Montana 16 asked:
I am looking to go to Lake Tahoe in January with my daughter for her first trip. I have not skied in ten years.
Someone suggested “high performance fatties”. Would this be the way to go? I am 5′-8″ about 175lbs. Also tips on length would be appreciated. Will mostly ski bunny slopes with her and probably some intermediates. Will try a black diamond if I feel daring.
Thanks!







Rent some gear at the area, ask for a performance package. Yes the equipment has changed in the past ten years. I have a pair I bought 10 years ago that are of a what was a modern design when I purchased them. The gear I bought 5 years ago is eons beyond the 10 YO stuff. Even the 5 YO gear is considered nearly obsolete. Boots are the first consideration, they must fit tight around the foot and ankle. Then a pair of all mountain skis with a medium stiff flex for your weight, you need more support. Try a pair of 160 cm skis with the understanding that you can adjust the package at the rental shop if they are the wrong length. Take a series of lessons from a qualified professional instructor. Enroll her in a ski school program also, most areas have children’s programs with very good and caring instructors.
I teach someone who has never skied to turn both ways and stop, ride the chair, unload and safely ski down the hill in about 2 hours. If you have skied before, the refresher lesson will help.
Start now getting in shape, jog 15 minutes a day, every day, jump rope for 15 minutes, practice sitting on the floor and getting up, without using your hands for a boost. Go dancing for 2 hours a week, Keep your chin up for balance, all of this will improve your skiing in January.
This is similar to my program and I have 30 days to be on slope. Have fun
If you’re an advanced skier, the technology advances in 10 years are HUGE! There’s no way I could ski a ski from 1998.
But if you’re staying on the bunnies and blues, you’re probably not at a high enough level to really tell a big difference. You really could get any type of ski, as long as they’re the right length. I’d go for a ski of maybe 170cm give or take 5cm. More if you want more speed, but longer skis are harder to control