Learn to ski

[umit]

Hi all!

As a 32 year old person, coming from snow-free part of the world, is it possible to find a place where I can learn the basics of downhill skiing and have fun? I'm living in Helsinki and the ski facility shouldn't be too far away. As you can imagine I am not familiar with the snow, at all. I saw it for the first time at the age of 20. That's why I would be happy to hear any kind of tips you would recommend:

Is downhill skiing dangerous for a noob like me?
What about snowboarding?
I'm not sure about the fun side of the cross country skiing... Any idea?
What about the equipment and clothing? I have nothing at the moment... Should I buy or rent? I will be in Finland 2 more years, but still have chance to use the equipment even after.

Thanks in advance for your help...

[sandundasa]

I'm 28 years of old and did skiing for the first time day before yesterday.
We went to Vuokatti (http://www.vuokatti.fi) since it's near to Oulu, where I stay.

We rented equipments from the ski shop near the slopes for 25Euro from 12pm to 7pm and then we went to the practice track
where we hired an instructor ( 40 Euros for one person, 15Euro each for the rest of the group).
Actually there were 5 of us, so we hired two instructors and had to pay 125 Euro total.

They taught us for 50 mins and it was a very good base and I managed to ski from the hill after few attempts.

It was real fun and hope to go there again

[Pursuivant]

yes well I have done slalom once, its not skiing and I missed the idea. and I hate dangling in the air that misses the whole point of excersize. cross-country is skiing.

[otyikondo]

yes well I have done slalom once, its not skiing and I missed the idea. and I hate dangling in the air that misses the whole point of excersize. cross-country is skiing.

Ignore this oaf, original poster. There is not much better than coming down a well-sculptured slope marginally faster than your ability permits, and the drinking opportunities are far better at ski-resorts than they are in the middle of some primeval forest. You know it makes sense.

But under no circumstances try it without instruction. Unless you don't want to do it again. I learnt by following the pert buttocks of a young lady from the north (I signed on for a second hour, they were so cute), but before that I'd been once WITHOUT instruction and it was a complete fiasco - put me off for two years. Now I'm hooked, and have the torn knee ligaments to prove it. But you'll get them MUCH faster if you don't take lessons, and you won't have had any of the pleasurable stuff.

Places around Helsinki are a bit grim, but Vihti and Alhovuori aren't that bad. Alhovuori is a bit further way, but it has the advantage of a longish and fairly gentle nursery slope.

There is also Serena, but it's pretty crap. And there USED to be - maybe still is - a hill in Kauniainen, but my memory says it was moderately steep and short, so maybe not a good idea. Oh, and there's Solvalla, too. And Messilä in Lahti isn't a bad place to get started.

Check out http://www.ski.fi/home

[Rosamunda]

If you are a complete novice there is Talma (near Kerava) http://www.talmaski.fi/index_eng.html accessible by bus and (I think) by train from Helsinki. You can rent skis, boots and poles and there is a ski school (make a reservation by email before you go) for "memorable experiences with various snow activities"

And Himos is not so far from Helsinki (a 3 hour drive, do-able in a day but maybe more relaxed if you stay overnight ) and there are full facilities there and more than enough slopes to keep a beginner busy. http://www.himos.fi/english/himos-ski-resort.html If you have never ever skied, I see little point in you paying the extra to go up north.

[umit]

Thanks people that was extremely helpful!!!