Poll: Skiing

[gamebrain89]

So last Saturday I went Skiiing for the first time, and I wanted to know what your thoughts on the sport was. I had fun, but dang if I'm not sore. I enjoyed it, and I think it would be something I would like to get into. There isn't much here in Wyoming that I could get to for ski area's, (Jackson is clear on the other side of the state) though there is one about 2 hours away. Is it something thats fairly easy to learn? I didn't do too bad, rather than staying on the bunny hill the first day (which would have probably discouraged me from going up the hill at a later date),I went down a green and a blue run, and didn't fall down too much.


So I pose these questions Escapists.

Do you like Skiing ( explain)?

How hard is it to become proficent at?

Is it worth it to buy my own skis?

And what would be a good pair of skis for a beginner?

 

[Outlaw Torn]

I've been skiing (on snow) three times for a week at a time and it was great. The requirements of snow usually mean you have to go to really nice places, so even if you are falling over a lot at least you can have a good view when you finally stop rolling down the slope. Depending on your idea of proficiency it shouldn't take too long. I could happily ski down red slopes after my first trip and was okay with black slopes on my second. So about a week or two of instruction in a group would mean you have enough training to ski acceptably.

If you want to buy new skis then make sure you are going to use them enough to warrant buying them. It's probably going to be a sizeable investment if you include boots into the price, so they will be wasted if you only use them twice and give up. If you will only be going a few times or are unsure you could always get second hand equipment, then you won't be splashing out on anything amazing and can still upgrade.

 

[Berethond]

Nordic skiing rocks. It's all about Nordic.

 

[gamebrain89]

Nordic skiing rocks. It's all about Nordic.

Ok, I am not sure what the difference between Nordic and Alpine. Downhill on groomed slopes at a ski area would be considered.....?

 

[Berethond]

Downhill=Alpine

Nordic=Cross Country

How's that work for you?

 

[Fronken]

Nordic skiing rocks. It's all about Nordic.

Ok, I am not sure what the difference between Nordic and Alpine. Downhill on groomed slopes at a ski area would be considered.....?

Nordic is when skiing in the north, and alpine is when skiing in the alps, atleast i think so, certainly seems that way what with the names and everything.

Anywho, my personal opinion about skiing is that its a suicidal waste of time, but thats probably because i've done it once and messed up my left knee, i still cant walk for extended periods of time nor run fast without it hurting :/

 

[naftali1]

If you don't buy your own pair, you should at least rent for the season. Renting can get costly. If you do decide to rent every time you should check out Christy Sports if you have those in Wyoming, they usually have good prices. Becoming a good skier is all about sticking with it. I've seen people become amazing in one season before. As for a good pair of skis, I can't really give you advice on that cause I'm a die hard snowboarder.

 

[Jimmycanuck]

My father taught me how to ski when I was about two. I loved it. After a few years, I gave snowboarding a shot. I enjoyed it, but not as much as skiing. Since then, I've gone back to skiing.

I can go down black trails at the nearest hill around here. I'm actually pretty good. And chicks dig a good skiier
Like Nexus Zef said, only get skis if you're actually gonna use them. It's no good to have a $700 pair of skis sitting in your basement for a winter. Speaking of which, I'm waiting for a good snowfall so I can actually GO skiing this year.

Good luck at your newfound sport!
-JimmyC

 

[Frootata]

I'm on my "local" ski team. SKI RACING FOR THE WIN!! (More importantly slalom for the win!)