| With so many satellite cable and terrestrial television | | | | you managed to pass by the school ski trips and |
| channels available, it's hard to miss downhill slalom or | | | | you're wondering how to get going later in life? Don't |
| ski jumping coverage and absorb the electric | | | | worry, all is not lost! |
| atmosphere that radiates from spectacular winter | | | | English speaking beginners in the USA do not have |
| sporting events. If regular yearly coverage leaves | | | | the issue of language barriers faced by English |
| you yearning for more then you can look forward to | | | | speakers in Europe and there are plenty of skiing |
| the Winter Olympics, which are a four-yearly | | | | opportunities in the mountain states. In Europe, you |
| reminder of the building momentum the world over | | | | are likely to encounter language issues. This is, in |
| for an ever-gowing body of devotees to winter | | | | reality, much less of a problem than you would |
| sports. | | | | expect. Your travel agent will be able to advise you |
| If you've ever passed through a civil airport at the | | | | on your best options. The majority of European |
| start of the skiing season, you could hardly fail to | | | | countries have ski schools where English is spoken to |
| notice the mounds of ski and board bags adding to | | | | a reasonable standard. In order to enjoy some of the |
| the usual pile of luggage queued for check-in. In | | | | best English speaking instructors in Europe, one option |
| recent years it has become something of a ritual for | | | | is to visit the tiny principality of Andorra, located high |
| news reporters to make a best guess as to how | | | | in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. |
| many people have joined the ongoing stampede to | | | | Andorra scores highly for beginners on a number of |
| the mountains on any given day, particularly when | | | | fronts. Being a duty free resort, whatever you buy in |
| charter flights are destined to depart. | | | | Andorra is likely to be pretty good value. Being one |
| There are, of course, two types of people - those | | | | of the highest resorts in Europe, you will be very |
| who do and those who don't. For those yet to be | | | | unlucky to experience poor snow conditions. With |
| broken-in, it is amazing how many people are really | | | | substantial investment in the ski lift systems, the |
| just in need of "dutch courage" or a sharper edge on | | | | infrastructure is of high quality. One of the most |
| the business end of their bravado! This often comes | | | | impressive aspects of Andorra is that the ski schools |
| in the form of a "final push" from a friend who | | | | usually employ a considerable number of native |
| already skis and having those all-important doubts and | | | | English speaking instructors which many beginners find |
| fears laid to one side with reassuring anecdotes and | | | | very helpful. If you are tempted to take older |
| tales of good times on the mountain. The truth is, | | | | relatives, you will find that free lift passes are usually |
| we were all beginners once and there is a whole | | | | given to those 70 years old and over. |
| industry dedicated to making it easy and fun to learn | | | | Most people who go skiing are usually hooked |
| to ski. | | | | straight away. If you're young then the mountains |
| Children can start from as young as 2 or 3 years old | | | | offer a great opportunity to burn up your energy on |
| but this is more common among people who live in | | | | the slopes and even more in the evening! For older |
| countries with their own ski resorts. Many more | | | | skiers, you can have just as much fun if you take it |
| people learn to ski on school ski trips in their early | | | | at your own pace and you can set your own agenda. |
| teens. Having started in my earls teens, I decided to | | | | Having said that, it is a good idea to get some |
| start my own son off when he was 8 years old and | | | | exercise in for some months before you go. You |
| I am now a firm believer in "the earlier the better". If | | | | don't need to be super fit but the fitter you are the |
| skiing is already a big thing in your family then you | | | | better will be your endurance. See you on the slopes! |
| are likely to have enjoyed an early start but what if | | | | |