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Best places to learn to ski

sariah

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My boyfriend and i want to learn to ski. Both of us are complete novices and are a little overwhelmed. Where are the best places to learn? We would like to stay for 2-3 nights. Also, any tips for learning? Would one 2-hour group lesson be enough to get us started or should we go for more?

I realize most of you are far from neophyte skiiers, so any advice is very appreciated.
 

JimG.

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Any of the Catskill ski areas like Hunter, Belleayre, Windham, etc. would fit the bill. I'm biased towards Hunter because I'm a regular there and used to teach/coach there, but the other areas I mentioned will do a good job too.


A 2 hour group lesson would be a good start, but you might find that you wind up wanting to learn more than a 2 hour lesson can provide. And remember, you will learn at the pace of the SLOWEST person in your group. You might think that will be you, but I'm pretty sure you will find out otherwise.

If the group lesson isn't enough, consider taking a private lesson afterwards. A 2 hour private lesson for you and your boyfriend would be alot of fun and you will learn alot more than in a 2 hour group lesson.

You didn't mention what days you will be going, but if you go during the week instead of the weekend you may very well wind up with a 2 hour private lesson for the cost of a group lesson. Weekdays are alot less crowded than weekends.
 

haines

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From Newyork I would head to your nearest nordic (Cross Country) ski center. It is far more affordable. You can learn the basics
Herringbone, Sidestep and then progress to the wedge

At night you can visit the Apre-ski nightspots and still enjoy the whole experience!
 

roark

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Can't really recommend any specific area but my suggestion is go someplace small. There's no need for a big mountain (and big mountain prices) when you're probably only going to go down 1 or 2 trails. Some mountains offer reduced rate tickets that access only the beginner area. Also many places have a package (rental, lift ticket, lesson). And you might find if you get a group lesson at a "less desirable" time - like first thing in the morning on a Tuesday your "group" might be just you and your partner.
 

kingslug

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The one thing good about Belleayre is that the lower mountain is apart from the upper. They have their own learning area where you don't have to worry about getting creamed by someone racing down the steeper runs. It's where I really learned to ski after spending time at Mountain Creek. Belleayre also gets more snow.
 

bigbog

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........

Great beginner/learning terrain at Okemo (Ludlow,VT)!...lots of mellow pitched terrain. Granted, there must be nice beginner terrain in most every upper NYS area that is getting good, consistent temperatures... You don't need much of a resort to learn to ski, just good snow, mellow pitched terrain, and good instruction.
 

RIDEr

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kingslug said:
The one thing good about Belleayre is that the lower mountain is apart from the upper. They have their own learning area where you don't have to worry about getting creamed by someone racing down the steeper runs. It's where I really learned to ski after spending time at Mountain Creek. Belleayre also gets more snow.

Very true. A true lift system and multiple trails dedicated to beginners... HUNTER ONE is also a good choice at Hunter, but Jim already talked about Hunta.
 

dmc

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RIDEr said:
kingslug said:
The one thing good about Belleayre is that the lower mountain is apart from the upper. They have their own learning area where you don't have to worry about getting creamed by someone racing down the steeper runs. It's where I really learned to ski after spending time at Mountain Creek. Belleayre also gets more snow.

Very true. A true lift system and multiple trails dedicated to beginners... HUNTER ONE is also a good choice at Hunter, but Jim already talked about Hunta.

Hunter's "Learning Center" is pretty awesome..
http://huntermtn.com/learningcenter.html
 

catskills

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sariah - Excellent question. Go now go directly to NY State operated Belleayre Mountain today and do not pass go. Lift tickets this week are $10 at Belleayre which is a rediculous cheap price. Seriously, this Thursday Jan 26 at Belleayre looks like an awesome day to start the great sport of skiing. Not too cold and not too hot. Just perfect. If not Thrusday then Friday. Its always better to spend your first days on skis midweek to avoid the crowds so you know your way around a bit on the crowded days.

www.belleayre.com directions:
  1. Drive NORTH upstate NY state Thruway I87
  2. Gt off I 87 Exit 19 mile marker 91 (easy to remember 19 and 91)
  3. AFter paying toll take right on traffic circle and take immediate first right off Traffic circle on Route 28 west to Pine Hill
    BTW there is a Holiday INN and Super 8 Motel about 1/4 mile on Washington Av which is the 2nd exit off the trafic circle.
  4. Go 1/4 mile on Route 28 and stop at Potter Brothers ski shop on right for last minute stuff
  5. Get back on Route 28 toward Pine Hill and drive 40 more minutes to Belleayre.
You can rent skis at Belleayre Mountain ski lodge or just as you turn off Route 28 to Belleayre their is a private Belleayre ski shop that rents skis and boots. I would recommend renting from at the Belleayre ski lodge and ask about the ski 123 program which is 3 days of skiing, rentals, and lessons for beginners.

Midweek is a great time to go for beginners because they will spend more time with you in the rental shop to make sure the boots fit. Nothing worse than ski boots that hurt. The other nice thing about midweek at Belleayre is zero crowds and you can take your time and relax.

For lodging near Belleayre se http://catskillhighpeaks.com/
 
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