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November, 2022

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Is 17 too late to learn how to freestyle ski?

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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.
Jan 11 2022 7:30PM 39 0
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Celery
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 15,148
It's never too late. Do it
Jan 11 2022 7:32PM 55 0
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ajbski
Posts: 1007 - Karma: 3,580
If you want to ski at a competitive level, yes you’re too old.

if you want to go have fun, you’re never too old for that.
Jan 11 2022 7:34PM 69 4
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 779 - Karma: 4,087
You absolutely can! I didn't start until I was 16 but I am not good so take that with a grain of salt. Back when I did it though I could throw small corks, backies and your standard rail tricks but nothing spectacular. Honestly don't focus too much on a single goal. Take small challenges like perfecting your pop off jumps then adding small spins while also learning to slide boxes then rails. Just don't get so hung up on a goal that you forget to have fun.
Jan 11 2022 7:39PM 14 0
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Jems
Posts: 5368 - Karma: 60,801
absolutely not
Jan 11 2022 7:39PM 22 3
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SEABURN
Posts: 4858 - Karma: 2,719
You're lucky. Now is a great time to start. So much info/content is available. I only had MSP & Warren Miller films when I started.

Stomp it tutorials on YT is a great place to find stuff to work on. Also film yourself, visualize improvements, execute. Breakdown tricks into smaller parts and get really good at basics.

freestyle basics I think everyone should practice:
- switch carving over BOTH shoulders
- ollie vs nollie
- shifites / pokes (again try both sides)
- carrying speed into a takeoff comfortably (no pizzas) , and landing with your weight forward (i.e. not back slapping)
Jan 11 2022 7:42PM 20 0
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CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,212
If you weren't skiing 50 days a year by age 8, you're fucked. I'd recommend finding a different sport as it is too late.
Jan 11 2022 7:48PM 18 24
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Casey
Posts: 7628 - Karma: 21,415
Chris Turpin didn’t even start skiing at all until 17-18.

So here’s the deal, I’m 37. My mind and ability to focus and execute is better than it’s ever been. That’s just a thing that comes with maturity. In hindsight I wasted a lot of my physical prime being an immature dumbass thinking I would always be rail thin and strong AF for no reason. The reality is people decline in age because you stop getting it for free and most people have a million competing priorities that get put in front of keeping their skiing abilities at peak.
Jan 11 2022 7:50PM 19 0
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ski_salmon69
Posts: 1539 - Karma: 22,927
Biggest tip I can give you is ski with people better than you. You will learn so much faster and people are usually willing to give advice. Hike rails too
Jan 11 2022 7:50PM 26 0
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HaydenB
Posts: 1050 - Karma: 7,504
Definitely not, find some homies in the park and lap. I guarantee you'll have fun and progress pretty fast
Jan 11 2022 7:53PM 12 1
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2748 - Karma: 16,334
Hell yeah man your a good age. Others have given good advice and StompIt tutorials is pretty good. Also do a bunch of stair jumps in your free time where you stand at the bottom of a stair set and look straight ahead and jump up 3 stairs at a time until you get to the top. Then work up to 4 at a time. Make sure to not look down at the stairs you land on. This will train your peripheral vision and work on your pop. Your pop is how cleanly you jump when you get to the top of the lip on a park jump or cliff and 90% of the time you will fall or land cleanly based on your pop so practice goes a long way.
Jan 11 2022 8:07PM 5 0
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Lgoldy
Posts: 4 - Karma: 55
Just watch some slvsh cup and you will be shredding in no time brother
Jan 11 2022 8:40PM 14 0
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
SEABURNYou're lucky. Now is a great time to start. So much info/content is available. I only had MSP & Warren Miller films when I started.

Stomp it tutorials on YT is a great place to find stuff to work on. Also film yourself, visualize improvements, execute. Breakdown tricks into smaller parts and get really good at basics.

freestyle basics I think everyone should practice:
- switch carving over BOTH shoulders
- ollie vs nollie
- shifites / pokes (again try both sides)
- carrying speed into a takeoff comfortably (no pizzas) , and landing with your weight forward (i.e. not back slapping)


Thxxxxx for the advice :) rlly appreciate it
Jan 11 2022 8:50PM 1 0
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Celery
Posts: 1393 - Karma: 15,148
Going fast is also a good tip
ski_salmon69Biggest tip I can give you is ski with people better than you. You will learn so much faster and people are usually willing to give advice. Hike rails too
Jan 11 2022 8:53PM 9 0
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
CLQIf you weren't skiing 50 days a year by age 8, you're fucked. I'd recommend finding a different sport as it is too late.

I wasn't thinking of trying to go pro haha
Jan 11 2022 8:54PM 2 1
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
SuspiciousFishHell yeah man your a good age. Others have given good advice and StompIt tutorials is pretty good. Also do a bunch of stair jumps in your free time where you stand at the bottom of a stair set and look straight ahead and jump up 3 stairs at a time until you get to the top. Then work up to 4 at a time. Make sure to not look down at the stairs you land on. This will train your peripheral vision and work on your pop. Your pop is how cleanly you jump when you get to the top of the lip on a park jump or cliff and 90% of the time you will fall or land cleanly based on your pop so practice goes a long way.

Thx I will definitely practice those
Jan 11 2022 8:59PM 2 0
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Tannerhalscousin
Posts: 88 - Karma: 858
dvo7777I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.


The only things you need to know: Pizza, French fry, lip on blind 2
Jan 11 2022 9:09PM 18 0
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twinkle_toes
Posts: 733 - Karma: 8,472
What ?? Why the heck not !! I taught myself to ski when I was 19. Never touched a pair of skis before that... I'm 24 now and still trying new things every day. No reason not to dude !! Enjoy it while your knees are still in good shape lol
Jan 11 2022 9:17PM 14 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 10161 - Karma: 67,002
dvo7777I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.

You are not too late at all!
That said, skiing good takes a lot of time on the snow, so don't get disappointed.
If you love it, then the future will find ways for you to ski way more days, and that's when it gets good.
People with good balance and athletic skill pick it up pretty quickly.
Some places offer lesson deals for first timers, with some perks after you finish. (you might have to fake it a bit)
Go for it!
Jan 11 2022 9:23PM 6 0
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Chrischi69
Posts: 652 - Karma: 5,004
Im 16 and got into it when i was 14, i know its 3 years less but it hasnt really made a difference
Jan 11 2022 9:50PM 4 0
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SmokedGouda
Posts: 452 - Karma: 2,712
Never too late. I’m 19. Don’t get mad at the crazy insta shit either. Those people ski 50-100 days a year. One thing to do though is not get coupt up in fear. I suffer from anxiety and idk if that makes an impact, but one season(a few ago) I fell off a cornice and that ruined my progression for the season. Now a few years later, I’ve decided to not give a shit anymore and hit stuff whether it’ll look good or bad. Fell like 8 times today dialing in switch for the first time. I’d say it was a success. And a nose butter 180. Next on the list is 360s and obtaining much better air awareness. Some days, I wish I could get implanted, the brain of candide like what they did on the matrix with Kung fu, but sadly can’t. It takes time!
Jan 11 2022 10:07PM 8 0
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Mr.Whatsittoya
Posts: 54 - Karma: 1,098
SmokedGoudaNever too late. I’m 19. Don’t get mad at the crazy insta shit either. Those people ski 50-100 days a year. One thing to do though is not get coupt up in fear. I suffer from anxiety and idk if that makes an impact, but one season(a few ago) I fell off a cornice and that ruined my progression for the season. Now a few years later, I’ve decided to not give a shit anymore and hit stuff whether it’ll look good or bad. Fell like 8 times today dialing in switch for the first time. I’d say it was a success. And a nose butter 180. Next on the list is 360s and obtaining much better air awareness. Some days, I wish I could get implanted, the brain of candide like what they did on the matrix with Kung fu, but sadly can’t. It takes time!

So true. Somedays I'm just to scared to try stuff even though I KNOW I can do it. It's one of the most annoying things ever.

**This post was edited on Jan 11th 2022 at 10:17:26pm
Jan 11 2022 10:15PM 6 0
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goatmaster
Posts: 350 - Karma: 2,085
Totally. Sounds like you know how to ski and are a good athlete so it will come fast. Just got out and ski and hike park all day and you will get decent fast.Just come at it with a mind set that you are learning. This means don't be embarrassed that you are knew. Everyone starts somewhere. Just be respectful and kind and everyone will respect you back. Youtube is a great resource. Also just try things. Watch park edits and movies. Ask local people for advice. Everybody will be happy to help you out. Talk to people in the park. I am 17 and have a few friends never skied park but are getting into it a bit more now. Just don't get discouraged if you take some falls especially when you are learning. Remember to keep you weight forward on rails and you will fall a lot less.
Jan 11 2022 10:53PM 5 0
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muffMan.
Posts: 1225 - Karma: 10,277
Nah bruh, I’ve been skiing big mountain stuff mostly until this year I’m 21 and first year trying rails
Jan 11 2022 11:48PM 3 0
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tominiemenmaa
Posts: 358 - Karma: 1,968
Yes 17 is too late. That's why I started at 34.
Jan 12 2022 12:10AM 17 3
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Skier_boi616
Posts: 88 - Karma: -604
I have the same amount of skiing time and have learned how to send it and freestyle ski no problem. You’ll be fine just send it
Jan 12 2022 5:11AM 2 1
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
goatmasterTotally. Sounds like you know how to ski and are a good athlete so it will come fast. Just got out and ski and hike park all day and you will get decent fast.Just come at it with a mind set that you are learning. This means don't be embarrassed that you are knew. Everyone starts somewhere. Just be respectful and kind and everyone will respect you back. Youtube is a great resource. Also just try things. Watch park edits and movies. Ask local people for advice. Everybody will be happy to help you out. Talk to people in the park. I am 17 and have a few friends never skied park but are getting into it a bit more now. Just don't get discouraged if you take some falls especially when you are learning. Remember to keep you weight forward on rails and you will fall a lot less.


This is great advice thxxxx man
Jan 12 2022 7:14AM 1 0
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mattm7
Posts: 355 - Karma: 1,951
I learned to ski when I was 18 and started freestyle when I was 19 so you can definitely do it
Jan 12 2022 8:40AM 2 0
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JAHn
Posts: 421 - Karma: 2,218
You’ve got plenty of time. Sounds like you’re fairly new so I’d focus your on mountain time learning to ride with good technique and working your way up to the hardest runs.

In terms of freestyle, you can progress insanely fast if you build a summer setup and/or can get access to a trampoline. Those are great ways to progress at home when you can’t get to the Mt all too much. I built my summer setup around your age having never hit a rail. I built it to learn rails and would sesh it after school. Made a huge difference.
Jan 12 2022 10:58AM 3 0
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weatcoast
Posts: 4728 - Karma: 48,085
Just for reference, Andy Parry started skiing when he was 14. If you don’t know who he is, he’s one of the most influential, skilled, and creative skiers of all time. Give ‘er hell my man.
Jan 12 2022 12:49PM 10 1
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lil.Boye
Posts: 2268 - Karma: 9,939
never too late. know rippers that learned to ski park in their 20's.
Jan 12 2022 1:44PM 3 0
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AshtonRidesAly
Posts: 14 - Karma: 230
I didn’t start until I was 17. I’m doing qualifiers. Next season. Don’t give up the dream. Injuries happen, especially starting so late, but push through. F the haters. Visualize it. Every day.

don’t wait for your dreams to come to you, chase that shit, you’d be surprised of what you are capable of.
Jan 12 2022 3:26PM 3 1
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bsurf
Posts: 169 - Karma: 1,838
It's never too late!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8567I94O8x8

just look at this guy
Jan 12 2022 4:21PM 4 0
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Bellinghomie
Posts: 38 - Karma: 221
Skiing is the best fucking thing on the planet, why wouldn’t you want to do that?
Jan 12 2022 5:55PM 2 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 49987 - Karma: 142,385
Def not too late! A lot of really good people have learned in high school.

Even just casually riding. I suck at skateboarding but love it and started that at 30.

Biggest thing is you're 17, you're young, you can take a fall.

You can learn whenever but bring able to hike a rail and chuck some stuff to progress helps a lot. Where a little fall doesn't even phase you.

Also a lot more people hungry to learn tricks around then. Even people that have been skiimg since little kids high school is where a lot of people progress the most.

Sounds like you want to try it, get in there and have some fun! Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just enjoy it and progress at a rate that works for you.
Jan 12 2022 6:19PM 4 0
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
AshtonRidesAlyI didn’t start until I was 17. I’m doing qualifiers. Next season. Don’t give up the dream. Injuries happen, especially starting so late, but push through. F the haters. Visualize it. Every day.

don’t wait for your dreams to come to you, chase that shit, you’d be surprised of what you are capable of.


That's awesome man good luck with qualifiers!!
Jan 12 2022 6:56PM 1 0
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Timby
Posts: 166 - Karma: 1,193
I’m 20 and making it work. You have fundamentals so that helps, you got this.
Jan 12 2022 6:56PM 5 0
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
sheeshIt's never too late!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8567I94O8x8

just look at this guy


Crazyyy that's inspirational
Jan 12 2022 6:57PM 2 0
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Shower_Boy
Posts: 154 - Karma: 1,362
If you can't triple cork by age 12 its not worth it. Pursue a more attainable hobbie like knitting youre basically out of your prime at 17
Jan 13 2022 12:23AM 5 2
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dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 188
Shower_BoyIf you can't triple cork by age 12 its not worth it. Pursue a more attainable hobbie like knitting youre basically out of your prime at 17


Speak for yourself lol after all the positive replies I got on this thread I'm definitely going to learn
Jan 13 2022 9:24AM 6 2
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-Dan
Posts: 6875 - Karma: 43,570
I started skiing park “late” too. senior year of high school. Don’t worry about being the best. Focus on having the most fun! It’s worth it for sure.
Jan 13 2022 9:30AM 9 0
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donotreply
Posts: 253 - Karma: 2,187
Never too late to learn new skills I started fairly late skiing and even later in the park . If you’re passionate and have time to put into it go for it
Jan 13 2022 6:01PM 3 0
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_IRRELEVANT_
Posts: 944 - Karma: 4,406
Another thing I recommend is if you really get into it and get excited about trying to learn you can make a pvc rail for your yard it’s what helped me the most because if you’ve got a little snow, some pvc and a dream it’s possible, it’s also a great place to start because there is no judgment and you don’t have to drive to the mountain and buy a pass, you can just take an extra 20 mins out of your day and practice
Jan 14 2022 10:48PM 4 0
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nmwninjart
Posts: 2416 - Karma: 11,174
Never too late. My first time ever on skis was at 34 😶 First ventured into the park a year later.
Jan 15 2022 9:34AM 3 0
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Dan-Man
Posts: 7407 - Karma: 3,339
you probably won't be as good as kids who started much younger. but your not that old. I think a lot of youngsters don't find freestyle skiing until there mid to late teens.
Jan 15 2022 11:31AM 3 0
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12068 - Karma: 106,544
Way too late, 17 years in fact. i was getting 20 days a year while chilling in the womb and riding on my umbilical cord twins learn every axis and grab. The zero gravity makes it the perfect environment for this sport. Im sorry but you should have started earlier. Might i suggest curling or chess as a new hobby?
Jan 15 2022 11:44AM 4 1
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Jacobthesadskier
Posts: 412 - Karma: 3,577
I'm 17 and I just started learning freestyle this summer. Granted I'm terrible but I am making progress, and it's the most fun I've ever had whilst skiing. Absolutely do it.

**This post was edited on Jan 15th 2022 at 2:02:17pm
Jan 15 2022 2:01PM 3 0
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