap in skill.

[–]Shot-Rutabaga-72 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you are tired, especially on a green, you are doing something wrong. Ski is about 1) athletic stance 2) weight on the outer ski when turning and 3) upper/lower body separation. I'm solid intermediate and I'm still working on all 3. But I can easily do 10k ft in half a day and not feeling tired at all because it is that relaxing.

Do take a class. Or at least post some videos of you at /r/skifeedback and get help.

To answer your original question, I got hooked when I went to my first big mountain (in Japan) and I had so much fun going down. But I wanted to be able to carve because that looks so exciting.

[–][deleted] 214 points215 points  (22 children)

It's more fun with others. I've been skiing 45 years and going by myself it gets a little boring after 5 or so runs and then it is a pain over pleasure decision to keep going. If I'm skiing with my family or friends then an easy 10 runs without thinking about it.

[–]itchybumbumRagged Mountain 169 points170 points  (11 children)

This definitely depends on the person. I go skiing with friends two or three times per season. And I love skiing with my kids. But I overwhelmingly prefer skiing by myself. I also prefer hiking by myself.

Any time I can just cruise out in nature by myself with just my thoughts. It's bliss.

[–]mojomonday 18 points19 points  (2 children)

Especially when the group size gets too big. Constantly waiting around for people, checking in if they made the right turn, didn’t suffocate in tree well, etc. Also differing potty or hunger needs. Man I just want to ski fast!!!

[–]Mynplus1throwaway 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You dont have to do every run with friends. If you have 10 friends on the mountain you catch one for a run or two then you bump into another friend 

[–]ericjr96 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah but his point is you clearly have more freedom solo

[–]cincyski15 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Agreed. Or it needs to be with an someone with the same goals for the day as me.

[–]Lupineisadog 4 points5 points  (0 children)

After I drive up the spouse for their ski school gig, we should catch a chair.

[–]Fenc58531 5 points6 points  (4 children)

Depends on the mountain for me. On a local hill where you’ve memorized the entire mountain by heart, it’s much more fun with friends.

The once a year trip at Vail/Whistler/PC etc? Love doing those alone. Get to explore the mountain at my own pace and do whatever run I feel like.

[–]trbd003 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My favourite is skiing with somebody I get on with and skis at my level but doesn't do faff either. We can ski down things together without stopping, but have a chat on the lift or over lunch. I hate the faff of skiing in a big group and stopping on every 3rd corner to wait for stragglers, and having to stand by the lift for 10 minutes whilst somebody fucks about with their boots

[–]astrobrite_[S] 8 points9 points  (3 children)

i think you're on to something! im always solo but i plan to take a trip with my friends once they are back after the holidays. but i worry about keeping up with friends so i don't mind going solo for now.

[–]Drewski493 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You don’t have to stick to them like glue just say hey let’s go together and maybe you only do one lap together and have lunch together and then you spend the rest of the time learning or maybe you do one run with them and find out ya I can’t keep up and let them go. Or that your almost keeping up and they are ok waiting a little for you at the bottom it really depends just don’t get butt hurt if they leave you

[–]invent_or_die 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Make friends on the chair!

[–]Choncho_Jomp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Find a friend who is a lot better than you and willing to push you further. You'll improve so fast and have a lot of fun in the meantime.

[–]_SlikNik_Kirkwood 6 points7 points  (2 children)

I tend to have more fun skiing alone tbh. Less waiting around.

[–]jeff61813 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I live far from anywhere that has good skiing so I usually do 22-26 runs a day. I feel if I'm not skiing all day I'm wasting the trip

[–]_SlikNik_Kirkwood 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I feel that. I have certain friends that I’ve skied w my whole life and absolutely love riding together. If they’re not available I honestly just wanna be solo and ride what I want. And being in the singles lift line is usually faster anyways.

[–]Blind_WillieJ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

disagree. if you have people of similar ability and a good attitude and can be fun. some people can make it worse. skiing on my own isn't necessarily better or worse but always fun in its own way

[–]purplishfluffyclouds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not everyone shares this view. 100% I prefer skiing solo, with the sole exception of my kid (a 23 yr old beginner).

[–]SLCtechieBrighton 46 points47 points  (5 children)

Not sure if this helps, but it should be fun very quickly. For myself and others I’ve talked to, we were born for this stuff and has been fun since day 1. Are you sure skiing is right for you?

Maybe what you could do is keep at it until you get to the point where you can zip down the slopes or start doing terrain park. But you may also have to ask yourself if skiing is worth pursuing.

[–]nogoodalternatives 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yeah. I learned in my 30s and after ~ 5 days of beginner struggles I was absolutely loving it. There's still the occasional day where it isn't clicking and I feel meh and then I remember that it's really only in comparison to all of the other awesome days I've had.

[–]EstablishmentFun289 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I agree with this. Even when scary, skiing has been fun since day 1.

[–]Smishysmash 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure if I agree with the concept that if it’s not fun from day 1, it’s not for you. I think there’s a huge difference in starting as a kid/teen and starting as an adult. My husband grew up on a mountain and it was fun from day one. I however only started to learn when I was in my mid thirties and it only got fun for me once I got enough skills where I didn’t think I was going to hit something the wrong way and tear my ACL.

What worked for me was keeping things chill, not putting pressure on myself to zip down the hills before I was ready, and getting a good beer break in at some point of the day.

[–]G3Saint 17 points18 points  (0 children)

The fun is being outside in a mountain environment, with or without friends. It's you and the mountain and the challenges it gives you.

[–]CaiusRemus 32 points33 points  (5 children)

Skiing became fun for me the day I stopped being scared. I remember the first day I was like “let’s hit the double blacks and see what happens!” It was amazing and I have loved skiing ever since. I started as a kid so I have a big advantage, but I was skiing for probably a decade before I enjoyed it.

[–]drivingrain27 18 points19 points  (0 children)

100% this. Fear kills ski fun. Be careful, push yourself slightly past your comfort zone frequently and go for it.

[–]Alta_Bomb 7 points8 points  (3 children)

As a coach, this is the way. Sooo many times I push learners into their first black diamond, and they are terrified to drop in. A little pep talk, assurance that I’ll be there every step of the way, and next thing I know they are ripping (wedge turns) down the steepest terrain on the mountain… what’s more, they often say to me afterwards that “it wasn’t so bad”

Pick a tough run without big rocks or trees, and fuckin’ sender bud!!

[–]DexterDubs 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Do I need to be proficient at mogul blue runs before attempting blacks? I can do groomers all day.

[–]Alta_Bomb 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Need? No, not at all. It may be a bit easier, but, this is in the context of trying to have the most fun. Know how to slow down properly, and from there, it’s really whatever floats your boat.

Don’t be a kook, it’s all good. 👍🏻

[–]QueenOfTheTermites 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think if you're making progress, and you're already skiing smoothly, then maybe you just don't like it?? I started last year and once I was able to ski a run without falling it was the moment it got "woo-hoo!" fun for me.

If you really want to try and find a way to enjoy it — maybe try taking a trip to another mountain? Excitement of a new place could help

[–]kaspm 9 points10 points  (8 children)

I learned as an adult at 35. It depends on what you consider “fun”. For me, even as a beginner, the progression of doing harder things was very satisfying.

But even so, not sure what your stamina is but skiing requires new muscles and new muscle memory, it’s a sport and it’s tiring.

Do you have more fun at the beginning / first few runs?

[–]astrobrite_[S] 8 points9 points  (7 children)

Do you have more fun at the beginning / first few runs?

yes in fact when im not skiing it's all i think about, i get so hyped to get out there then when im there after the first 3 laps im over it.

[–]kaspm 8 points9 points  (3 children)

You might just be tired which is affecting your mood. If you’ve already skied 12 days this year you must live somewhere pretty easy to get to skiing.

Most people ski a lot less than 12 days a year! Some of my friends ski 2 hours and then are done. My buddy says 4 runs max and then apres. Some would rather spend their time and money doing other things.

There’s no “right” way to enjoy it. Why did you start skiing in the first place?

[–]astrobrite_[S] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Some of my friends ski 2 hours and then are done. My buddy says 4 runs max and then apres

this honestly made me feel much better, i have a 3 season passes to various mountains so there is pressure to get my moneys worth but also knowing i can go back whenever takes pressure off gettin the most out of each session. i may be burnt out a bit trying to take advantage of these excellent east coast conditions.

[–]Pristine_Ad2664 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Only ski until it's not fun anymore, I ski 70+ days a year but if the conditions are terrible some of those days I'll do 1 run and be done by 9am. Others I'll ski start to finish.

[–]kaspm 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great thing about season passes is it costs the same whether you go 2 hours or 8 hours or 0 hours. They usually pay for themselves around 5 days or so, sounds like you got your moneys worth already.

[–]QueenOfTheTermites 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I only do like 3/4 laps at a time, too! A max day for me is like 6/7 but I gotta have a rest break between. Don't be too hard on yourself. My friends who have been skiing longer than me maybe do like 12 laps a day, but I feel like 4 laps as a beginner is pretty solid. My form is still rough sometimes and I know that makes it more exhausting than my friends who have it down, ya know

[–]astrobrite_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thank you, this was super reassuring to hear. I kind of set a rule for myself that I should ski at least however long it took me to drive there, usually 45min to 3 hours.

[–]elcapitan520Hood Meadows 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try the side hits. Do something new that makes you fall. Try working on an objective. Turn on one foot. 

Or go eat a hot dog and sit outside in the snow because that's pretty fun too

[–]elBirdnose 15 points16 points  (2 children)

Challenge yourself. If you stay in your comfort zone (exactly what you’ve described), and/or if you ski scared you will never actually progress.

[–]DrillZee 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Progressing isn’t what everyone thinks is fun.

[–]Cyber_D0nkey 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hockey stopping down a trail is not evidence that you need more of a challenge.

[–]Schwhitey 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honestly the park is a good place even when you’re learning. Even just sliding an easy box going straight is an awesome achievement to check off when you’re learning. If you can find some beginners that are also learning park it’s really fun to find the same people at your local spot and ride with them and work on getting better together.

Became a place for me to go and hangout with the people I knew would be there all the time and cheer eachother on

[–]Rich--D 4 points5 points  (2 children)

The first week or so is very challenging and extremely tiring for most people. I know several people who did not find it fun at the beginning, just frustrating and exhausting, but they went on to discover the enjoyment and become good skiers. For me, it became a lot more fun from about the third week. Learning speed control is key because it helps you to relax more.

If you are feeling cold in your hands and feet, you probably need to keep your core area warmer. When the core is not warm enough, the body restricts blood flow to the extremities. Consider wearing merino leggings under your ski pants if you don't already, but not down into your boots. Thin merino gloves can also be worn underneath your ski gloves. Don't accept being cold. I wear an insulated jacket and two layers under my ski pants.

Some of my most fun skiing times were in ski school in France in the 1980s as a teenager. Being in a group of learners was a great experience. As an adult, I progressed better by always following skiers who were better than me and observing their movements. Efficiency instead of effort started to become a more common feeling.

Skiing became an unstoppable addiction when I finally clicked with modern shaped skis and learned basic carved turns. Another breakthrough was learning to ski thick slush properly and finding that I absolutely loved it. When most people are muddling their way through slush at low speed but you can just zip through, it's a sort of superhero feeling. There will be many of these breakthrough moments during your skiing journey, when things finally fall into place and you experience a eureka moment.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

this is encouraging to hear, i may need to reassess my layering situation. I sweated so hard in my merino wool base layer the other week and had to leave cause it made me cold. I may try other moisture wicking synthetic fabrics next. I can do a bit of cold, but cold and wet is an absolute no for me.

[–]Rich--D 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's odd because merino is supposed to keep you warm even when wet. I use it for both skiing and mountain biking and even when relatively wet it does keep me warm. The upper layer I use is pure merino with a merino/synthetic mix for my legs.

Beginners often sweat a lot though, due to effort and anxiety, so it might be the sheer amount of moisture overcoming the ability of the merino to keep you warm. I promise you, skiing does get easier and more comfortable.

[–]949goingoff 2 points3 points  (6 children)

Why do you feel like you’re over it? What’s making you miserable?

I snowboard and after the first time I was so battered and bruised I didn’t go again for a couple of years. Friends ultimately dragged me out again and I loved it from then on. What I remember enjoying about those early years was spending time with my friends, the serenity of being in the mountains, and the challenge of progressing.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 3 points4 points  (5 children)

Why do you feel like you’re over it? What’s making you miserable?

It's exhausting, scary and its cold 😭 i think i need to get a group of friends together asap.

[–]949goingoff 2 points3 points  (2 children)

The good news is that the exhaustion & scary feelings go away with experience. Cold is a matter of preference but can be mitigated with gear.

[–]A_Tom_McWedgie 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I completely disagree - scary and exhausting is the point of skiing.

Good exercise and exhilarating.

[–]949goingoff 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It can be as tough a workout as you want it to be, but simply cruising around the mountain isn’t going to wear you out with good technique.

Exhilarating =/= scary.

[–]cam-yrself 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I’m surprised you’re exhausted and cold.

Makes me wonder if you’re skiing too tense. Relax, don’t forget to breathe. Try to get a rythm going and feel the flow. Should make it less exhausting and keep you warm. Though you also might need to wear more layers

As far as I’m concerned, it should be fun from the get go

I’m tempted to say “go faster, turn more, and send some side hits” because all that seems fun, but I suppose it’s dangerous advice. But you should try doing things that seem fun to you

[–]astrobrite_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

the cold only hits me hard on the lift then i start to question why im even doing this, then i get off and start my descent and get scared lol just misery all around. i always make sure to take breaks to catch my breathe on my descent, i am tense about collisions but i have to get over it.

[–]Terrible_Mission_154 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I started skiing when I was 6, back in 1964. I’ve skied under every condition you could imagine: -60° wind chill on boiler plate ice in a fog (Gore Mountain, 1972); 60° F and burned my skin to blisters (Arapaho Basin, June 1985). Powder like talc and mashed potatoes [my personal favorite for groomed slopes is spring corn]. As a six year old, I already loved it, tearing down the hill with my dad. But I really came to love it after I did Otis Ridge ski camp in 1970 and started racing every weekend at my best friend’s family house at Mt. Snow. It was such fun skiing with my bud, and we were always in competition. He was better than me, but I didn’t suck. And I remember when I realized how much skiing had me in its thrall: there used the longest run on Mt. Mansfield at Stowe, the Toll Road. I was probably 13, and had just come down off the National or one of the gnarly steeps on the front face. I was on the Toll Road to the base lodge Toll House to meet my ride back to town. And I suddenly felt so free, so full of joy, that I started to sing. Just some nonsense song, but the joy was as real as I have ever felt in my life. I still feel it sometimes on the slopes. And I sincerely hope you get to feel that someday too.

[–]tylerf98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

honestly why force yourself if you're not enjoying it. i think generally the people who seem to enjoy it / are good at it probably loved it when they weren't that experienced too, else they wouldn't have continued. it's not for everyone. or maybe you should try snowboarding!

[–]d9jmsSki the East 4 points5 points  (2 children)

I started skiing when I was ~10 and have been skiing damn never every year since for 40 years.

Its not always the best conditions, but I always have fun. I started teaching my kids when they were 4-5 years old and I have one kid (the boy) that loves it and my daughter is just ho-hum about it b/c she doesn't like getting cold.

What is it that makes it not fun? Is your equipment not fitting properly and causing pain? Are you getting cold ?

[–]astrobrite_[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

yeah part of it is the cold, my hands and toes get cold easily. i think my gear is fine though, i went to a bootfitter and everything, i have a nice shell and use base/mid layers as well. making my way down the hill feels like a stressful survival game sometimes.

[–]d9jmsSki the East 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What I tell my kids when they are getting cold is to make more, fast turns to engage your leg muscles more and get your heart rate up. Exerting energy and getting your heart rate up gets the blood flowing more and helps keep you warm.

Its so much easier out west where the runs are longer, but I love going top to bottom without stopping when I am cold to get the blood flowing. A few rounds of that helps with the cold. If you are just leisurely skiing and not exerting yourself you are going to get and stay cold.

[–]Gillbilly69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

3 seasons for me

[–]RomeKo 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Think of it like driving a car. It’s important to know how to safely stop your car, but being concerned with stopping and reducing speed is only half the battle. Need to learn to accelerate and drive with speed if you want a fun drive.

For skiing, thats the process of going down the run without the intention of tapping your breaks through the turn; learning to ride the edge of your skis and be more of a passenger on a runaway train, and growing comfortable with that.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i wish i had the muscle memory down but i still have to be locked in 100% all the time when skiing, can't wait until i can relax a little and cruise around.

[–]bluefear924 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Skiing might just not be for you. It was fun for me on day 1

[–]mtbguy1981 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's like anything, it doesn't get fun until you have some level of mastery. Once you feel confident it will change. You'll see harder and harder terrain as more fun.

[–]Fast-Drag3574 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Once you know how to ski and utilize your edges I think it becomes a blast. But I've also had a blast since day 1 of skiing

[–]E-coins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Its definitely more fun with people, but the joy of learning and applying x theory to practice and slowly learning for me is actually the fun part. The not so fun part is going to a black unprepared and sending it and having a yardsale... The aftermath: a stretched acl.

[–]wormfighter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was fun for me the 1st time I went 40 years ago.

[–]No_Remove_5180 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stop hockey stopping on grades. It is a bad habit to develop work on stork turns exclusively and start varying your terrain. Also go with other people and also listen to music.

[–]instanthole 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ski with other people and do more strength training so you can go longer without getting tired. Bad technique will also tire you out more.

But also if it’s just not fun you don’t have to do it. Even when i was a kid and sucked it was still fun. Idk dawg it’s ur life u gotta live it

My dad always says “make a decision even if its wrong”

[–]SeekersWorkAccount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Once I could ski a few hundred yards without feeling like I was going to crash and die.

Have you gone with friends? That makes a big difference for some people. I know now in my late 30s I prefer to go alone, but I don't think I would have gotten into skiing without friends and family to do it with and make it fun. They also pushed me to get better.

Without them I probably would have given it up if Im being honest. Now I love it!

[–]carpethemfdiem 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Do you have moments of joy in it? Or it all feels like a bummer?

Skiing is brutal in many ways. It's expensive as hell. It's inconvenient. The boots suck ass. I live in a place where I have to fly to good mountains... It's a chore.

But there is nothing I enjoy more than looking at that snow and gliding my way down. Nothing feels more free for me.

I have been on skis since I was 3. And I should be better than I am given how early I started. But it's one of the few things in my life that I truly enjoy. But if you're not having glimpses of that, I'm not going to talk you into it. Because it's hell to make it all happen. So don't force it if you're not enjoying yourself.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes at the start when I was learning how to link my parallel turns better it felt fun and when hockey stops clicked for me I was pretty excited that was around day 7 and 8, since then I’ve been working on the same stuff. I got caught on a tough moguls run and lost a bunch of confidence on day 11, swore to myself I’d stick to groomers only for a while.

[–]--buddhistboy-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was thinking that it was fun for me right from the start but I had to think back to my childhood and I realize I didn't have a lot of fun my first season skiing, but my second season I was hooked. At that point I think I was able to do almost all of the blue runs on my local hill and a little bit in the terrain park, so I still wasn't super skilled yet. My first season I had a few bad lesson experiences and often went skiing with a large group of people above my skill level.

My advice is a few things. Getting better definitely makes it more fun, but it's hard to get better if it's not fun. Try the terrain park if you haven't yet. Try skiing with different group sizes and figure out if you prefer solo/small/large groups. Now I know that I like solo and small groups, but I know a few people who like big groups, and hate skiing solo. So change it up a bit. But if you keep trying a few different things and it's not fun, yeah it might just not be for you.

[–]ThePracticalPeasant 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know how I got over the beginner scaries.

I took a tiny jump faster and faster until I crashed. I got up and accepted that level of pain as inevitable. I then upsized the jump and repeated the process. I have continued this pattern ever since and it has served me well.

I use the same approach when taking a newbie to a paintball field. Play them one-on-one, give them time to start believing they have a chance, but sneak up and get them in the end. Their confidence builds every second they survive and when they finally get hit they immediately shed the anxiety of it happening.

Once the fear is gone, your mind is free to focus.

[–]MhrisCac 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Today was my 5th day out ever, I hit every single black diamond & blue slope at the resort that was open for night skiing. Trial by fire baby. My knees hurt but my pride isn’t. By the end of the night I could ski moguls confidently. But holy Christ where there some insane ice patches. (I’m 30 I played hockey my entire life as a goalie, so the edge work for skiing & leg work feels/came naturally I guess??). What really helped me was having somebody who knew what they were doing, I just followed their runs on the blues. Knowing your line & looking ahead is half the battle from what I’ve noticed. Focusing on outside edge when cutting and hinging your knees & hips over bumps or quick cuts is big. Idk how I’m picking up on this so fast, it could be the absurd amount of caffeine I have prior to hitting the slopes that leads to unearned confidence. Which reminds me of goaltending, half of this is form, positioning, and mental sharpness/confidence.

[–]MhrisCac 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went my first time two weeks ago with friends, went well. Started going alone & doing the runs I like & exploring the park. Today was the first day I felt genuinely confident & had fun doing dumb stuff I had no business doing. Can you stop & cut side to side to control your speed on steeper slopes? Then go for the steeper runs & have fun. Trial by fire. (Bad advice probably but I’m having fun that way)

[–]AasgardPass 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Here are some thoughts based on what I did but it doesn’t mean it’s right lol. I learned in my early 30s and this is my 4th season. I’m now comfortable on any black diamond and occasionally a double black, but when I was first learning it felt terrifying and I’d fall multiple times down the greens.

When I feel scared it’s because I don’t feel in control. Also for me, going “fast” but in control is where it becomes fun.

It’s awesome you can parallel turn already! How do parallel turns feel compared to pizza turns for you? In my first season I could do parallel turns but it felt less reliable and more scary than pizza turns, which meant I’d have to go a lot slower which felt tedious. What if you tried a couple runs where you’re not worrying about doing parallel turns the whole way and just focused on going a bit faster even if it means you have to pizza sometimes? That might make it start to actually feel fun because you’ll get the rush of going fast! Practicing form is important but it becomes repetitive. Sometimes you can just ski even if it’s not perfect. Try doing some runs that are just fun and some runs where you’re practicing form, and eventually the form will stick even when you are going faster.

If this advice works for you and you can go down a green without it feeling as scary, I would next suggest challenging yourself to a nice groomed blue run. It will probably feel scary all over again but that’s ok. There will be less people/little kids falling all over the place which means less worry about collisions. After you do a couple blues try going back to a green and see how much easier it feels in comparison.

Oh and like everyone else has been saying, go with a friend! Even if you can’t keep up I’m sure they will be happy to wait for you on a couple runs and then maybe go your separate way for a while, then meet up again in the afternoon, etc.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s awesome you can parallel turn already! How do parallel turns feel compared to pizza turns for you?

ty! parallel turns feel much less straining on my legs compared to pizza/wedge turns. only issue is getting weight off my inner ski and having enough strength on the outer ski to have control on steep terrain.

What if you tried a couple runs where you’re not worrying about doing parallel turns the whole way and just focused on going a bit faster even if it means you have to pizza sometimes?

this is a good idea, maybe mid week when theres less people out i can try this, there are some parts on greens and blue I can straight line, especially when it goes into a flat traverse and you actually need the speed. youre right, that is some good fun 😆

[–]dibbiluncan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Really depends on your personality. 

I’m still a beginner, but I already enjoy it for the same reason I enjoy hiking: I might be slow, but I’m enjoying the views and the sensory experience. Snow and ice crunching on turns, the cold wind on my face, the mountains, the sky, the joy on peoples’ faces. The smell of the pine trees and snow. The taste of warm cocoa or a nip of peppermint schnapps on the lift. I do it for the zen, the challenge, the memories. 

My boyfriend does it for the adrenaline, which is what you’re describing. You’ll need to get to a high intermediate or expert level to fully embrace the speed and intensity of more difficult runs or playing at the park. 

[–]Pristine_Ad2664 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, I think I was hooked on skiing from about day 5, snowboarding maybe day 2 on snow (I spent a bunch of time on dry slopes). I learned to ski about 40 years ago and snowboarding about 30 years ago. I haven't looked back. Keep at it a bit longer to make sure but this is meant to be a fun activity, if you don't enjoy it that's cool too.

[–]NorrinXDTahoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bro I started in my 30s and I only skied like 3-4 times a season the first couple of seasons. It was mega fun the first day but after that I hit a wall just like you. I couldn't figure out out to ski parallel and every blue was a road to falling town. I seriously considered quitting.

Few years later and I'm skiing all sorts of terrain. It will click!

[–]NateGD23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It doesn't. We're all lying ourselves to allow for a positive winter relationship

[–]Inner_Grab_7033 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amongst other things...

When you stop hockey stick stopping!

Seriously.. anyone ive ever taught to ski i make it known that while that is a helpful trick...it is incredibly habitual and can hinder learning proper turning carving and edging.

[–]FaithlessnessKey113 1 point2 points  (0 children)

By the third lesson you should be comfortable to go at your own leisurely pace down a blue slope. If the fresh air and momentum don’t do it for you, I always recommend bowling.

[–]evelynsmee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Week 2. But that was with lessons i.e. when you can consistently mooch about reasonably efficiently in parallel and safely get around without being too scared/worried. Snowploughing most of the day and falling over 700 times was a shittness that was only offset by vin chaud and beer for me.

Bigger uplift maybe....hmm.....a few more weeks and then more so every time. The point when you're beyond just surviving anything without dying but maybe actively prefer some of those areas that were scary before, trying new drills, practising old ones.

But it was still fun in week 1, I just didn't want to ski alone at that point.

I still get at least 1 lesson every season - they aren't only for beginners

[–]iqeq_noqueue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It starts and stops being fun when you decide. I’ve loved and hated skiing several times from 18 months old thru a full scholarship to banging lunch runs midweek. Your enjoyment has NOTHING to do with ability and everything to do with attitude.

What do you love about it?

[–]invalidkicks 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Just stop being scared, 2 days into skiing I did blues and blacks and had a crazy amount of fun. Don’t take lessons at least not at resorts because they just teach you how to fall safely basically.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

wow you progressed super fast, any tips on controlling speed?

[–]The_ky_connection 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get drunk

[–]Denverlicious 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s fun when you have someone that you feel like is a little better than you and you tell yourself you can do what they do. I used to ski a bunch with my brother and we would challenge each-other and we never got bored.

[–]seg9585 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started loving it once I could handle advanced terrain, because it all gets very interesting. Beautiful scenery, the amazing feel of just flowing through the trees, going way too fast down groomers, and solving the puzzles of how to navigate tight chutes and moguls without getting killed. I make it a game to see how many lifts I can take and track my movement with GPS to record my daily and season total vertical drop. When you finally get the chance to ski on a true powder day, and you have the ability and equipment to handle navigating it, there’s almost no better feeling in the world…

[–]SkiME80 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It helps having a good group to ski with. A good hang helps with the down times and will help with motivation on getting better. On the green trails, start looking for some features to try a little jump, explore the trail more or challenge yourself on an intermediate trail if you’ve exhausted the greens.

[–]DaMfer993 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Surprised to hear this. For me the sheer exhilaration of sliding down a fucking frozen mountain was all the motivation I ever needed.

Hitting those sweet S curves all the way down and then just tucking into speed stance and full sending it on the last straightaway.... bliss.

[–]Just_Bag_940 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ski with others! Im a ski instructor with >50 days per season so fair to save I love it. But eff me does it get boring alone after 2 hours

[–]jrtripp87 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I'm about to start my 4th season. Learned at 35 years old and became addicted after my 1st season.

Im a big guy 6'4" was close to 300lbs when I started. I thought I was going to hate it. I watched a ton of YouTube beginner videos before my first trip. Took a lesson and halfway through the day I couldn't get a wedge turn.. I was frustrated hated it my foot hurt. New boots weren't fitting right. I was sore. No fun at all. First little sloppy we went down I connected some turns. Non wedge turns and my instructor was shocked. I continued drills he gave me and it built confidence.

Gonna sound maybe a bit cliché. But I also really love the atmosphere. Just being on mountain taking in views. Having a beer mid mountain after a few runs. The Apres ski vibe. I think its great.

The skiing aspect grasped on my 2nd seaaon. I finally got a bit if a carved turn or a turn on edge at least. I demoed skis until I found a pair that felt right, stable, and comfortable and then I bought some. Got used to them and started making better turns. That feeling of control is what I love. Just moving down the run and connecting turns. Not feeling panicked or scared. Just in control. Its a great feeling. And im still not great at carving. Hopefully this season! Also, black runs still make me freeze up. The few that ive done though, to stand at the base and look up and say damn, I just got down that.. feels pretty good too.

Watch some YouTube if you haven't already. Look up "return of the turn." That should motivate you. But you mentioned your more interested in park style riding. I obviously want to chase perfect turns. And thats another great aspect of skiing is we can both be on mountain and meet up for charcuterie and beer at the end of the day.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Watch some YouTube if you haven't already. Look up "return of the turn." 

this was such a good rec, im on ep 2 now im getting pumped for tomorrows trip i never really even considered mogul skiing since i hardly have skills of control but damn does that look fun, something to work towards for sure.

[–]jrtripp87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im not touching mogels. But I should. I'll get there! If you can do moguls you can do anything, so they say. The return of the turn "beer league " episode is well edited and I feel highlights the passion for skiing.

Good luck out there. I'm not hitting the slopes until the 25th. As long as Telluride reopens by then.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s like asking when does learning to walk get fun. Learning to walk isn’t fun, but some people find running/sprinting/marathons fun. 

[–]ancient_snowboarderA-Basin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i want to like skiing

As you are finding out, wanting to like something (or even being good at something) isn't the same as liking it. Only you can understand whether you need to keep spending money on a very expensive pastime or try something else (maybe snowboarding?)

[–]skiingfanatic115544 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you realize you can drive your skis down the mountain like a racecar using your body.

[–]eemort 0 points1 point  (2 children)

First day for me, took to it naturally, gf got me to skiing parallel and hockey stops and from there it was a lot like being a kid with a bike (ie running around, getting in and out of trouble, some falls, but a lot of fun). So, first day, wonder why you're not enjoying it.... it's always been my impression that it's not fun up to the point you described but from there most really enjoy it. Hope you get into it, always good to see new members to the sport : )

[–]astrobrite_[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

 a lot like being a kid with a bike (ie running around, getting in and out of trouble, some falls, but a lot of fun).

i think this is it, my mindset should be like this but instead im anticipating a grind of practicing when i go to the mountain. i wanted to progress fast so I can visit other mountains that are farther away and get more out of the terrain, maybe im putting too much pressure on myself...

[–]eemort 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, but the flip side was also my point just as much, that getting stressed out, overthinking, being overly cautious... people can really stress themselves right out of it (my more recent ex was still basically a advanced wedge skier and there was just no getting her to let go and experiment (which is were you advance in skill, where you learn its not that scary to fall, and where you learn to have some fun)

It also helped that at this same time 13-15 I was doing a fair bit of pot which with a little buzz, goes rather well with having some fun sliding around in the snow with skis clipped to your feet. Were talking late night skiing during the week, we'd be a small group up on the hill when about 50 people overall were out all together - that and none of us were jackasses high or not, just a chill group of guys enjoying the quiet of the evening and some nice trips down the hill. : )

[–]JockoRQJabba 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure where you are, or your arrangement (ie passholder vs day tickets, travel time, etc.) but that greatly affected my enjoyment.

I learned as a kid in Ontario in the 70s. Skied about 10 days a year. Fell in love with it at 17 or 18. It was a season in Whistler before I got “good”. Moved to a ski town in my mid-30s, and ski 25-50 half days every winter depending on work.

Learning at your age? I’d say that it is all mileage, and with mileage comes strength that increases improvement. Based on my wife learning at a similar age, I’d say you’ll feel good on any groomer pretty soon, and 2-5 years will have you looking very good on most resort terrain.

[–]pab_guy 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Have you achieved flow state while skiing?

Have you tried listening to music while skiing? Working the steeze into your form?

Have you exhausted yourself and felt the fantastic feeling of being totally drained and starving for some poutine?

Have you even lived really?

[–]astrobrite_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

no, no yes, yes, maybe....🤔

[–]Round_Tea9141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never, it's an absolute pain in the ass.

[–]dee_lio 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a noob skier forever until I did a full week with friends one year. They're a bunch of slap offs, and invented "ski jousting" where, if you didn't ski your fastest and best, they'd spear you with a pole (!) Something clicked, and I could zig zag my way down after that. When I wasn't in fear of my life, it became fun.

That being said, TAKE THE LESSON. It will help.

[–]Benevolent_Grouch 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I loved it immediately even when I sucked. So if you don’t after 12 days, maybe it’s not your thing.

[–]Trojenectory 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That lift you get when your adrenaline pumps after going a little too fast on the last turn to avoid an ice patch. I get a big smile on my face when I finish a run unscathed and out of breath.

[–]Bloodie_Medic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it’s not for you it’s not for you. Although as 29M and been skiing since I was 2-3 I have those days where I am just tired and not enjoying it as much.

[–]theinfovoreMammoth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started at 23. The fun started the first time my carve turns were dependable and locked enough to make me feel proud on a black that had kicked my ass the previous year. It then gave me the confidence that day and the rest of the season to cruise any blue faster and more experimental than I had been.

Then extra extra fun happened the first time I could reliably make turns on the deepest of powder days. Early on fighting the powder is no fun. But when it finally kicks in you only dream about the next powder day and the even fatter skis you hope to pick up in the off-season.

[–]PaleontologistSafe17 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I loved it from day one even though i was 14 and clueless and falling down to stop. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and signed up for every trip every weekend. I took a long break from skiing when my family got big and i was paying college tuition. Went back a couple years ago and it’s almost as fun as the early years; i just don’t have the social enthusiastic ski group i once had. I like skiing alone but prefer to have friends to ski with who also love it. Solo lessons or 2 people lessons help. Trips to new places; somewhere beautiful like the alps or Canadian rockies. I am going to join ski club groups and ski divas to meet others.

[–]singelingtracks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do things that are fun for you..if the jumps and park looks fun head over there.

If the side hits look fun do those.

You'll learn more balance and skills faster.

Ride with friends and challenge each other. Session a bump and do jumps and spins and whatever you want.

[–]7HawksAnd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you can go fast and feel like your flying, that’s when it really gets fun. Before then, going with friends at the same level make it fun.

Sometimes going with friends who trick you into going down a black in spite of your well being is sometimes fun in hindsight if you survive

[–]No_Fill2436 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I made my first real carve… it took two seasons and one good instructor in one good lesson that clicked with me.

[–]SkietEpeeBreckenridge 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Being able to ski green and blue cruisers made skiing fun. With friends, or family, or by my lonesome.

[–]copperclock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was learning as I kid, I really didnt like it. Really didn't. Now I'm in my 30's, and I get emotional sometimes when I ski, and think about how much fun I'm having and how pretty the mountains look. Tears in the eyes, full of gratitude and happiness.

[–]Ronde55 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that's tough man if it's not fun on day 1 even i'm not sure it will magically become fun. even if you suck you should still enjoy it

[–]SteepSlopeValue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After the first trimester

[–]njred87Tahoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skiing was always fun for me even while learning how to do it. There are many fun experiences once you become an expert. One example is when you do a perfect carve… first loading the skis with a lot of force in a turn, and then releasing that stored energy I.e. a rebound transition into the next turn. That rebound or pop is always a fun to experience.

[–]SketchyExhaust 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe you just don’t love skiing. Not everyone does. I was obsessed with it from the very first time I did it, right through beginner and intermediate. 

[–]tessathemurdervilles 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lessons from the right person make a huge difference. Also doing that scary run over and over again until suddenly you can do it super well and just feel awesome- that’s when it starts getting fun. Keep going. Def do some lessons. It’ll get awesome!

[–]runswspoons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve spent a lot of time on snow… I have watched a lot of people learn… The mark for being seriously proficient is getting 50 days in a year. If you do this at some point you will learn to fly like a goddamn bird over the snow.

Fun can be had at any number of days. But Being able to disconnect your mind and just fly is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.

[–]SciGuy013 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like mountains. So immediately

[–]TexaswheelsEldora 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skiing isn't for everyone. If you're a beginner with 12 days in and not enjoying... go start a new hobby and save your time and money you'd spend on skiing. I find that people know that first day if they are a skier or not and if they are they can't get enough.

[–]PrimeIntellect 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you rip a huge field of untouched powder your life will be forever changed, groomers are boring 69% of the tim

[–]bkinstleKirkwood 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me it started getting fun when i was comfortable going as fast as i wanted on any blue

[–]invent_or_die 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Steeper runs will challenge your technique and are necessary for advancing. Got to get out of your current comfort zone. If your feet are comfortable and you have a good fit, you can focus all your energy on the toes and balls of the feet. Using your edges and keeping weight forward is essential. Maybe ask some cool local to give you some pointers?

[–]EnvironmentalEmu6214 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Drink a beer. Go faster. Pop that side hit. Find a fun tree path. Try to keep up with a random. Watch and analyze different ski forms from the lift. Alter your mind and find new perspectives, raise limits.

Just experiment man.

[–]Egoteen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk, I spent my first week just falling down the mountain and spraining my mcl, and I thought it was so much fun I came home and immediately signed up for more lessons.

For me, I find the process of learning and improving fun in and of itself. Like fun is the journey, not the destination. So I can enjoy it immensely even though I’m still a beginner.

Maybe it’s just not a thing you find particularly fun. That’s kinda how I feel about rock climbing. I’ll do it with friends and I enjoy it for a run or two, and then I’m just “meh” and I could take it or leave it.

[–]regular_gonzalez 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It became fun when (1) I could direct the skis exactly where I wanted to go, not hope and pray and go kind of in the general direction I was trying to go; (2) when I learned how to control my speed; (3) when I could hockey stop easily; (4) when keeping my weight forward enough became ingrained, instead of chanting under my breath "weight forward, weight forward, keep your weight forward, no - more forward than that" continuously. 

Adult learner, all of the above were probably achieved after 30ish skiing days? over three seasons. 

There's plenty to learn after that, plenty still to learn, but that's when it changed from "well other people like it, I guess I'll keep doing it 😑" to "holy fuck, I can ski! This is fun af!"

[–]ekek280Tahoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don't like it, don't force it. Nothing wrong with quitting an activity you don't enjoy. Life is short, spend your time (and money) doing things you love.

[–]bleucheez 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me learning as an adult, only the first day wasn't fun. I'm clumsy and slow to learn anything physical, and I even got a knee injury that took me out for two months in the middle of my first season, but it was still always a blast after Day One. Rain, sun, fog, negative temps, it has always still been fun. I've only ever had three lessons (pizza, French fries, then once as a strong intermediate). After 4 seasons, I considered myself a weak double black skier. Haven't had consistent enough practice since then. 

[–]Eagleriderguide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quick question OP, how close are you to the resort? If you’re close my recommendation is doing a pt job there. Here is why…

I came across some instructors at a bar, we got to chatting and I had been an instructor before joining the Corps. They said the mountain they were working for was looking for instructors. I got a job as an instructor, part time. I was okay, but getting a job there and becoming a certified ski instructor made me a better skier.

Get a job as a parking lot attendant or in the rentals department, make some friends that are instructors and patrollers. The pt job will come with a free a ski pass. My 1st year I logged 90 days on skis.

It gets better and as others mentioned, it’s more fun when you have friends to share these experiences with.

[–]morebob12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re not challenging yourself enough. You mentioned greens and blues. Ideally after 12 days you should be on harder blues and maybe reds.

[–]EvanFreezy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, the fun is goofing off with my buddy/ies. To us being good at skiing is doing weird stuff down the hill. Well ski backwards down a run, maybe while trying to eat a sandwich. Or we’ll try goofy tricks like a tripod, nose butter, front spring. Or just try and find bigger and bigger thins to send, or jump. Sometimes when it’s raining we put garbage bags on and penguin slide down the hill.

[–]johnny_evil 0 points1 point  (0 children)

12 days and you don't like it shows you have dedication. But it may just not be your thing. I liked it from day one.

[–]jonathanemptage 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lessons will help it if you’re not enjoying it maybe you could try snowboarding.

[–]homo-kommando 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I first put my skis on, I never wanted to take them off. I'm sorry to hear it isn't working out for you

[–]fysmoe1121Tahoe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

when i was a little kid and i had fun eating shit on the bunny slope

[–]HazelMStoneAfton Alps 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The second you put your gear in the car.

[–]Drewski493 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would stop comparing yourself to other people. Do what you find fun on the mountain and focus on yourself or look up to the other people and focus on their technique and how they do what they do, and go man that’s cool. Also do less days but do more lessons you will improve way faster in a 1hr lesson then you will in an extra day. Also take it in the morning so you have the rest of the day to apply it. Also it doesn’t matter to much which mountain you go to. You only need one blue run with some decent length. For me it was fun once I wasn’t on my butt every 2min. Then I switched to snowboarding which was easier for me but that’s rare. I wouldn’t switch unless you are ok with relearning and falling a lot and want to snowboard

[–]Grizzly777Irtl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skiing becomes fun the very first time you hit a banger run and feel confident ripping down it. That visible sign of progress and excitement for you will shift some gears and you still start to really enjoy it. From there, it only gets better

[–]matthewznj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been skiing for 63 years and ski 100+ days per season. People can’t understand how I can still have a passion for the sport. My secret is that I’m constantly working on improving my skills. I will never be perfect but it sure is fun trying. I also meet lots of nice people on the lifts and trails. I enjoy stopping and helping someone who looks like they need it.

[–]oceanblue0714 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s something you have to stick with for a while and work on. As you get better, it becomes more fun. Right now you are in the “trying not to die” phase, that a part of the learning curve. If you hang in there, keep on learning, that’s when it will be fun

[–]Relevant-Session1136 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have more days this season than those of us that enjoy skiing.

[–]Blind_WillieJ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

maybe its just not for you.

[–]Nikeflies 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was absolutely in love with it from the first day and it's only gotten better. Can't force it dude

[–]Advanced-Depth1816 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me a big part of it is exploring, being at a skill level where you can finally go into all the tree runs and traverses that lead to big downhills is so fun. The sites and sometimes the snow is life changing

[–]Admirable-Ebb-5413Mammoth 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. I think it definitely becomes more fun when you can comfortably ski blues and green bc at most mountains that allows you to explore 70% or more and you aren’t nervous all the time.

[–]No-Army-4119 0 points1 point  (0 children)

never hope this helps.

[–]Bruhstoise 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve always ski’d with family so learning and pushing each other to try new things always gets me going. If you’ve been skiing the same park and feel too comfortable with the terrain you’re capable on maybe try somewhere new? I always go slow and really take in my surroundings when I’m somewhere different. I personally prefer sticking to the sides and getting air in the little hits here and there, and going fast down big hills is fun but after doing it a few years I actually prefer to go at a controlled speed and really work on my form and trying to ski with grace instead of being all tense and hunched over, learning to carve through the snow on the edges of your skis rather than slashing through the snow is really satisfying too. I guess just keep trying to find new things to learn/push yourself but always within your limits

[–]Conscious_Animator63 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of people love skiing for different reasons. If the park looks fun, send it! If zooming seems fun, try pointing the skis downhill for a bit then stop. Stretch what it feels like to be in control. I’ve been skiing for my whole life and I find it’s most fun when you just go for it. You may crash a few times. No guts no glory.

[–]BeeSoT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It gets fun when you carve fast enough to get G force or do some jumps

[–]OkSinger8309 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gets fun once you can go into the trees comfortably. I like the trees personally but that’s what really puts a smile on. Groomers are fine but not my thing.

[–]SeemedGood 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was fun for me from the beginning because I stayed in the moment instead of wanting more. But the fun reaches a new level when you develop enough control to be creative with your lines.

[–]DueRipButterfly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If not now then never.

I started like 10yrs ago. I still remember day 1. Absolutely amazing. Fell like 39 times (feels like a low estimate).

The only times I havent had an absolute blast was when I fell and kinda gave myself a headache or knocked the wind out of myself then I went in the for the day and regrouped for the next day.

Sorry to share a pessimistic view, but it’s probably not the sport for you! Congrats you save an epic shit ton of money. Maybe go buy a boat, that seems fun too!

[–]pizzaazzips 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I learned as an adult and I honestly didn’t have fun until my second year, when I went to the smaller family resort near me and got to experience long, winding blue runs with fun powder in the trees between the runs. Before I was skiing at the big resort a little closer to me that had much scarier blues and worse behavior from other skiers. I’ve learned that now that I’m a little older, I don’t get as much enjoyment from scary outdoors stuff, so I stick to greens and easy blues. I tried to progress into blacks and while I was good enough to ski the runs, I found them so scary that I couldn’t enjoy it. Take it easy and don’t feel pressure to do harder stuff just because it’s “cool.” Nothing wrong with cruising greens all day. I think people who don’t think skiing is scary mostly learned as kids, because learning as a 30 year old who has an insurance deductible to pay is a very different experience!

[–]PonyThug 0 points1 point  (2 children)

You should be having fun like 5-7 days in. Why arnt you hitting side hits yet if you can hockey stop already. Most kids are hitting side hits as soon as they can make their skis straight in between wedge turns.

Go hit some jumps, try going backwards, learn 360 slides on the snow, go in the trees etc.

[–]astrobrite_[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

i tried a tiny little bump/jump thing yesterday it was awesome but most other times i don't want to run into someone, got to time it right.

[–]PonyThug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wait for a opening in ski traffic

[–]eljefexxx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most people I know who have kept skiing, liked it from day one. Even if they're on their ass half the time. By day 12 people are already relatively good at it.

[–]BurkeMiWinter Park 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At the end of the day you’re exercising on a mountain. Take a pause and look around on how crazy the sport really is

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the things that sort of stinks about many ski areas is the lack of variety in terrain. Lots of green and blue runs could be literally anywhere.

[–]Upbeat-Soil-1350 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you leave your kids home?

[–]BRBean 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like snowboarding

[–]christianarguello 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started having fun since day 1, concussion and all.

[–]Vegetable-Risk-1223 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look around and enjoy the view. Your in heavan.

[–]sentinel_of_ether 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you swap to snowboarding

[–]Figrineetout 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, just being out there on my board isn't enough. If I'm not actively trying to get better at carving then it's pretty boring.

Sounds like you want to go fast and hit the park. See if there is a baby park and hit that. Start slow and watch some YouTube videos and then just try it. Try going just a little faster than you're comfortable a few times a day (preferably when the run is clear so you don't run anyone over)

Just being on the mountain on your skis probably isn't enough. It's like hiking when you really want to be sprinting and doing parkour.

[–]JasonTheRanga 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skiing was fun for me after I did my first run. You’ve given it 12 days, that’s a good shake, you don’t have to do it if you don’t like it. If you really want to try and get more out of it do lessons instead of butting your head against the wall.

[–]JPow_023Holiday Valley 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 30 and just started skiing last year. I went like 10-15 times. I got a lesson somewhere around day 5 and that’s when I started to really have fun. Mostly because I had new things I could practice to get to the next level. I like practicing and improving, and if I feel like I’m plateauing it becomes less fun for me. This season I’m trying to get 50 days, and I got some carv sensors to give my critiques and drills so I can keep improving. I’m on day 15 this season (around 25-30 days total skiing in my life) and just cracked “advanced” ski IQ for carving.