Learning to ski in spring ?? Is is good for learner.. I mean the ice condition etc?

Question

I live in Seattle..
the season is still open for few weeks
I guess...

I plan to learn to ski/snowboard for the 1st time

what programs should I join?
And do u have any recomendations
Thanks..

Answer 1

Spring is not a good time to start skiing. The first time I ever went skiing was in mid-march. Many disadvantages. The 1st is that once you are comfortable skiing and want to try harder runs than the bunny slopes, the resorts will already start to close until next year. The other biggest problem I see with starting in spring is that the snow is usually more like slush because of the warming weather. To learn proper balance and turns will be hard in those conditions...Unfortunatly I can't name any programs because I don't know how old you are, but I know that many ski resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows offer group or private lessons for 1st timers. Good luck and please PLEASE wear a helmet. I got a concussion the first time I went up. It's not fun!!!

Answer 2

As a lowlander (midwest) skier and a member of the National Ski Patrol and a toboggan instructor I have found that teaching in slower and slushy snow isn't bad. Sometimes the slower speeds aare much less intimidating. The bad thing about starting now is that your running out of time. You have 2 months left to ski. In my location that is the entire ski season. So in my opinion you have plenty of time to ski. There are many great resorts near Seattle. For some good skiing I like the resorts in Canada. Whistler/Blackcomb come to mind as the major resorts in Canada that are somewhat nearby. Their season may be a little longer than some of your local resorts. Also the best part about starting this late, is that if you decide that you like to ski or snowboard there are many great equipment deals at the end of the season. So go hit the slopes!

Answer 3

You might consider renting a pair of skiboards, such as a pair of Salomon Snowblades. Here are some advantages:

1. For most people, no lessons necessary. It's very much like skating in terms of the movements you use with your legs and hips.
2. Easier than conventional skiing. Probably easier on your tailbone than snowboarding (I've never snowboarded, but many snowboarders bash their tailbones on the mountain).
3. You won't have to spend a lot of time next season getting back your "ski legs".
4. You can focus more time on enjoying the mountain and less time having to focus on some difficult technique that will take years to master. Skiboarding feels very natural and intuitive; cannot say that about skiing with long boards. You will have fun your first day, and will probably be able to tackle Colorado-type blue runs within a season.
5. You will be able to go very fast (as fast as experienced skiers and snowboarders), yet stop on a dime. You will have more control than most people on the mountain.
6. Skiboarding is for people who want to have fun, not for people who want to stroke their egos and look down on those who have less experience. Some (not all) "skiers" get this mindset--it's all about looking down on other people and feeling elitist. These skiers typically hate skiboarding. Note that many of these skiers also hated snowboarding, too, when it first appeared.

Answer 4

Live in Seattle-- hmm, let me think. Well, if I'm not mistaken, Mt. Hood is not far; because you are just learning, it doesn't matter so much that you choose a phenomenal resort, just pick one that is in your price range and has a respectable ski school. The good thing about spring skiing is that the weather is warm and comfortable (generally), the icy conditions factor is marginally less, and the rates are cheaper. Remember to dress for the weather; also prepare yourself by stretching out. You don't want your first ski experience to be your last. It is helpful to purchase your tickets in advance--many resorts offer online ticket sales. Have at it and have fun!

Answer 5

Your ski resort should be pretty good with putting you in the right group based on skill level. I think a private lesson is much more effective for first timers.

Any time is a great time to learn to ski. Although the conditions aren't that great at this time of year, it will make no difference to beginners. You might go a little slower due to the wetness of the snow, which could be good for learning. you won't be learning how to carve your first year out there.

Answer 6

I also say "go for it!" Here's the deal with spring skiing (at least in New England) ... if it's your first time, you'll enjoy the warmer temperatures. Then you can think about what you're learning instead of how cold your feet or hands are. If you can turn in "mashed potatoes" you can turn in anything. Basically, have a fun experience, do those summer training exercises someone mentioned, then start again in December. It's the most fun I've ever had out of the house! I hope you have a great time!

Answer 7

Spring is the worst time to start skiing. Once you learn a new skill like turning on edge or stopping parallel, there is not much time to practice before you forget after summer. I would start learning when there is a nice storm because the snow is always easy to carve on. You could also practice the things you learn for the rest of the season

Answer 8

I think that it is better to start learning how to ski in the beginning of the season or in the a little later. In the beginning there might be more people but the conditions are still ok. Towards the middle there are to many people and unless you are in the Rocky's there are a lot of people. Closer to the end there are ok conditions and its an ok time to learn

Answer 9

Spring skiing can be fun but limited. Prices are cheaper and terrain is limited with soft variable conditions but slopes are virtually empty of skiers and boaders and snow. Most ski resorts will be pulling the plug in the next few weeks. The Southeast ski resorts closed this weekend. Mt Hood, Mammoth(on a good year) and a few place in Rado will stay open longer.

Spring skiing sucks in my opinion, I like fresh powder!!!!!

Answer 10

Being you live in Seattle if you hurry you can probably get some good skiing in yet. However, it may be best to wait and take it up early next season.

I first started seriously skiing in '98 and IIRC I went out in December and was able to make a couple of more trips that season, but I would have went crazy had I took it up in the late season.

As far as skiing in soft snow. I have seen it slow and seen it lickity-split quick. However, my worst ski injury came in the slow soft snow, I face planted and injured my shoulder. My right are was out of commission for a couple of weeks.