Newbie Skiier

[meggmoff]

And yes, small mountains are great - you don't need to head all the way to Vermont or New Hampshire to practice. Start at Sundown (if you are in Connecticut, which I think I read). Try to go regularly - if you want to improve, you should go at least 1x per week. You'd be amazed at how much progress you will make in 2 years if you ski weekly.

Thanks I am def going to head to somewhere around here in CT to build my skills!

 

[meggmoff]

You need to find out why you're tensing up. I suspect it could be fear, at least in part, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has their own way of dealing with it. Skiing more & more will build not only your confidence but also your strength. Here are some tips:
http://www.yourskicoach.com/YourSkiCoach/Saying_Goodbye_to_Fear.html
http://www.skiing-without-fear.com/blog/
http://www.epicski.com/t/91196/how-to-get-over-the-fear-of-skiing

To paraphrase Yogi- "Skiing is 90% mental, the other half is physical." So here are some skiing exercises I do on off days that focus on leg muscles:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/138699-the-best-leg-exercises-skiing/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_RYVmpWDq4
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/strengthening-calf-muscles

Finally, it's good to stay loose with stretching exercises. I try to do yoga for that.
Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[prsboogie]

I keep hearing this "watch others from the chairlift" advice being given to newer skiers... what exactly are they supposed to be looking at? Who are they supposed to be watching? When you're a beginner, everybody who is staying upright looks like an expert, but there's a lot of people out there who shouldn't be used as technique role models.

Pretty much anyone who doesn't look like John Cusack skiing in Better off Dead - go that way really fast, if something gets in your way, turn! Words to live by!! Welcome to your newest and greatest addiction HI Bob!!