I'm going skiing to Tignes in 4 weeks times and I'm terrified of breaking something, avalanches and chair lifts. Help!
How was it for other first-timers?

Do yourself a favor and pay for a lesson on the first day. After that, you'll be fine as long as you stick to the beginner slopes.

Agree with StCirq!

I would even suggest you taking lessons for at least the first 2 days! It is usually very frustrating at the beginning, but by day 2, you should have a handle on it.

If you take lessons, you will most likely NOT be on a chairlift at the beginning, and at the speed you are going, it'll be hard to break anything.

My idea of skiing is sitting by the fireplace overlooking the slopes and sniffing down a cognac.

There's no brakes on them their skis.

Definately follow the great advice already given--if you educate yourself on skiing you will drastically decrease the risk of injury to yourself and others and it puts you in control which will help reduce your fear which is being driven by the unknown right now. Also, lessons can be a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people. Enjoy!

...and if you find that skiing just isn't for you take Budman's advice!

If skiing in Europe for the first time I would definitely go for the lessons.

Thanks for advice. I've bought a package that includes 6 half days of lessons, but have just (half hour ago) watched v scarey TV programme on avalanches! How come didn't see this before I booked. Wish I'd gone for Med cruise now!

You were wise to book half days...skiing can be exhausting and you don't want to over do it as you'll need to save your energy for getting to the pub...and digging yourself out of the avalanche -just kidding, you'll be fine--relax and enjoy a great time!

And don't forget to bring Advil. You will be sore when you wake up on Day 2! It'll be lots of fun. I learnt to ski in Norway 11yrs ago, and have been addicted to skiing since.

I'd recommend a private lesson unless you're a very fast learner. My first ski trip started out with a group lesson, about 10 students and one instructor. It was pretty worthless to me. I tried so hard to make it down the first slope standing up and after falling for about the 5th time and only half-way down the run, another ski instructor took pitty on me. I was ready to take the skis off and hoof it to the bottom but this instructor told me I could make it on the skis. I rememember laughing through my tears of frustration at that. Anyway, after helping me make it down on the skis and another hour of individual instruction really made the difference for me. And the poles don't help much... didn't even get to use them at first which I remember thinking was very odd.

You've received lots of good advice, and I'd like to add something.

Make sure you are in good physical condition. If you aren't a runner, I suggest you become one to strengthen your legs. Physical strength can go a long way toward preventing skiing injuries.

Our family had been skiers for many years when we took our new son-in-law who runs marathon but had never put on a pair of skiis.

He might have been lacking in style points, but because of his strength, he was able to keep up with everybody (and surpass me).

Byrd

Be afraid, be very afraid! (insert smiley with legs & pair of skis sticking up out of a pile of snow)

Being on skiis for the first time can be very intimidating. You will feel like a complete klutz fro the first few hours. Don't worry - everyone else has gone thru the same thing. Taking a few lesssons is an absolute must for a first timer. By the second day, you will actually be enjoying yourself. Once you get comfortable, skiing is one of the most exihlirating feelings in life - almost like flying. The chances of encountering an avalance (especially on novice trails) is virtually nil. Chail lifts are also a little scary the first few times, but again quite safe. Relax, and have fun!

Hi klar,

You'll have a great time! I learned to ski in the German alps when I was way (way way way way waaaaaay) over 21, and it was easy. I'm glad you bought ski lessons -- the instructor will make sure you have a good time; they really want you to come back! The group classes that I've seen (six one-week sessions overall in Germany and Switzerland) usually have 5-8 students, and everyone reaches a solid level of competence.

Because I don't ski during the year, I always find myself maxed out after the morning session, so the half-day classes is a good idea. However, you are always free to enjoy one or two runs at your own pace in the afternoon when you feel up to it; the instructor WON'T leave you at a ski spot that's beyond your ability.

Bringing (or buying there) Advil is good advice. Also good advice to strengthen your leg muscles. I'd like to suggest stretching too -- learn some deep leg stretches (look at some online ski sites or yoga sites) to keep your legs from cramping up. Also be sure your hotel has a sauna!!!

s

You'll be fine. It's normal to be nervous but once you get the hang of it you'll have a blast!

And don't worry about avalanches - people that get caught are usually very advanced skiers (or climbers, etc.) who go off-piste. That's why off-piste skiing is banned in many resorts, as it's too risky (and too costly to the rescue services).

So enjoy your lessons, take it easy, enjoy the mulled wine, and take a good supply of arnica for the aches and pains - it works better than anything else I've tried.

In fact, the only thing you should really worry about is having a good suncream to protect your skin from the extra strong UV rays up on the slopes.