Jadoogar--I skiied at Loveland, which is about 1 hour west of Denver. It is a great ski area, at least from what I could tell. It's also cheaper than some of ones across the divide in Summit County, like Breckenridge, Arapahoe Mtn, and Keystone. Loveland has a whole separate ski area for beginners, but a lift ticket works for both areas.

Dude.. where in CO did you ski. I hope to be in Denver in Feb and would love to find a good place to ski.. I consider myself an intermediate.. reading at what you just wrote, i'd be not a whole lot better than you as I have never been to big slopes.. only the little hills in wisconsin..

Thanks for the tips, Galaxy and Atif. Actually, the lesson went quite better than expected. I guess I remembered a lot more than I thought from the first time around. I only fell once. Certainly, there's a lot more to learn, but I feel like I got the hang of things. The last thing the instructor did was take me up to 12000 feet and do a long run, with lots of breaks for pointers. He even took away my poles at one point and said, "You don't need these"!

Salaam Yusuf,

1. Taking a lesson is a very good idea, you can get a good deal, most of the lessons come with beginner's ski lift & rentals. I recommend getting shortest and parabolic skis when you get fitted with skis, also your ski boots need to be snug but comfortable. Go 0.5 size smaller than your normal shoe size.

2. Remember, when your ski is in contact with the snow, there is no friction so your legs will go forward and if your body stays stationary, you'll fall because there is no counter balance force to keep your body w/o falling backward. You'll need to keep your body forward by pushing forward on your boots with your knees until you get used to the motion.

3. To walk with your skis or to stop all of a sudden, you need to position your skis perpindicular to the slope which cancels the force that is parallel to the slope.

4. When you realize that you're about to fall or crash into a tree (hope that never happens) or you're going off the trail and losing control, just sit down and it will reduce your speed considerably or you can always hit a snowboarder if you see along the way, that will reduce your speed as well :)

5. To get off the ski lift is a nightmare! ok kidding :) Every one falls when it is their first time, it is part of the sport so not to worry. But here's what you can do while getting off the lift, a few min (~3min) prior to getting down, get yourself ready. Remember when your ski hits the ground as you get off the chair, your legs will go forward so you'll need lean your body forward while getting off. As soon as your skis touch the ground, use your knee to push forward on the boots such that you can counter balance the force and that will keep you from falling, the timing has to be precise, so pay attention 1 or 2 min prior to landing from the lift.

Don't give up even if you fall many times. As with anything in life, one needs to have patience to learn something new. I'm sure you'll enjoy the sport once you get the hang of it. Have fun!

Salaams Yusuf,

I am jealous. I hear Colorado snow is some of the best in the States.

Tips:

1. Eat good meals before and during the trip & stay hydrated.

2. Pack snacks/water you can carry with you on the slopes.

3. Warming up/stretching before/after can lessen aches afterwards.

4. Ski Pants, Ski Jacket w/Hood, Ski Gloves & Goggles make for a more comfortable experience. Layers of clothes underneath that can be easily shed if you get too warm. Jeans only a no-no.

5. Take the full lessen. One objective of skiing is using body to move down the slopes and NOT having to rely on the poles. That doesn't seem apparent but it works. Poles should be secondary to correct body movements.

6. If slopes are icy, don't push yourself to ski. Controlling yourself and falling is easier on less icy conditions.

7. Having looser ski settings is better in the beginning. Skis fall off easier, but if you are a beginner, then your body can move more freely without being awkwardly strapped to skis if you fall. If renting skis, they'll ask your ski level (beginner/novice) and should make settings as appropriate. Stay on this level for multiple trips until you are confident you can move up to more secure settings.

8. Go down the slopes with a buddy and agree on how/where to meet if you get separated on the way down.

9. I've never snowboarded, but have heard from some that it is easier than skiing. BTW, I believe only only one leg is strapped in, the other is free for control purposes. I personally am still trying to improve my skiing skills.

There are more safety tips/advice, but that is what I could come up with quickly.

Be careful and have fun! Hope this helps.

Atif