Learning to ski as an adult: Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Having just returned from my second ski trip aged 35, I wanted to write a short piece on learning to ski as an adult.
Many of my colleagues ski and have always encouraged me to try it for myself. I love being in the mountains and so early last year while desperate to get away somewhere, a colleague suggested a company called Hofnar. They run group trips aimed at solo travellers and run regular beginner and improvers weeks as fully-inclusive packages. One short call to Hofnar's founder, Dan Janes, and a few weeks later I was on my way to Morzine for my first ever time in skis.
Group lessons began at 9:15am and with my fellow 'debutants' I made my way up the lift to the nursery slopes to begin with the basics. Our instructor, Emile, was a well-seasoned instructor with a good sense of humour and plenty of patience. We spent day one mastering the snow plough to descend gentle slopes with control. Lessons lasted up to three hours and while they are well-paced for the level of the group, over the week they can be physically demanding. By the end of the week, however, the whole beginners group were skiing confidently and able to experience the slopes between different resorts - mainly of the green and blue variety. We had progressed at a similar rate and had all bonded over the experience.
There's much more to skiing than sliding down mountains though, there's the après! The social side of a ski trip is just as important. Ski resorts have plenty of places to eat, drink and party and Morzine is certainly no exception. As you would expect, the food in France is fantastic and even at the top of a mountain you can order a tasty lunch with a warming vin chaud, perfect for the afternoon ski run.
My first week in skis convinced me that learning this pastime is more than worthwhile. I believe it has something for everyone. An element of activity with relaxation, great food and a party should you want it. Having just returned from a second week of lessons in Morzine with Hofnar, I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or ability. I can ski and so can you!
Prices from around £400 with inclusive packages for beginners from £1150
https://hofnar.com/
Many of my colleagues ski and have always encouraged me to try it for myself. I love being in the mountains and so early last year while desperate to get away somewhere, a colleague suggested a company called Hofnar. They run group trips aimed at solo travellers and run regular beginner and improvers weeks as fully-inclusive packages. One short call to Hofnar's founder, Dan Janes, and a few weeks later I was on my way to Morzine for my first ever time in skis.
Group lessons began at 9:15am and with my fellow 'debutants' I made my way up the lift to the nursery slopes to begin with the basics. Our instructor, Emile, was a well-seasoned instructor with a good sense of humour and plenty of patience. We spent day one mastering the snow plough to descend gentle slopes with control. Lessons lasted up to three hours and while they are well-paced for the level of the group, over the week they can be physically demanding. By the end of the week, however, the whole beginners group were skiing confidently and able to experience the slopes between different resorts - mainly of the green and blue variety. We had progressed at a similar rate and had all bonded over the experience.
There's much more to skiing than sliding down mountains though, there's the après! The social side of a ski trip is just as important. Ski resorts have plenty of places to eat, drink and party and Morzine is certainly no exception. As you would expect, the food in France is fantastic and even at the top of a mountain you can order a tasty lunch with a warming vin chaud, perfect for the afternoon ski run.
My first week in skis convinced me that learning this pastime is more than worthwhile. I believe it has something for everyone. An element of activity with relaxation, great food and a party should you want it. Having just returned from a second week of lessons in Morzine with Hofnar, I would recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or ability. I can ski and so can you!
Prices from around £400 with inclusive packages for beginners from £1150
https://hofnar.com/