Back at it after 10+ years

[OldTimer88]

New to the forum but I've found it to be really great reading. I grew up skiing all over the NE and made trips out West several times - then college happened, marriage, kids - and all the good stuff that comes with it. But after last winter feeling trapped inside during the winter, I decided to get back into skiing despite not hitting the slopes for over 10 years. So I decided to make an investment in my mental and physical health, went out and put some coin down on new equipment and gear with the intention to start skiing again.

Any tips on starting back up again, ski areas to hit (I'm in Saratoga) to ease back into it, etc would be much appreciated. I was thinking I'd kick it off at West since it's so close, then maybe Plattekill on a Friday, Windham - keep it close for now. I'm not going to get back into the bumps or trees or off-piste right away obviously - I'm 46 and would be happy with some easy groomers, relatively short drives and smaller mountains for now to get my groove back.

Tia everybody!

 

[tirolski]

New to the forum but I've found it to be really great reading. I grew up skiing all over the NE and made trips out West several times - then college happened, marriage, kids - and all the good stuff that comes with it. But after last winter feeling trapped inside during the winter, I decided to get back into skiing despite not hitting the slopes for over 10 years. So I decided to make an investment in my mental and physical health, went out and put some coin down on new equipment and gear with the intention to start skiing again.

Any tips on starting back up again, ski areas to hit (I'm in Saratoga) to ease back into it, etc would be much appreciated. I was thinking I'd kick it off at West since it's so close, then maybe Plattekill on a Friday, Windham - keep it close for now. I'm not going to get back into the bumps or trees or off-piste right away obviously - I'm 46 and would be happy with some easy groomers, relatively short drives and smaller mountains for now to get my groove back.

Tia everybody!

Gore’s got some great groomers too. Ya don’t have to go all the way up if don’t want to. Pick yer days right. Weekdays are less busy.
Have fun. Stay safe.

 

[Harvey]

Gore, West, McCauley, Willard, Magic, Plattekill, Catamount.

That's a good list for almost anybody.

Adirondack Ski Areas and Resorts

Today there are only a handful of Adirondack ski areas still operating.

nyskiblog.com

Catskill Ski Areas and Resorts

There are four lift-served Catskill ski areas. Each have peaks above 3500 feet.

nyskiblog.com

Welcome man!

 

[OldTimer88]

Thanks guys! Luckily, I can do my job from anywhere - just need my phone and email access. So weekdays it is!

 

[Peter Minde]

@OldTimer88 Take it easy the first few days out, don't go for black diamond or double black. You didn't mention anything about the gym, but if you haven't been inside a gym recently, strength training would be beneficial. Good luck and keep after it.

 

[Ripitz]

Welcome back. People ski backwards now.

Weekdays are clutch. It’s like a whole different sport when no one is around.

Magic is open Thursdays – Sundays plus holiday periods (12/26-1/3, 1/15-17, 2/19-25). Magic also opens Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays for Powder Days when we receive 6+ inches of snow by 6am and there’s at least 50% of trails open.

Plattekill is open Friday-Sunday and Holidays. Check their website for more info. It’s always best to call ahead first.

Both places offer powder days midweek but maybe closed for full mountain private rental.

Rip it!

 

[wonderpony]

Welcome back to the dark side!

I did pretty much the same thing, although it was more like 20 years. I still remember my first runs coming off the magic carpet and the absolute joy and grin on my face when I wobbled down the slope.

Have fun and remember that we don't bounce as well as we used to!

 

[OldTimer88]

Great point, Peter.

@OldTimer88 Take it easy the first few days out, don't go for black diamond or double black. You didn't mention anything about the gym, but if you haven't been inside a gym recently, strength training would be beneficial. Good luck and keep after it.

That's a great point, Peter. I've been cycling, working on my legs and a bit on core for a few months in preparation here at the house. But I'm not a small guy - played D1 football back in the 90's - so I've got some miles and some weight on the ol' frame. That's why I'm looking for some relatively forgiving terrain to start and get used to these new boards.

Thanks again to all for the great feedback. I can't wait but I'd be lying if I wasn't really nervous. Just like anything in life though, confidence is key and I'm looking to boost that as best I can. Your comments are really great. TY.

 

[MarzNC]

Any tips on starting back up again, ski areas to hit (I'm in Saratoga) to ease back into it, etc would be much appreciated. I was thinking I'd kick it off at West since it's so close, then maybe Plattekill on a Friday, Windham - keep it close for now. I'm not going to get back into the bumps or trees or off-piste right away obviously - I'm 46 and would be happy with some easy groomers, relatively short drives and smaller mountains for now to get my groove back.

Welcome! Did you invest in boots from a boot fitter?

My hiatus was on the order of 20 years, although I skied a few days here and there on short trips out west. Only blue groomers back then.

Based on what I know now that I didn't when I got my daughter started on skis 15 years ago . . . take a lesson or two. The investment of time and money is well worth it in the long run. Also, as a big guy you are less likely to fall as often in the first couple seasons.

Plattekill would be a good place for a private lesson I think. Especially if you can get a Level 3 instructor.

 

[raisingarizona]

Start stretching a little every day. When you take a digger you’ll be glad you have.