18yrs old and want to learn park

P

phobignar

New member
Hey, I am 18 years old and have been skiing since I could walk. I live out in Minnesota so I was fortunate enough to be able to take yearly trips out to Colorado and Utah. So from this I know how to ski well, but I never have really gotten into park at all, only all mountain stuff.

So, now that I want to learn what would be your recommendation. I am considering camps like COC and Momentum but I dont know the vibe from the adult camps if i dont know anything for park yet. Should I just go to my local slope and try stuff?
 
Get a season pass and just ride as much as you can. Ask around for advice, usually other park skiers are happy to help out if they aren't hot lapping. If you're in Duluth I can help you out!
 
Your never to old to start park!!! Also ask for help!
13499742:john18061806 said:
Get a season pass and just ride as much as you can. Ask around for advice, usually other park skiers are happy to help out if they aren't hot lapping. If you're in Duluth I can help you out!
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^John said it well.
 
Learn to do things both ways!

Once you can consistently land a trick spinning or sliding in one direction, try learn to do it the other way, the earlier you start learning unnatural or hard way tricks the better off you will be.

People who ride through the park spinning and sliding both left and right always look way more well rounded and impressive than those who only spin or slide one way in my opinion.
 
topic:phobignar said:
Hey, I am 18 years old and have been skiing since I could walk. I live out in Minnesota so I was fortunate enough to be able to take yearly trips out to Colorado and Utah. So from this I know how to ski well, but I never have really gotten into park at all, only all mountain stuff.

So, now that I want to learn what would be your recommendation. I am considering camps like COC and Momentum but I dont know the vibe from the adult camps if i dont know anything for park yet. Should I just go to my local slope and try stuff?
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I'm 18 as well and I didn't seriously get into park until the last few years. With no connections it's often a bit daunting and overwhelming. A lot of beginners including myself have confidence issues when they start. I'd recommend getting a pvc pipe and making a backyard setup if you can. Just go out for an hour every day and practice basics. Watch some tutorials, ask for on here if you need it and so on. When you are feeling good about how you're doing take your skills to a park, the features will probably seem terrifyingly big at first so start small and work your way up. Also if you can find one try and attend a rail jam or small comp where you can meet other park skiers, in my experience most people are pretty willing to help. Ski camp is a good idea if you can afford it, a lot of people who go there are compete beginners and are just learning basics, so that isn't an issue. And having a group setting gets you hyped and helps you push yourself to improve. Good luck.
 
"Also" Real talk tho if you want to be a pro its next to impossible to start after 15...that doesn't matter for 99% of all park skiers. There's no age to old to progress and have fun in the park!
 
13499766:Ebola said:
"Also" Real talk tho if you want to be a pro its next to impossible to start after 15...that doesn't matter for 99% of all park skiers. There's no age to old to progress and have fun in the park!
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Not true. Wallisch got his first pair of twin tips at 15.

Keri Herman learned how to ski at 21.

Magnus Graner learned to ski at 12.
 
13499783:THEDIRTYBUBBLE said:
Not true. Wallisch got his first pair of twin tips at 15.

Keri Herman learned how to ski at 21.

Magnus Graner learned to ski at 12.
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it's really about balls
 
It's never too late, especially if you already are proficient in skiing.

A couple of my snowboarder friends learned in their mid to late teens. One of them was like 19 when he got a pair of twins. He just fooled around on em and didn't care. He's not crazy good or anything but he could hit almost every rail in the park consistently and smooth including a 32' flat down rail

Idk, everyone progresses differently. As long as you're having fun and not worried about becoming a pro it should be a good time.

Also now there is a lot to aid progression. Smaller features that slowly step up. Also more well built features. Rails that are lower to the ground. And better skiers out there to watch. When you see somebody do a front 6 out of a rail trying to just slide that feature doesn't seem as scary.

Idk, just take a stab in there, talk to the other park kids. As you learn some things maybe spin some laps with them, get in on some hike sessions.

Most of all just have a good time. That's what it's all about.
 
I started when I was 20 and had been skiing my whole life as well. You will pick it up fast, it helps so much to ski with people better than you. They show you how to do tricks and build up the stoke to try new ones. Have fun
 
13499783:THEDIRTYBUBBLE said:
Not true. Wallisch got his first pair of twin tips at 15.

Keri Herman learned how to ski at 21.

Magnus Graner learned to ski at 12.
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At the way people are progressing and 12 year olds can almost triple I think it's safe to assume that.
 
Never too old to ride. I have a coach on my ski team "Nybora" coach rob, who is around 42 years old and skies around with his 13 year old and 9 year old boys! Its sweet
 
Like a lot of people had said already just hit up your local mountain a lot and get tips from other park skiers. Just remember there's always going to be a learning curve so don't get discouraged if it takes a little time to get a trick down. Keep loose, stay mentally positive, be open to criticism, and have fun. You don't need to pay for a camp right away. Just master the basics close to home and eventually when you finally go to camp you'll learn tricks much quicker and more naturally because you understand the concepts, motions, how something feels, etc etc
 
topic:phobignar said:
So, now that I want to learn what would be your recommendation. I am considering camps like COC and Momentum but I dont know the vibe from the adult camps if i dont know anything for park yet. Should I just go to my local slope and try stuff?
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I did my first 360 at the age of 19, and went to High North Ski Camp (RIP) that summer. Sure, some guys were younger than me - but it was totally fine. Sometimes really good to learn from the young hungry ones if you want to push yourself.

You're correct though, just go to your local slope and try shit. Ask others for tips. Get a crew together and push each other.

Then, if you can afford it - next summer sign up for a session of either COC or Windells (preferably Newschoolers week at either) and you'll progress a huge amount in a short period of time.

Welcome! Park is fun as shit, and you can't truly be an all-mountain skier without some skills in the park.
 
13499766:Ebola said:
"Also" Real talk tho if you want to be a pro its next to impossible to start after 15...that doesn't matter for 99% of all park skiers. There's no age to old to progress and have fun in the park!
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Aleksander Aurdal started skiing at 16

I BELIEVE, even tho this kid born in 2000 that lives near me takes dub 9,10 all 4 ways and a dub 12... + dub 7 (yea he's insane)
 
I started skiing and park all last season and was 15 last year, now 16 years old. I learned a fuk ton because I got out as much as possible, nearly 75ish days last year. I also ski MN in the cities. Basically I can ski pretty decently and can backie, kfed, and some basic rail spins. I accomplished a lot because I set my goals high, skied a ton to achieve those goals,and had balls to try stuff. I look back now at the features I was scared shit less then, now they feel as easy as a dance floor box. I'll ski with you with sometime for sure
 
13499948:MNSkiers said:
Never too old to ride. I have a coach on my ski team "Nybora" coach rob, who is around 42 years old and skies around with his 13 year old and 9 year old boys! Its sweet
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Rob comes down once or twice a year to South Dakota and its awesome to see a guy like that who hits rails and jumps like hes 25 or 30, cool guy too
 
Where in Minnesota are you from? I ride at Trollhaugen and Hyland. The park ski community here is pretty cool. John was right, just get a pass and ride a lot, and talk to the other skiers you see. You'll make friends and learn tricks in no time. I started skiing when I was 17, it's never too late!
 
Thanks for all the responses guys , it's really awesome to have this much feedback. I'm for sure going to get a pass to powder ridge or hyland.

13500017:Swandog7 said:
I started skiing and park all last season and was 15 last year, now 16 years old. I learned a fuk ton because I got out as much as possible, nearly 75ish days last year. I also ski MN in the cities. Basically I can ski pretty decently and can backie, kfed, and some basic rail spins. I accomplished a lot because I set my goals high, skied a ton to achieve those goals,and had balls to try stuff. I look back now at the features I was scared shit less then, now they feel as easy as a dance floor box. I'll ski with you with sometime for sure
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We should definitely try to put it together! Thanks!

13500042:el_mn_op said:
Where in Minnesota are you from? I ride at Trollhaugen and Hyland. The park ski community here is pretty cool. John was right, just get a pass and ride a lot, and talk to the other skiers you see. You'll make friends and learn tricks in no time. I started skiing when I was 17, it's never too late!
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Im around Deleno area, so hyland and powder ridge are around 45 minutes and usually where I go. I always notice that they are usually filled primarily with snowboards so I don't get to involved.
 
13500102:phobignar said:
Thanks for all the responses guys , it's really awesome to have this much feedback. I'm for sure going to get a pass to powder ridge or hyland.

We should definitely try to put it together! Thanks!

Im around Deleno area, so hyland and powder ridge are around 45 minutes and usually where I go. I always notice that they are usually filled primarily with snowboards so I don't get to involved.
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I ski at highland about 3 days a week. I did Nybora and it helped a ton, and was so much fun. It isn't a serious team at all, and you get to work at your own pace on whatever you want to do, even if its just hot lapping the park or whatever. If you have the money and motivation id recommend it for sure. I did that last year as my first season of both and skiing and park and it made me so much better, partly because it allowed me to get out so much, plus I met a ton of new people and I went in there knowing nobody. It was defiantly worth it. There is no skill requirement, as i sucked, and you meet a lot of new people including me if you did it. Obviously its your choice, but I recommend doing something that gets you out there more often and meet new people. Wherever you go or whatever you do, get out as much as possible and just keep doing and pushing yourself. A feature may be scary, but once you get a feel of it its fine. Its amazing for me to see where I was versus where I am now, and IM sure you'll have the same thing.Things to remember, Practice makes perfect, and everything isn't as scary as you perceive it to be.
 
13500110:Swandog7 said:
I ski at highland about 3 days a week. I did Nybora and it helped a ton, and was so much fun. It isn't a serious team at all, and you get to work at your own pace on whatever you want to do, even if its just hot lapping the park or whatever. If you have the money and motivation id recommend it for sure. I did that last year as my first season of both and skiing and park and it made me so much better, partly because it allowed me to get out so much, plus I met a ton of new people and I went in there knowing nobody. It was defiantly worth it. There is no skill requirement, as i sucked, and you meet a lot of new people including me if you did it. Obviously its your choice, but I recommend doing something that gets you out there more often and meet new people. Wherever you go or whatever you do, get out as much as possible and just keep doing and pushing yourself. A feature may be scary, but once you get a feel of it its fine. Its amazing for me to see where I was versus where I am now, and IM sure you'll have the same thing.Things to remember, Practice makes perfect, and everything isn't as scary as you perceive it to be.
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So I researched this Nybora group/team thing and hoping you can answere some things about it.

- is it just a meeting up of fellow skiers on Tuesday and Thursday or is it actually like a lesson with a group of people?

- I have my own stuff to ski with is that normal with a group like this?

- are you considering doing it again this season? If not why?
 
13500126:phobignar said:
So I researched this Nybora group/team thing and hoping you can answere some things about it.

- is it just a meeting up of fellow skiers on Tuesday and Thursday or is it actually like a lesson with a group of people?

- I have my own stuff to ski with is that normal with a group like this?

- are you considering doing it again this season? If not why?
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Hell yah I'm doing it this year again. I convinced 3 friends to do it with me for next season who don't get to ski very often. Its a meeting of fellow skiers and you basically ski together. usually you are out in groups based off of skill level and work on similar things, but I basically just roamed around to other groups and coaches. Everyone has their own gear, and about half of the "team" can slide a rail and such. There are a few groups who are basically new to park, including 2 of my friends who are doing this coming season. Its like a lesson and a group skiing together at once. You basically do whatever you want other than choose your group. If you don't like your group for whatever reason, you can switch groups. I stayed out of my group for basically all season because I got better than them, and basically switched into a group where all the friends I met were in. Some coaches specialize in certain tricks so if you want help with like a hippy killer or whatever, there is a coach to help you. If you don't want to learn anything at all and want to shred, thats fine too. You just tell your coach where youll be and leave the group
 
13499924:Ebola said:
At the way people are progressing and 12 year olds can almost triple I think it's safe to assume that.
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Not really its just that theyre super spoiled with opportunities and their skill peaks earlier in life
 
It usually takes a season or two, to get into the swing of things such as the jumps and rails. Once you realize that going off jumps and going onto rails isn't hard/scary then you will become a good park skier.... I started skiing age 10 and I was always nervous to do rails and I would just straight air jumps but when I was 13 I started to hit rails and trust me on this, it sucks learning only because you are always thinking the worst that could happen... Once you get locked into your first rail it feels so sweet and your confidence will just build from there. I am 16 now and I have progressed so much in the park all from just over coming my fear of rails and jumps. Hope this helps you out!!
 
13499766:Ebola said:
"Also" Real talk tho if you want to be a pro its next to impossible to start after 15...that doesn't matter for 99% of all park skiers. There's no age to old to progress and have fun in the park!
Click to expand...

nah its pretty easy to be a pro in big mountain once you get older. My dad is a pro big mountain skier and he became pro at 26....
 
13500126:phobignar said:
So I researched this Nybora group/team thing and hoping you can answere some things about it.

- is it just a meeting up of fellow skiers on Tuesday and Thursday or is it actually like a lesson with a group of people?

- I have my own stuff to ski with is that normal with a group like this?

- are you considering doing it again this season? If not why?
Click to expand...

You should definitely join nybora, I was on the team for 3 or 4 years, it's a ton of fun. They put you in groups based on skill level, then each group skies with a coach for the night. It's very flexible and you are pretty much free to do as you wish, but there are always coaches to help if you need it. The team also has a private jump that is much better than the hyland public jumps. Also, hyland isn't very snowboarder dominated. I'd say it's about 60/40
 
I started skiing 2 years ago and I started park skiing about 3 trips after I went for the first time. And I know that some people will shame me for this, saying that I need to learn proper technique first, but I am currently 17 years old. I knew that I really had to start progressing if I wanted to participate in small comps later on in life. I'm not sure how much ski camps help but I can give you a few tips to progress faster.

1. You need the right equipment. I'm not saying go out and buy Jesters and Full Tilts, but you're boots need to fit you, a helmet would be helpful, and you want the right length skis.

2. Don't worry about whether or not you look stupid at first. If you worry about looking stupid/falling in front of people than you are going to progress significantly slower.

Where in the Minnesota area do you live? I'll be at Coffee Mill and Mt. La Crosse mostly, but I'll be at Lutsen for a week and I'll get to Afton a few times. I don't know a ton of tricks but if you're in the area I'd be happy to help.
 
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