Basic advice for first-time skiers in Nuremberg

Hi,

I want to try sking. I have never tried it before but want to try since i am here. So I have lot of questions about it.

1) What all things i need for sking. I think i will rent the ski and i guess we need special shoes , dont know how much it would cost or what type they are. but other than this what all do we need? and where can i buy it at reasonable rate with good quality in Nuremberg. there is so much of variety with wide range of prices but dont know what is good.
if required i wont mind spending extra but i dont want to go and feel terribly cold after landing on the snow.
are stuffs from Tchibo good???

2) I have planned a trip with some people but before that i would like to try or take atleast a basic course . Anyone has suggestions of places around nuremberg??. Once i had heard that there is some indoor stuff not sure if it was related to sking or not.

any other information related to sking are gladly welcomed by me

thanks

generally most ski resorts have skirental places, where you rent the boots, the skis and poles, between 15-30 Euro per day (less if you rent for more than one day)... they fit the boots for you, and set the bindings for a beginner skier.

Wearing leggings/long underwear under a pair of ski pants or rain pants (wind/water proof pants) are enough to keep you warm. Sunglasses or goggles are needed, and warm gloves. Scarves can be dangerous on the tbars for beginners. Unless you tuck them in to your jacket. A warm turtle neck and maybe a sweater is about all I need under my windbreaker... but then again, I don't get that cold in the warm weather we have here.

Most slopes have classes for all stages of skiers, maybe call ahead to the resort and register for a beginner adult class if you've never been before.

It can seem frustrating, but after you get your slope legs it can be alot of fun. Enjoy it.

Good insurance. Have fun

According to Spiegel Skiatlas the nearest place to nuremberg would be the "Fichtelgebirge". But I guess the Alpes arent that much further away...

Your best bet is Tirol I cant think of any thing near Nuremberg that is any good, C&A do cheap ski jackets and trousers...they are not great but for beginners are OK and jackets can double up as normal jackets, you will also need some decent ski socks, (in Hired boots my toes always got cold), a decent hat that covers your ears, good sunglasses its bright up in the snow, some sun block as you get burned easy at high altitude.

Also don't be afraid of being in a joint class with a bunch of 5 year olds but try an adult class if possible, pick a class if possible that is group for your first few lessons and don't get put off, the first days of snow plough turns your legs will hurt like hell and you will have found muscles you never knew you had.

Don't over do it on first trip, oh and after a few trips you can forget about snow plough turns (well nearly) but it gets easier as you get a bit better

PS Tirol you have basic insurance covered in the lift pass

PPS beware of mad bastards on snow boards

PPPS try not to fall out of any chair lifts especially if you have your mobile ipod and glasses case in your top pocket (it hurts like hell)

PPPPS If you can unless you are with your instructor get on a T bar on your own for first few times

PPPPPS tell the hire company you are a total beginner, they are likely to give you shorter skis which for the few first times makes life easier

I still do Tbars alone!

Though you might be put off by the cost of lessons, don't fall for the line (pun intended, sorry) that your friends can teach you. That's the best way to be turned off skiing forever, unless you're a natural athlete like some and can pick up any sport just by trying it out. Do a minimum 5-day course. You'll get to know your fellow skiers in the group and have more fun.

Try to find a place to learn that has a good selection of easy runs. I would not recommend St. Anton, for example, on your first go, unless you want to limit yourself to a just a few short slopes.

And don't buy ski equipment just yet. Rental is not that expensive and you can usually store your equipment in lockers at the base of most mountains.