Anyone else try (and fail) to like skiing?

[Anonymous]

Skied a few times as a child, thought it was fine, met DH and he likes to ski. Have taken many private lessons over the years. I am comfortable on most if not all greens but terrified of anything more. The pitch is just too steep and I get going too fast on the downhill part. I can’t seem to keep my skis parallel. Both my kids can now ski better than I do. I think I might just be done. I just don’t want to put any more effort into getting better. I am happy for them to enjoy skiing but feel guilty that I don’t like it or look forward to it.

Anyone else?

[Anonymous]

Yes. I tried a couple times with my kids and it just isn't for us.

[Anonymous]

Some places with downhill also have cross country or snowshoeing, which I do like and you might. It was something for us to do together on a ski trip, but I don’t join in on downhill at all. I just couldn’t stand downhill. Not everything is for everybody. We all process information related to movement and speed differently. For some people, skiing isn’t going to be enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

I still enjoy it, but while my teens are ecstatic to ski 5 out of 5 days, I am happy to ski 2 maybe 3 and then enjoy the hotel pools, spa, etc.

Have also found some cool non-ski snow activities like sledding from the top of a long ski run, sno-mobiling, etc.

That is why we only do "destination" ski trips like Mt. Tremblant or Whistler.

[Anonymous]

Just curious where you tried skiing? I’m almost 50 and to this day detest local skiing and am generally terrified of it. I guess I had one two many icy, crowded, scary experiences. Now take me out west and I could ski for days.

[Anonymous]

Yes, same. For me the issue is that the amount of fun I have never matches the amount of time and expense involved. Like I've had fun on a ski run as a general rule I prefer activities with less waiting (in lift lines, for equipment, for people to finish their run before you go up again, etc.) and where you can get to a level of basic competency without having to spend thousands of dollars and put in several years of work. Skiing is just not accessible enough for it to be something I do casually, and I don't love it enough to invest what I'd have to in order to be serious about it, so what is the point?

I enjoy both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing though. And these are both really easy to pick up, and require far less effort to engage in. We often look for winter rentals in snowy places that have the gear in the house, so all we have to do is strap on the skis or snowshoes and head out. Perfect. You still get outdoor exercise in the winter, with cross country you can even get that gliding feeling that makes skiing pleasurable, you still get that great feeling of warming up and relaxing after a vigorous workout outside in the snow. Also I can see myself doing cc skiing and showshoing into old age, whereas I feel like downhill skiing after 40 starts to be not worth the risk of injury.

[Anonymous]

Hate it with a passion, but I have Raynauds and I also have a fear of dying or being permanently injured. We lived in CO for 5 years and of course as you do when you live in CO, you go skiing - often. We went because of the kids TBH. I would make it through maybe 3 runs and I was done. Hands were in too much pain, and I never enjoyed that feeling when you get to the top of the mountain and have no choice but to either ski uncontrollably down a steep mountain, or slide down on your bottom. Many of my CO friends now have permanent knee and back problems due to the sport. Knee replacements, torn ACL's. No thank you just NO.

[Anonymous]

I don't like the cold so I am happy to stay inside and look out over the snowy landscape, read books and socialize.

[Anonymous]

It’s fun for people who aren’t fearful. It’s like a roller coaster but you’re in control and can definitely get hurt. If you’re not a risk taker it’s not enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

I liked it when I was younger but now I am too afraid of getting hurt. The idea of taking my kids sounds miserable to me.

[Anonymous]

I like cross country way more than downhill. I stick to simple hills on downhill. I'm not comfortable feeling out of control on skis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just curious where you tried skiing? I’m almost 50 and to this day detest local skiing and am generally terrified of it. I guess I had one two many icy, crowded, scary experiences. Now take me out west and I could ski for days.

Not OP, but thanks for this perspective. The places here are easy to get to but so icy and that scares me.
I initially learned to ski out west and am now wondering if that's why I think it used to be fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Skied a few times as a child, thought it was fine, met DH and he likes to ski. Have taken many private lessons over the years. I am comfortable on most if not all greens but terrified of anything more. The pitch is just too steep and I get going too fast on the downhill part. I can’t seem to keep my skis parallel. Both my kids can now ski better than I do. I think I might just be done. I just don’t want to put any more effort into getting better. I am happy for them to enjoy skiing but feel guilty that I don’t like it or look forward to it.

Anyone else?

Why are there multiple threads on this. Skiing sucks

[Anonymous]

I think swimming pools are gross, should I make a few posts about it?

[Anonymous]

I find it ok, but am dissatisfied with its cost:schlepping:gear:pleasure ratios.