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Teaching Girlfriend to Ski, Advice?

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Lazylightning
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 6,438
Title is basically a tldr. My girlfriend is coming to visit me and we are gonna be at winter park for a weekend or so. She has never skied before and I don't really know how to teach her. Have any of you guys taught someone and have any advice? Or just advice in general about teaching? Any help is greatly appreciated
Nov 6 2019 7:17PM
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PACA-Skieur
Posts: 37 - Karma: 240
Do yourself a favor and pay for her lessons then join her at the end of the day to tell her how amazing she is and compliment her skiing. Nothing kills a trip quicker than watching your girl fall all over the hill.
Nov 6 2019 7:30PM
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LoathesRaisins
Posts: 3612 - Karma: 4,735
KayoNationDo yourself a favor and pay for her lessons then join her at the end of the day to tell her how amazing she is and compliment her skiing. Nothing kills a trip quicker than watching your girl fall all over the hill.


Just do this. Teaching people sucks.
Nov 6 2019 7:34PM
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Ajd2700
Posts: 97 - Karma: 507
Will probably ruin your relationship. Proceed with extreme caution
Nov 6 2019 7:42PM
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Lazylightning
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 6,438
KayoNationDo yourself a favor and pay for her lessons then join her at the end of the day to tell her how amazing she is and compliment her skiing. Nothing kills a trip quicker than watching your girl fall all over the hill.

I am definitely on a tight budget atm, college's fault, should I shell out the money for a lesson or do you think there is any good outcome with me teaching her? Like I would rather not pay for it if at all possible
Nov 6 2019 7:43PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4595 - Karma: 15,951
Get her in some higher end demo skis, something with a fair bit of tip and tail rocker, NOT bullshit flat tail garbage rental skis from the hill. And get her a lesson day one, you can try to ski with her on day two, practice switch skiing down the greens.
Nov 6 2019 7:46PM
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Lazylightning
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 6,438
mystery3Get her in some higher end demo skis, something with a fair bit of tip and tail rocker, NOT bullshit flat tail garbage rental skis from the hill. And get her a lesson day one, you can try to ski with her on day two, practice switch skiing down the greens.

Switch skiing was definitely planned lol, also I think I'm gonna try this, nice mix
Nov 6 2019 7:47PM
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PACA-Skieur
Posts: 37 - Karma: 240
Sorry dude... it sounds like a bad situation. Maybe she can pay for her own lessons ??? Not only will it be a total drag teaching her but if she sucks at skiing or hurts herself she will end up blaming you.
Nov 6 2019 7:49PM
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Lazylightning
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 6,438
KayoNationSorry dude... it sounds like a bad situation. Maybe she can pay for her own lessons ??? Not only will it be a total drag teaching her but if she sucks at skiing or hurts herself she will end up blaming you.

I think I'm gonna try @Non_State_Actor
Nov 6 2019 7:50PM
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saucy+steve
Posts: 146 - Karma: 420
Definitely parallel turns are key. Also leaning into turns will help
Nov 6 2019 7:53PM
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 4595 - Karma: 15,951
LazylightningSwitch skiing was definitely planned lol, also I think I'm gonna try this, nice mix


Is she athletic at all?

See if you can find a shop that demos Blizzard Black Pearl 88, or Liberty Genesis or something. Are you staying close to the mountain?
Nov 6 2019 8:06PM
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GMB
Posts: 131 - Karma: 496
Honestly, when I was a lifty back in the day, I saw countless couples just screaming at each other and hating each other because of personal lessons and whatnot. I'd recommend getting her a professional lesson. If you don't have any money, then put it on a credit card. Worth it.
Nov 6 2019 9:17PM
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versacelettuce
Posts: 20 - Karma: 65
This is doable if you understand the progressions of skiing from flat ground to small slopes; doable if you guys don't set many expectations going into it; and also doable if she is ok with falling and not being embarrassed.

I however did this with golf. She went and did lessons for a few weeks, then once we golfed together it was a fucking nightmare. lol

Lessons don't always solve it. Just go in with caution and respect each other. (and take away the poles, teach her to skate before anything)
Nov 6 2019 9:37PM
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whistles
Posts: 46 - Karma: 139
OP I have taught plenty of girls to ski over the years and its always been a fun time/date. Just be super positive and excited for her.

1. Start and stay on an easy slope. Dont build confidence and then ruin it.
2. Teach the fundamentals at the bottom before going on the chairlift
a. I explain the slope and put them at ease. I literally draw it in the snow and show that no slope is steep if you ski perpendicularly across it, so all we need to do is teach you how to turn.
b. Explain the edges of the skis and how it slows them down, this is where you teach the snowplow and literally angling your skis to push snow. Now you always no how to stop! etc. etc. they feel comfortable
c. Start explaining the turn- in your snowplow you will transfer weight to your inside edge on your downhill leg (right leg if turning left). Now when i want to turn right ill transfer weight on the inside edge of my left leg
d. once you can start turning you are going to start teaching picking up the inside leg half way through my turn. I save this until we have a run of getting the snowplow turns down.
3. Now you are on your first run. Ski in front show and tell on your turns and snowplow, really over exaggerate. Have her go and give her tips and feedback.

Once you get them picking up the inside leg on a turn they will progress really fast. I have had girls cruising by the end of the day. As long as you are encouraging and patient its a great time. Lessons are super expensive and shes traveling out to spend time with you. If shes the type that will throw a fit its not the right one anyway!
Nov 6 2019 9:47PM
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Youngm_IPCME
Posts: 1082 - Karma: 2,848
If she’s never done it before, you’re going to have to be patient. Think of it more like hanging out with her and less of skiing with her, because that’s what it will feel like the first few times.

**This post was edited on Nov 6th 2019 at 10:27:42pm
Nov 6 2019 9:50PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,801
WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU DO DONT PARK AT THE MARY JANE PARKING LOT AND THINK SHE CAN SKI THE RUN TO THE WINTER PARK SIDE

For a green its steep and narrow as fuck and she will lose her shit. I did this when i took my Wife (Then gf) skiing for the first time and it was such a huge fuckup I cant even describe.

Aside from that here are some rules:

0. Be prepared to carry her skis and buckle her boots.
1. Do the easiest bunny hill possible.
2. Only focus on one piece of advice or fundamental at a time.
3. Dont even give her a single hint that you are annoyed or impatient.
4. Number 3 again, if she even smells it on you you are screwed.
5. As soon as you see her start to get tired at all head for hot chocolate.
Nov 6 2019 9:52PM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 8903 - Karma: 57,311
LazylightningI am definitely on a tight budget atm, college's fault, should I shell out the money for a lesson

The budget option is to buy a six pack of Liquid Lessons instead
Young_IPMCyou’re going to have to be patient. Think of it more like hanging put with her and less of skiing with her, because that’s what it will feel like the first few times.

Super good call

And she’s likely going to treat it as more of an experience than a sport herself anyway so that’ll have you in the same mindset
Nov 6 2019 10:19PM
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PACA-Skieur
Posts: 37 - Karma: 240
SuspiciousFishWHATEVER THE FUCK YOU DO DONT PARK AT THE MARY JANE PARKING LOT AND THINK SHE CAN SKI THE RUN TO THE WINTER PARK SIDE

For a green its steep and narrow as fuck and she will lose her shit. I did this when i took my Wife (Then gf) skiing for the first time and it was such a huge fuckup I cant even describe.

Aside from that here are some rules:

0. Be prepared to carry her skis and buckle her boots.
1. Do the easiest bunny hill possible.
2. Only focus on one piece of advice or fundamental at a time.
3. Dont even give her a single hint that you are annoyed or impatient.
4. Number 3 again, if she even smells it on you you are screwed.
5. As soon as you see her start to get tired at all head for hot chocolate.

^^^ This is some good advice.
Nov 6 2019 10:22PM
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corona
Posts: 12751 - Karma: 32,253
should probably just cut your losses and get a new girlfriend who can ski
Nov 6 2019 10:28PM
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yessirskiii_
Posts: 240 - Karma: 1,659
Used teaching my girlfriend as a great time to work on controlled switch carving. Make yourself a better skier too, it gave me something to do
Nov 6 2019 10:31PM
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,124
lot of pots
lot of patience
sums tears frustration and anger
25 seasons later
10/10 would do again
if shes a keeper it'll all be worth it in the end
Nov 6 2019 11:11PM
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BigPurpleSkiSuit
Posts: 9094 - Karma: 65,181
If you're teaching her to ski:
1.bring lots of her favorite snacks as reinforcement
2. Be prepared with warm gear for her
3. Expect that she might just fall over and over again
4.practice walking around in skis before skiing
5.give her lots of time on the bunny hill
6. Dont get frustrated with her
7. Put her in a lesson and ski unless you really want to commit to this
Nov 7 2019 1:44AM
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ScootSkiLyfe
Posts: 968 - Karma: 5,166
whistlesOP I have taught plenty of girls to ski over the years and its always been a fun time/date. Just be super positive and excited for her.

1. Start and stay on an easy slope. Dont build confidence and then ruin it.
2. Teach the fundamentals at the bottom before going on the chairlift
a. I explain the slope and put them at ease. I literally draw it in the snow and show that no slope is steep if you ski perpendicularly across it, so all we need to do is teach you how to turn.
b. Explain the edges of the skis and how it slows them down, this is where you teach the snowplow and literally angling your skis to push snow. Now you always no how to stop! etc. etc. they feel comfortable
c. Start explaining the turn- in your snowplow you will transfer weight to your inside edge on your downhill leg (right leg if turning left). Now when i want to turn right ill transfer weight on the inside edge of my left leg
d. once you can start turning you are going to start teaching picking up the inside leg half way through my turn. I save this until we have a run of getting the snowplow turns down.
3. Now you are on your first run. Ski in front show and tell on your turns and snowplow, really over exaggerate. Have her go and give her tips and feedback.

Once you get them picking up the inside leg on a turn they will progress really fast. I have had girls cruising by the end of the day. As long as you are encouraging and patient its a great time. Lessons are super expensive and shes traveling out to spend time with you. If shes the type that will throw a fit its not the right one anyway!


Shout out to this guy!
Nov 7 2019 3:32AM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,055
Don't.
Nov 7 2019 11:13AM
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Dilldoes
Posts: 761 - Karma: 5,853
Gonna sound like a jerry but snowblades for the first day or two in my opinion are better than skis. I taught my fiance using an old pair of Kneissl Bigfoots for the first few trips to the hill. I kept her on the two rope or carpet so the runs were short and mellow but she got the basics down without the worry of crossing her ski's. At the end of the day a ski is nothing more than an extension of your feet and in my opinion its easier to learn the basics when your feet aren't 5+ feet long. Again I only did this for the first 2-3 trips to the hill then she moved on to a full size ski.

Now that I have "money" if I had to do it again her ass would have gotten lessons as it would have negated a few arguments.

**This post was edited on Nov 7th 2019 at 11:19:23am

**This post was edited on Nov 7th 2019 at 11:21:13am
Nov 7 2019 11:16AM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6594 - Karma: 69,699
skithemidwestttGonna sound like a jerry but snowblades for the first day or two in my opinion are better than skis. I taught my fiance using an old pair of Kneissl Bigfoots for the first few trips to the hill. I kept her on the two rope or carpet so the runs were short and mellow but she got the basics down without the worry of crossing her ski's. At the end of the day a ski is nothing more than an extension of your feet and in my opinion its easier to learn the basics when your feet aren't 5+ feet long. Again I only did this for the first 2-3 trips to the hill then she moved on to a full size ski.

Now that I have "money" if I had to do it again her ass would have gotten lessons as it would have negated a few arguments.

**This post was edited on Nov 7th 2019 at 11:19:23am

**This post was edited on Nov 7th 2019 at 11:21:13am


I would seriously recommend skis with a releasable binding for anyone, especially someone brand new. Skis around shoulder height are small enough to be easily manageable by someone who's brand new and in decent shape.

Lots of good advice in this thread. Not much to add besides don't expect to ski and make everything as fun and as positive of an experience as possible and it will be absolutely possible to teach a s/o how to ski.
Nov 7 2019 12:14PM
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Idahoe
Posts: 1027 - Karma: 7,531
don't
Nov 7 2019 12:20PM
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Dilldoes
Posts: 761 - Karma: 5,853
BiffbarfI would seriously recommend skis with a releasable binding for anyone, especially someone brand new. Skis around shoulder height are small enough to be easily manageable by someone who's brand new and in decent shape.

Lots of good advice in this thread. Not much to add besides don't expect to ski and make everything as fun and as positive of an experience as possible and it will be absolutely possible to teach a s/o how to ski.


There is no need for a releasable binding on something that is 64cm long.....
Nov 7 2019 12:27PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51257 - Karma: 157,315
You're playing with fire. Once in a great while this can be an awesome bonding experience. Most of the times the girl resents the guy and you'll be in a full blown mid slope domestic by lunchtime.

Safer to get a lesson for her
Nov 7 2019 12:39PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6594 - Karma: 69,699
skithemidwestttThere is no need for a releasable binding on something that is 64cm long.....


I was thinking along the lines of 99cm boards. Even a 3ft lever on your foot can amplify forces your knee simply can't handle.

But 64cm? You may as well have taken her ice skating and honed fundamentals there.
Nov 7 2019 12:41PM
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SnowshoeThompson
Posts: 1092 - Karma: 1,411
Abort at all costs
Nov 7 2019 12:57PM
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Dilldoes
Posts: 761 - Karma: 5,853
BiffbarfI was thinking along the lines of 99cm boards. Even a 3ft lever on your foot can amplify forces your knee simply can't handle.

But 64cm? You may as well have taken her ice skating and honed fundamentals there.


Lol she learned in St. Louis so its basically the same thing. The highest vertical drop is 310 ft.
Nov 7 2019 1:18PM
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PACA-Skieur
Posts: 37 - Karma: 240
@Dilldoes has a good idea. Snow blades are hella easy to maneuver.
Nov 7 2019 1:20PM
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Lazylightning
Posts: 1221 - Karma: 6,438
I really appreciate all the advice, definitely gonna be using a lot of it. I have til the end of December so I think I'm gonna try and make a general list of things to go over and make sure I start with the basic basics
Nov 7 2019 1:23PM
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Schleeeeps
Posts: 2 - Karma: 19
Slip Tylenol into her morning drink and hope she forgives you or forgets during l’après-ski
Nov 7 2019 1:29PM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,174
Teaching people to ski sucks.. especially because I learnt to ski by teaching myself.
I normally tell people "just ski man"
Nov 7 2019 1:32PM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9772 - Karma: 72,259
For very athletic friends, I've found it's pretty easy to teach them to ski at least the basics. Teach them how to parallel stop and you're solid. They have enough athletic ability to keep balanced and stay under control.

For anyone else, I'd recommend having them take a lesson, and then build on the lesson afterwards on some green trails. They're probably gonna teach snowplow so you could either build on the snowplow or tell them to use that as a last resort. I learned skiing and got rid of snowplow day 1 so I dislike that method personally. Found it much easier to parallel stop/ skid turn. Then added true fundamentals later in life.

It all depends on how motivated your gf is and if she really wants to ski. If she is being drug to the mountains, then it will be a much higher challenge.

Definitely do a 1-2hr lesson so you can ski on your own a bit. Then hang out with her the rest of the day. Leave her alone too long and she will lose interest. Most places have beginner rental/ticket/lesson packages.
Nov 7 2019 1:39PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6789 - Karma: 23,495
theabortionatorYou're playing with fire. Once in a great while this can be an awesome bonding experience. Most of the times the girl resents the guy and you'll be in a full blown mid slope domestic by lunchtime.

Safer to get a lesson for her


This guy knows what's up. I have seen it so many times

If you go for it you are for sure giving up your ski day. You can't leave her out there so you will be babysitting the entire time.
You will also risk the entire relationship.

Lessons or no it will be expensive. If you don't do the lessons then there will be a lot more time hanging out not skiing and that will be money for the restaurants or shopping in WP. My recommendation is get the lessons so she has at least one lesson each day. Get a group and suggest she try find someone in class that is a similar level to link up with and ski after. Also pay for her to arpes and go shopping around WP. That way she won't be just totally board and resent you for wanting to spend way more time on hill than she does. New skiers get tired way faster plus the altitude is a factor so she will not want to ski very long. WP had that great bus system so she can just take off and head into town or whatever and she doesn't have to wait around for you to ski. She will resent you if she just has to wait by herself and then everything in all the shops is overpriced and she has to spend her own money. Give her a roll or cash that you don't care if she spends or even better get her a gift card to one of the places so she will actually spend it on herself and not try to save you money and then resent it and you. Maybe be like, "oh yeah I totally late night impulse bought this group on gift certificate to whatever coffee shop or boutique in WP why don't you go spend it for me while I get in a few tree runs"
Nov 7 2019 1:43PM
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FruitBootPro
Posts: 2990 - Karma: 12,906
KayoNation@Dilldoes has a good idea. Snow blades are hella easy to maneuver.

They also have no forward and back support which is pretty crucial for a beginner skier. Otherwise it'll be like my first time on blades in the park where literally any change in incline feels like you're gonna die
Nov 7 2019 1:49PM
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FruitBootPro
Posts: 2990 - Karma: 12,906
Also: try your best to buy her lessons, go out and shred while she's doing that, then maybe link up with her later and chill down some bunny slopes. I will always always always recommend ski school bc it's where I learned my fundamentals.
I have no experience with this but I know that so many jerrys try to learn to ski without lessons and I never see it end well
Nov 7 2019 1:54PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,801
LazylightningI really appreciate all the advice, definitely gonna be using a lot of it. I have til the end of December so I think I'm gonna try and make a general list of things to go over and make sure I start with the basic basics


You will be fine. One difference that helps you out here is that she is coming to visit for a short time so skiing together will be more of a fun outing than trying to build her into your lifestyle. That is where most couples get into fights, the guy invites his girl to start skiing, she is a super beginner and the guy realizes, "Shit, this is going to be my skiing life from here on out..." so he pushes her to try to get better really fast so he is not stuck on the bunny hills the rest of the season.

You will have to check it out first but it looks like the green run "Jack Kendrick" runs right next to one of the terrain parks. If she is comfortable with other greens definitely take her there and let her watch you hit a jump line or some rails. It will make it interesting for her to see you and its fun to hit the park knowing your girl is watching. Just make sure there is a run next to the park and dont have her go into the park itself.
Nov 7 2019 2:11PM
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dannydevito.
Posts: 31 - Karma: 83
lol dont
Nov 7 2019 3:14PM
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pow314
Posts: 424 - Karma: 111
Hahaha you’re gonna have a bad tiiiime.
Nov 7 2019 3:15PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1269 - Karma: 3,451
don't......
dynamic will result on frustrations on both sides because no matter how much they ask for help, its really hard to take constructive criticism from your significant other. unless she's unbelievably chill but i don't buy it.
Nov 7 2019 3:23PM
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2383 - Karma: 7,764
Came here to say get her into a lesson.

Nothing kills the vibe like getting frustrated with your boyfriend trying to teach you.

**This post was edited on Nov 8th 2019 at 10:20:56am
Nov 7 2019 3:50PM
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Ajd2700
Posts: 97 - Karma: 507
first_rodeoCame here to say get her into a lesion.

Nothing kills the vibe like getting frustrated with your boyfriend trying to teach you.

Nothing says I love you like a big fat lesion
Nov 7 2019 5:56PM
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Michigan_Sucks
Posts: 444 - Karma: 6,471
I'd follow the advice of my father and mother who have a loving marriage. Don't date someone who can't ski.
Nov 7 2019 7:01PM
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Ajd2700
Posts: 97 - Karma: 507
Michigan_SucksI'd follow the advice of my father and mother who have a loving marriage. Don't date someone who can't ski.


10/10 advice, finalizing my divorce now
Nov 7 2019 7:21PM
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GreezyBastard
Posts: 492 - Karma: 1,966
I’ll teach her OP
Nov 7 2019 7:28PM
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Saga.
Posts: 3812 - Karma: 45,323
Listen to what the person is saying and try to imagine you're feeling it too. What you're asking them to do can be quite complex and disorientating. But if you picture everything from their perspective you are more likely going to be able to help solve the problems they're having.
Nov 7 2019 8:03PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1572 - Karma: 1,028
SchleeeepsSlip Tylenol into her morning drink and hope she forgives you or forgets during l’après-ski


First post omg wow
Nov 8 2019 8:09AM
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