This December, I'm going skiing (staying at the Alta Peruvian) for the first time with my husband's family. This family has taken yearly ski trips for about the past 15 years. They have been everywhere and, needless to say, are all pretty good. I am petrified! I know I'll be needing lessons. Should I take private or group lessons? What are the basic skiing essentials as to what I need to buy? Thermal underware, goggles, what knid of socks, boots?? I have no idea what I'm getting into and am looking for a little guidance. I've also never been accused of being one bit coordinated. Thanks in advance for any help!

Don't ski with the family. Take a week of group lessons. You will have lots of fun with the people who's ability is similar to yours. Meet up with family after skiing. Ask your husband to take you shopping. Rent equipment on the mountain.
Have fun and smile.

Alta had a limited pass for beginners that just included I think 4 lifts that I did a few years back. Real easy skiing and no mobs of out of control people either. Just a real great time...beautiful there. The beginning area had slow lifts so one does get cold. Get those socks that look like a diving suit..neoprene or something like that. They keep you toasty. Buy at Wal Mart the little heater packs for your gloves that are disposable and a buck...just enjoy. Read some ski web sites...

Yes, definitely take lessons. I you want to progress faster & have the $ take private (it's expensive). You can buy stuff like turtle-necks & other winter gear that you may be able to use at other times. Defintely rent equipment, but you may be able to rent skiwear too. Ask the Peruvian to recommend a place. They'll know. Alta is beautiful, you'll have a great time. Be sure to take goggles. Try the Shallow Shaft restaurant - excellent, but make res ahead of time.

As far as gear goes, buy long underwear either silk or polyproplene. I wear 2 pairs of socks, a polypropelene first and a ski sock (can be purchased at a ski shop or sporting goods store that has ski apparrel. Get yourself a jacket that is windproof and waterproof, down is great but bulky. Gore Tex is the material used to make it waterproof and windproof. Lands End, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean or a ski shop has jackets. Buy the best jacket which you can afford. You will be thankful when its really cold and snowing! I wear a turtleneck over my long undies and then I wear a poloartec pullover and my jacket. A wool sweater is a good choice intead of the polartec. Wearing layers allows you to take off if you get too warm or put on if you get too cold! Those heat packets are great for your boots and gloves. Buy a warm pair of gloves or mittens again that are waterproof. Lastly, ski pants or stretch pants. Ski pants will keep you warmer but stretch pants are cool if you have the figure for them! And, don't forget a hat, 90% of body heat is lost through the head. You can rent ski equipment there. Group lessons are less $$$ than private lessons, but there may be 20 or so people in the class. I would check into a semi-private lesson, or take a couple of group lessons and maybe one private or semi-private lesson.

On the slopes, drink lots of water, carry a small water bottle. You can get dehydrated easily in the thin, dry area. Avoid alchohol the first couple of days until your body gets acclimated to the altitude. Use a sunscreen with an spf of 30 on your face, ears and get a lip balm with an spf. Start working out now if you have not already done so. Run, do squats, stairs anything! You will pay for it on the slopes if you are horribly out of shape! Have fun!