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Ski courses for beginners

Toytown Germany > Discussion forum > South Germany > Munich > Sport in Munich
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nuwoman
Looking for a ski course that takes place on weekends. Really would like to learn to ski. Been in Germany for 4 years now and I think its about time. Ideally the instructor would speak English too... but not a must.

Thanks in advance for the tips!
Nu
plastic
www.skigiesing.de do weekend courses(in German)

So do SportScheck.

For Langlauf try www.langlauf.com

mostly in German
Nicky
You could check the GEA (German English Association) - they are big on the skiing.
Ulysses
The Munich Ski Club can put you in contact with English ski instructors as far as I know.
proo212
How about Ken Lawler's short ski training? I don't know the website url but I'm sure lots of TTers can provide that. I learned to ski properly in only 2 weekends...
Johnny English
QUOTE
I learned to ski properly in only 2 weekends...

blink.gif
Tim
QUOTE
I learned to ski properly in only 2 weekends...

Simply amazing. That must be the right way to learn.
zimmer
I learned to ski in 3 days on my own, observing people ski. It's lots of hard work too: walking uphill with the skis, ski down, walk up again smile.gif After that, I took up a one-day ski course to better my technique like transversing, at Seefeld: http://www.schi-seefeld.at/ I had an American instructor so no language problem but some of the (Austrian) instructors spoke English too and were all very friendly. At the end of the day, everyone did a downhill race which was timed so each was awarded a gold, silver or bronze depending on his/her performance. It was just for fun but it also motivate one to go on skiing.
Tim
Can we perhaps stop implying that it is possible to 'learn to ski' in two or three days?

Yes, taking lessons is a good idea, but, like the German language, just getting to the point where you are comfortable and can hang out with 'real skiers' takes years of practice, not weeks...
Hutcho
Maybe you're right, but to get to a point where you can handle a blue or even red slope in 2 or 3 days and have fun is not unreasonable..

I personally think lessons are the biggest scam out there. I took a lesson to begin with and it made me worse. After that I just went up the hill and copied what other people were doing. Within 2 hours I was doing any beginner run in a snow plow and after a couple of days I was doing parallel turns no problems. I've never had a lesson since, and although there are certainly many better skiers out there than me, I can tackle almost anything on most mountains and I have fun, which is all most people should really care about anyway.
Johnny English
This thread is getting a bit unhelpful in my humble opinion.

First we have people saying they "learnt to ski" in a couple of days, and then we have people saying not to bother with lessons. Both I think are not helpful to the average hopeful skier frankly.

I think it is a very good idea if learning to ski that you do take lessons, and that you expect after the end of your first week (6 days) to be competent down all blues, and say some select reds. (perhaps not all French reds!).

The advantage of having an instructor is that they will stop you doing something daft - you would only need a little too much confidence, a little too much speed and then cross your skis early on and you could easily break a leg. The instructor will also ensure that your learn the correct basics so that longterm you do not ski like a donkey for the rest of your life.

I think the comparison to learning German is very apt. Sure after a few weeks of language lessons you can probably hold a passable conversation with lots of mistakes...but you cannot "speak German".

I would say you can "ski" when you can tackle blacks, moguls, the odd jump, off-piste, ice etc. Does that sound like I am exaggerating? Well - these are all things you will encounter in a normal week of skiiing.
Tim
Amen Johnny.

Speaking as a certified ski instructor and ski coach I agree with everything you just wrote.

As far as the value of ski lessons goes, two facts may be of interest. Virtually every ski school in the world continues to teach the instructors; yes, instructors take lessons. And think about the very best skiiers in the world, the men and women on the FIS World Cup tour, every one of which has a coach with whom they work year round to improve their ability. If Hermann Maier and Bode Miller are still taking lessons, I would suggest that there is probably some value there.

Skiing is a very dangerous sport that becomes even more dangerous when you don't know what you are doing - not just for yourself but for the other people (and children) on the slopes with you...
Johnny English
And if you can possibly afford it - go for a one-to-one instruction (or as a couple). You will learn much faster.

Put simply I have had the best days of my life on the snow, and it's more fun when you are good enough to be relaxed. The first week you cannot help tensing your muscles so will be knackered for sure - but trust me - it really isn't tiring once you get the knack.
Tim
QUOTE
it really isn't tiring once you get the knack.

Blasphemy!

You obviously aren't going fast/steep/deep enough lad biggrin.gif
Hazza
I learnt to ski with Ken Lawler's short ski method.

It is a fantastic course. After 3 weekends, I could comfortably negotiate all the red runs on the mountain. It was cheap too. For about 200Euros a weekend (at that time) you got 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, transport, ski hire, lift passes and of course - lessons.

The course is in English and aimed at ex-pats, so you're going to be learning with other adult beginners.

I'm not affiliated with them at all - just a very satisfied customer!!
Johnny English
See - Hazza backed me up - 3 weekends = 6 days. Sounds about right to me to be happy around the red stuff.
zimmer
I can see your point of view - from skiiers to ski instructors - of course it's insulting to hear that people can pick up skiing in a matter of weeks or days biggrin.gif Sure, you can't do a flip or pipe even in a matter of days/weeks. Like everything else, practice, practice, practice. STILL, skiing is really not that difficult. The biggest challenge is FEAR! As long as you can overcome fear wink.gif, you can go down a black, like Hutcho?? So, to nuwoman, go out & have fun! You'll like it!
Johnny English
@Zimmer - I think the important point for me was not to let anyone reading this thread get disheartened if they are not doing backflips by Day 2.

Snowboarding for example seems for most people to be a total bitch on day 1, bit dodgy on day 2 and then it all falls neatly into place. So you need to grit your teeth and work hard at the start.
jayhay
QUOTE (Hazza @ Nov 1 2005, 6:39 pm) *
I learnt to ski with Ken Lawler's short ski method ...

I can only reiterate what Hazza wrote.

My girlfriend and I took the first two (of three) weekend's of Ken's course last year. The instructors/participants were friendly and informal and the course was inexpensive and well taught. The "learning by doing and having fun" approach was perfect for us. None of that standing-around-in-groups-receiving-lectures-from-the-ski-instructor-about-the-physics-of-skiing stuff.

Here's the website.
MysteryMan
I can vouch for Ken's method too. 3 weekends and another couple with the missus and I was skiing very confidently, including blacks.
nuwoman
Thanks for all the help guys... Will definitely be checking out the links provided.
Nu
grazzenger
ah yes, 'the fear'! when i learnt to ski over 20 years ago, i was smaller, nearer the snow and knew no fear. moguls and blacks in the first week, really. now i'm older, less fit and have slightly more concern for both mine and others safety, i tend to take more care and the fear can creep in especially when you're having one of 'those' days.

lessons are vital in encouraging the correct habits and reinforcing them. even though i'm competent on all slopes and conditions these days, i still enjoy sking with friends who are instructors and taking their advice. like my effing golf swing, mistakes creep in and it's good to be reminded.

and of course, living so close to the alps and this being such a great sport, there is absolutely no excuse to not practice, practice, practice!!

have a great winter!
Johnny English
Better than sex.

(well better than sex with me anyway)
carpediem
It can´t be enhanced enough - start off skiing taking a course with an instructor! That is definitely the best way to get started! Once you´ve learnt the basics, then you can practice on your own, but if you want to feel confidence and learn it the right way, there is no other way around!
I´ve been skiing all my life, but just like Hermann Maier & Co., a lesson now and then to freshen up the techniques is definitely worth it!

Good luck with your skiseason - you certainly won´t regret it! biggrin.gif
Bob_K
pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaase never tell a beginner to "not take lessons" ever again.
This has got to be one of the most dangerous things to ever say to a beginner.
Surely you are now running the risk of them just taking a chairlift up on the first day and ending up at the top of a black run. blink.gif

I have been skiing and boarding for years now and when I go away for the week, I'd still book into lessons. I'm still learning... whether your working on your rodeos, your snow-plough or getting on the lift, there is no better way than getting instruction from somoene that knows what they are doing.

My advise...
take lessons as much as you can.
be prepared to fall over and hurt yourself a bit
take it one step at a time
practise

After 6 days... yes you'll be able to ski... no you won't be a good skier.

Enjoy it... it is by far and away the best fun you can have.
kitkat64
I agree with Tim and Bob_K completely. One thing to keep in mind is that just because a trail is a 'Blue' at that ski slope - it doesn't mean the trail at another ski area will be equally easy (or difficult). Ski areas each have to categorize their own trails as EASY, MORE DIFFICULT, or MOST DIFFICULT (I think that's Blue/Green, Red, and Black). And that Black on one mountain just means that these trails are the most difficult that that mountain offers.

And please, please take lessons if you are a beginner - keep yourself, and everyone around you, safe.
gideon
take lessons and learn your limits and when to stop. simple and safe.
sea-king
Just remember, the pain is free. You don`t often get that with other sports do you now! blink.gif
Clive
Does anyone know how to get on to a Ken Lawlers ski course I cant seem to connect with with the suggested Kenlawler@GMX.de.

I would like to do the course with my 14 and 16 year old boys justo make me look even worse.
Tim
You never know Clive, I did my first coaches course with a guy my age (20 something at the time) and his father. His dad skied our asses off. smile.gif
Hazza
Clive - send a PM to jivedancer.

He's one of the instructors, so should be able to help you.
Scogs
QUOTE (proo212 @ Nov 1 2005, 12:21 pm) *

Is this the place that Owen (ex Compaq guy) did his lessons with and ended up with a f**ked up shoulder (he needed a ton of metal pins to hold his arm on or somthing)?

on the bright side Penny are doing a 2006 ski atlas for just under €10 I just bought one this morning
Bumpy
Take skiing lessons from an Austrian - they're the world's best skiiers (except this next year's Olympics). Not from a Frenchman - they have a different distinct style of skiing...
jayhay
QUOTE (Clive @ Nov 3 2005, 6:56 pm) *
Does anyone know how to get on to a Ken Lawlers ski course?

Here's a link to the Parallel Ski website.
3 Lions
For anyone who is looking to start up this year and hasnt got any gear yet. Aldi are getting stock of snowboarding Jackets/trousers this week on the 17th Noevmber.

Jackets - €25.99
Pants - €17.99

Aldi.

Best to get there early when they open. The main sizes L & M tend to go pretty quickly.

I bought 2 last year and they were absolutely perfect. In fact will be waiting for the Ski jackets to come out to buy another one of those sets.
Hutcho
I had been looking around for some really nice ski pants.. was willing to spend up to about 150 euros. However, after about a month of looking, I really couldn't find any good deals, and most pants that were suitable were around 250 euros and I couldn't justify that..

Anyhow, on the weekend I was at Walmart and picked up a pair of ski pants for 40 euros, and they are pretty damn good. They will last me long enough until there is a sale anyway.

They also have some reasonable jackets there for about 50 euros. I would recommend it.
kitkat64
I bought a windstopper cycling jacket there in the summer (perfect for layering under or over other stuff. Anyway, the quality was very, very good. It's the same stuff the high end guys use but it just doesn't say Pearl Izumi on it. So, in short, lots of the Aldi/Lidl stuff can be great stuff for little money.
gideon
glad to see it wasnt me who posted this info this year. smile.gif

for normal usage, the stuff is fine. some of the details are skimped on but the difference in cost/effectivness is massive. the fabric quality is as good as most other jackets in the medium price range. (its usualy exces stock with the colours from a couple of years ago i've been informed by a friend in the bizz)

but get up early. do not expect any choice goods being left at 9:00 in the morning.
MysteryMan
www.tchibo.de have a load of ski stuff at the mo.
MunichMag
For anyone looking to learn to ski, I can't recommend Ken Lawler's short ski course highly enough. Here is the e-mail he sent out to people who have done his course before and has details on the courses and info evenings for this year (I should have thought to post this earlier as there was one yesterday). There's another one tomorrow, but I'm sure you can get in touch with Ken or Anne and arrange something if you can't make that.

QUOTE
Hi Skiers from last years' ski courses,

Here is the announcement for our beginner and advanced ski couses for this season.

Notice the ski club email address has changed. I work during the week in Friedrichshafen so Anne will do
most of the organisation work you reach here through the parallel skiing mail address(parallel_skiing@gmx.com). If you want to reach me personally, use the same kenlawler@gmx.de. Though there might be a delay
in the answer there.

Winter's on its way and we're offering beginner ski courses again. As you know, word-of-mouth is the only advertising that has worked for us. It's the way you heard about the ski course yourself. We depend on you to pass the word along.

Tell your friends, neighbors, relatives, and colleagues. Forward this email, but put in your comments as well.
Tell them how much easier it is to learn with the short ski method and how much fun the ski course is. Stress that these courses are suited for anyone, no matter how fearful, unathletic, or unfit.

Beginner courses take place from the weekend of 14 Jan, to the weekend of 11 Feb but we need signups now. Before the course starts, beginners must come to my house one evening for general information, boot fitting, and a few ski exercises. The earlier beginners come, the larger the boot selection. This evening is free of charge and non-binding. Even those who are skeptical should come along to an information evening and see for themselves how easy and fun learning to ski can be. The next information evenings are Sun 13 Nov and Tue 15 Nov at 19:30. I'll pick up passengers at U-5 Ubahnstation Quidde Str. Get out the front and
go up one flight of stairs to the middle level (still under ground). Wait under the clock. I'll wear a baseball cap and carry a short ski.

We need at least one other car. Anyone driving, meet me there as well (remember it's rush hour). The Ubahn station is at the corner of Albert Schweitzer Str and Siegfried Molier Str. Go down the Station entrance to meet the rest of us. We will drive in convoy to my flat at Rosenheimer Landstr. 23, Ottobrunn.

e-mail me the names of those coming beforehand, so I can plan. Give me telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Tell me who is driving.

If you didn't complete your course last year and want to continue, you needn't come to another info evening. You must however email me !!now!! if you want to finish your course this year. This is to reserve your boots
from last year and put you at the top of the list.

For you skiers we also have an advanced weekend November 26-27 in Stubaital. Most who have completed our beginner course is advanced enough to go. Don't worry, you haven't forgotten everything! Other skiers must be able to ski easy reds. Sign up now, if you want to go.

We are also offering a courses for pre-school age children on 7-8 Jan and
25-26 Feb.

Organise your winter tires now.

To reach me:
kenlawler@gmx.de

I'm reachable by phone only at the weekend (089) 609 5948 (If I'm not on a ski course)

To sign up for a course use the return address to this email (parallel_skiing@gmx.com).
Anne's home telephone number is:
089 76 75 9785

Wishing you a snowy and fun-filled winter!

ken
Parallel Skiing e.V.

http://www.geocities.com/parallel_ski_munich
Katrina
Right, I may well regret posting this but here goes...
Am planning to do the Sport Scheck ski course for incompetent/incapable skiiers starting Jan.
Seriously.
Shouting at someone I don't know due to my utter failure to "get" skiing will be easier for all as making your pals cry on the slopes isn't good. Yes I really am that bad but no I have never actually had a proper lesson so it isn't surprising.
My lack of ski talent is also probably linked to the fact that I see getting absolutely shited the night before as a good way to combat nerves.
Attempting to learn to ski with a hangover is not something I'd advise.
To save going to the hire shop each time (boots/sticks/planks not included in the ski courses, they are for snowboarders), I'd rather buy something basic and then flog it on as necessary. Have seen these in a flyer for Sports Experts.

I remember Alpina being a reliable brand and obviously it won't be the newest model.
Any ideas? Yes I know I have to try them on for ages and all but are these too cheap to be true?
Cheers.
mellelisa
I am sure that they will be fine for a while. No point spending too much money if you may not like it. Wear them about the house though for a while. (if you have carpets or big rugs) Just sitting on the sofa and remember to wear good socks as your calves can get sore when you are learning. I taught my friend last year and she said the worst part was her calves being bruised. Have fun!
Tim
Your best bet, as with any ski boots, is to head down there, try a pair on, then walk around in them for 15 or 20 minutes. Don't worry about looking like a jerk, it will take a few minutes for your feet to feel pressure spots or areas where the boot is too loose. Take a pair of socks that you will wear while skiing, or even better, shell out €25 for a pair of proper ski socks - expensive but worth it.

If after trying the boots on and getting the salesperson's opinion, if they feel okay, then go for it. What's the worst that could happen? Ebay!
Jeeves
I didn't know that Alpina made boots, but hey, I never really looked.
That is certainly cheap but if the normal retail price really is three times that then I'd look at that rather than the offer price.
Personally I'd have more of an issue with them being rear entry boots, which means you're going for convenience (easier to put on / take off / walk in) rather than function. But as the ad says, that's a good thing for a beginner. Try 'em on, see how you go. At that price you can't go wrong. And Sports Experts is a reliable enough shop.
Katrina
I should also add that in a hire shop in Sölden, I was fitted with boots which cut the circulation in the front of my foot. Which added to the hangover (plus general incompetence on my part) meant me screaming obscenities at the former Herr Indoors.
On his birthday.
In front of his pals.
I think I even threw an item of skiing material at his head.
It missed.
Then I resorted to getting slaughtered in the hut instead.
Impressed he was not.
This attempt at learning is the last chance saloon for me and skiing, I'm afraid.
Jeeves
Decent boots allow you to adjust the fitting around the front of the foot. When you're looking to buy boots find out just what can and what cannot be adjusted. Trying them on for ages, wearing thick socks and walking around in them is all good and necessary, but they'll still feel different if it's 20 degrees below from the way they do in the shop or at home.
Katrina
What counts as good socks? I take it that Tchibo ones are not (they were rubbish for sledging last year), Falke are good, right? I have Falke running and hiking ones so their ski ones should be good.
Tim
Yep. I also have the running ones and plan on uising them for skiing as well. If the hiking ones are higher, they will be better, maybe you don't need to buy a dedicated pair for skiing.

Agree with comments regarding rear entry boots, but if you are just out there for fun, they are more comfortable, both on and off the slopes.
canaryman
Get a pair you can plug in and warm up. My wife, for the 13 years complained of cold feet in her boots so bought a pair you can heat up. Now she doesnt suffer from that problem, even on the coldest of days.

I bought my boots in Leamington spa (UK) and as they took 45 minutes to fit them properly, you got free beer while you waited.!!!
Hutcho
They are rear entry boots. I would not pay money for them.
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