skiing tips, please

[Skittles]

I've been rooked into going to SLC for three days next month by someone who is insisting I try skiing for the first time (he thinks I'd really like it). Tips, please. I live in Texas but I'm a native Illinoisan who is not bothered by cold weather although it's been some time since I goofed around in snow. I'm 52 and in great physical shape (exercise daily, very strong legs) if that helps at all; thanks.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. You'll enjoy it. Have fun.

Pace yourself. The thin air will surprise you.

Utah was the first place I ever went downhill skiing. I had a spare Friday while I was on the road on business. I stayed at a Travelodge in downtown Salt Lake City and, on a Friday morning in February, got on the city bus and rode it out to Brighton for my "never-ever" lesson. There are four places you can go to on the city bus from Salt Lake City. There are places in Park City and near Ogden too, but they mostly require that you have an automobile. That might not be an issue for you. That's a fun bus ride from SLC out to the Cottonwood Canyons. You go right past the University of Utah.

At the time, I was working with someone who is LDS. He was one of the nicest people I ever worked with, and I think highly of LDS since working with him. It was his idea that I try skiing.

I went to an Albertson's grocery store several blocks east of Temple Square in SLC the night before and stocked up on nutritious food to take with me. It will be hard to find any food that is good for you at the resort.

Usually the "never-ever" tickets are best bought at the resort, as they will fit you with a pair of boots and see to it that you have the right length skis. If the boots turn out not to be the right size or if a binding works loose, you can get that taken care of at the rental shop.

You might be able to save a few dollars by buying your ticket at a local sports store or grocery store. The resort will be glad to answer that question for you, as they sold those tickets in bulk to those stores.

Don't worry about falling down. Everyone does. That's part of skiing. The people around you will want you to do well -- other than the kids razzing you from the chairlift. But those are just kids. They do that to everyone.

Skiing is one of those things you can enjoy without being an expert at it. It's good just to be outside doing something. You don't have to worry that you aren't of Olympic caliber. No one else there will be either. Some folks will be good, but the people around you will be skiing and boarding for fun, not for fame.

Good luck. Best wishes.

Ski Utah

Utah Transit Authority

[Skittles]

2. yo, thanks!!!

:D

[GentryDixon]

3. Brighton was where my 8 year old son

learned to ski 31 years ago.

[benld74]

4. Take the lessons they offer first, know how to stop