Going Snow Skiing for the first time in 16 years - what's changed?

[JeremyD]

So finally taking the kids snow skiing - have not been in 16 years.

Figure the wife and I can slow into it - and can hang out in the bar if we get too tired.

The kids are 22/15/12 - figure we'd get them into a 1/2 day lessons then cut them loose - They want to snowboard - they are all pretty athletic so should be fine.

I noticed in some of the literature - looks like snowboard rental comes with helmets - everybody wearing helmets these days?

Anything else I need to know? Headed to Frisco to ski both copper mountain and Breckenridge.

[Head416]

Your bones are more brittle.
Your joints are less flexible.
Gravity is the same.

Good luck!

[KFC911]

Your knees are 16 years older Have fun!!!

[Rikao4]

snowboarding (first time) is something you do if you have time..
and PATIENCE..

equipment is lighter and better..
the Parabolic ski's are gonna make you smile..
enjoy..
and my rule when schussing ..
only go as fast as your willing to crash..

Rika

[Gogar]

Yes, most folks wear helmets nowadays.

The skis are much shorter and wider than they used to be, which makes for 'easier' turns, I suppose.

[GH85Carrera]

The ski bunnies will be VERY YOUNG looking.

Snowboards everywhere.

[Eric 951]

As others have indicated--the equipment is much better--especially rental gear.

The skis are running shorter due to the shape revolution which you are probably familiar with since it occurred prior to your last outing.

If your kids are first-time snowboarding, you are doing them right by getting the lesson. They should be making linked turns their first day--once they "get-it" it is easier to become better faster than with skiing.

Yes--a lot of folks wear helmets these days--probably far outnumber those that don't.

Oh--and prices have probably gone WAAAAAAAAAAAAY up since the last time you skied.

[Vipergrün]

Yes, helmets are a must.

Parabolic skis are way easy to ski

Lift tickets have probably tripled in price since you last went.

Love Breck and Copper....jealous!

Bring a flask!

[JeremyD]

Oh it's a lot more expensive - and yes - I know all about joints and bones and such - I am missing an ACL (same one I was missing last time) - so have a decent knee brace

interesting on the shorter ski's - noticed that at the last shop were at. Looked more like a water ski shape.

thanks -

[recycled sixtie]

What's changed? You. And me as well. Just looking in the basement yesterday and we are slowly getting rid of stuff. Wife suggested that we get rid of our downhill skiis.
Not a bad idea as I go x country skiing only now.

Yes you need helmets for everybody. Last time I went I used a hockey helmet. Especially for when skiing among trees. I used to treat skiers and especially snowboarders as if they were vehicles. Give them lots of space. Shoulder check. Wife got hit by a snowboarder a few years ago.

Lessons as mentioned above are a good idea. Ski within your own capabilities. Your children won't likely stick with you but that is okay. Have fun.
Guy

[red911sc]

You don't do it standing up anymore

[rattlsnak]

the skis are the biggest change. COMPLETELY different style and shape. I took 15 years off also and everybody was looking at me like i was a dinosaur in my Rossignol 4S 205s!!

[mjohnson]

I'd get lessons yourselves if you've had that much time off of the snow.

The equipment has changed, and unless you were a studly racer back then doing Hermann Maier turns on your inside ski, you could use a touchup on the "new" techniques. Much more "two footed" and so much more efficient.

Let the kids board. You can ski - why devolve?

[ducking head]

[Rikao4]

Para-bolics are okay for schussing about..
but nothing beats a pair of real ski's when doing downhill stuff..
have 1 set of Para...8 Dino's..

Rika

[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

the skis are the biggest change. COMPLETELY different style and shape. I took 15 years off also and everybody was looking at me like i was a dinosaur in my Rossignol 4S 205s!!

Give me Rossignol or give me Head - He He = still makes me chuckle.

[dhrcr911s]

stay hydrated.. You are at 10,000 feet.

[CHICKS]

Nothing to add except Frisco is awesome. Our friends have a place there, that we try and stay at as much as possible. Have fun!

[greglepore]

When I quit I was on 204 Olin's and I'm 5'5, which might be in part why I quit, that and Reynaud's syndrome. That was around 2000. What has changed since then? Everything, including the skill level of the folks on the steeps and the entire economic model of the resorts. Not for the better. I'm on xc skis exclusively.

[Cajundaddy]

A tailbone pad for the newbie snowboarders is a good idea. They will spend considerable time on their butt and a bruised TB can wreck a vacation. It's been a couple of years since I have been skiing but last time I do remember tiring more easily and the knees were well off their prime. We used to run with the "ridges and chutes" crowd in our youth.

http://www.xsportsprotective.com/pages/how-to-choose-snowboard-padded-shorts

[surflvr911sc]

I've had a 15 year lay off before, It's like riding a bike and the new equipment makes it even easier. The biggest difference will be that your legs give out much quicker. Day one you will be just getting into the grove and the feel of the new equip and then the thighs will begin to burn. It takes me about three days into a season, with days off in between, to be able to get a whole day in without having to slow down or just start drinking at the lodge, which is still a win in my book.