Member of the Month

theabortionator
April, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Is 17 too late to learn how to freestyle ski?

profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.
3 years ago
39 0
profile picture
Celery
Posts: 2115 - Karma: 26,553
It's never too late. Do it
3 years ago
55 0
profile picture
ajbski
Posts: 1313 - Karma: 5,420
If you want to ski at a competitive level, yes you’re too old.

if you want to go have fun, you’re never too old for that.
3 years ago
69 5
profile picture
CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,129
You absolutely can! I didn't start until I was 16 but I am not good so take that with a grain of salt. Back when I did it though I could throw small corks, backies and your standard rail tricks but nothing spectacular. Honestly don't focus too much on a single goal. Take small challenges like perfecting your pop off jumps then adding small spins while also learning to slide boxes then rails. Just don't get so hung up on a goal that you forget to have fun.
3 years ago
14 0
profile picture
Jems
Posts: 7700 - Karma: 100,725
absolutely not
3 years ago
22 3
profile picture
SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,762
You're lucky. Now is a great time to start. So much info/content is available. I only had MSP & Warren Miller films when I started.

Stomp it tutorials on YT is a great place to find stuff to work on. Also film yourself, visualize improvements, execute. Breakdown tricks into smaller parts and get really good at basics.

freestyle basics I think everyone should practice:
- switch carving over BOTH shoulders
- ollie vs nollie
- shifites / pokes (again try both sides)
- carrying speed into a takeoff comfortably (no pizzas) , and landing with your weight forward (i.e. not back slapping)
3 years ago
20 0
profile picture
CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,271
If you weren't skiing 50 days a year by age 8, you're fucked. I'd recommend finding a different sport as it is too late.
3 years ago
18 24
profile picture
Casey
Posts: 8016 - Karma: 26,891
Chris Turpin didn’t even start skiing at all until 17-18.

So here’s the deal, I’m 37. My mind and ability to focus and execute is better than it’s ever been. That’s just a thing that comes with maturity. In hindsight I wasted a lot of my physical prime being an immature dumbass thinking I would always be rail thin and strong AF for no reason. The reality is people decline in age because you stop getting it for free and most people have a million competing priorities that get put in front of keeping their skiing abilities at peak.
3 years ago
19 0
profile picture
ski_salmon69
Posts: 1938 - Karma: 29,098
Biggest tip I can give you is ski with people better than you. You will learn so much faster and people are usually willing to give advice. Hike rails too
3 years ago
26 0
profile picture
HaydenB
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 8,190
Definitely not, find some homies in the park and lap. I guarantee you'll have fun and progress pretty fast
3 years ago
12 1
profile picture
SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 16,914
Hell yeah man your a good age. Others have given good advice and StompIt tutorials is pretty good. Also do a bunch of stair jumps in your free time where you stand at the bottom of a stair set and look straight ahead and jump up 3 stairs at a time until you get to the top. Then work up to 4 at a time. Make sure to not look down at the stairs you land on. This will train your peripheral vision and work on your pop. Your pop is how cleanly you jump when you get to the top of the lip on a park jump or cliff and 90% of the time you will fall or land cleanly based on your pop so practice goes a long way.
3 years ago
5 0
profile picture
Lgoldy
Posts: 4 - Karma: 55
Just watch some slvsh cup and you will be shredding in no time brother
3 years ago
14 0
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
SEABURNYou're lucky. Now is a great time to start. So much info/content is available. I only had MSP & Warren Miller films when I started.

Stomp it tutorials on YT is a great place to find stuff to work on. Also film yourself, visualize improvements, execute. Breakdown tricks into smaller parts and get really good at basics.

freestyle basics I think everyone should practice:
- switch carving over BOTH shoulders
- ollie vs nollie
- shifites / pokes (again try both sides)
- carrying speed into a takeoff comfortably (no pizzas) , and landing with your weight forward (i.e. not back slapping)


Thxxxxx for the advice :) rlly appreciate it
3 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Celery
Posts: 2115 - Karma: 26,553
Going fast is also a good tip
ski_salmon69Biggest tip I can give you is ski with people better than you. You will learn so much faster and people are usually willing to give advice. Hike rails too
3 years ago
9 0
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
CLQIf you weren't skiing 50 days a year by age 8, you're fucked. I'd recommend finding a different sport as it is too late.

I wasn't thinking of trying to go pro haha
3 years ago
2 1
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
SuspiciousFishHell yeah man your a good age. Others have given good advice and StompIt tutorials is pretty good. Also do a bunch of stair jumps in your free time where you stand at the bottom of a stair set and look straight ahead and jump up 3 stairs at a time until you get to the top. Then work up to 4 at a time. Make sure to not look down at the stairs you land on. This will train your peripheral vision and work on your pop. Your pop is how cleanly you jump when you get to the top of the lip on a park jump or cliff and 90% of the time you will fall or land cleanly based on your pop so practice goes a long way.

Thx I will definitely practice those
3 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Tannerhalscousin
Posts: 90 - Karma: 898
dvo7777I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.


The only things you need to know: Pizza, French fry, lip on blind 2
3 years ago
18 0
profile picture
twinkle_toes
Posts: 815 - Karma: 9,725
What ?? Why the heck not !! I taught myself to ski when I was 19. Never touched a pair of skis before that... I'm 24 now and still trying new things every day. No reason not to dude !! Enjoy it while your knees are still in good shape lol
3 years ago
14 0
profile picture
DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
dvo7777I'm 17 and really want to learn to freestyle ski but I'm worried I missed my chance and am too old to start now. I'm very athletic and the reason I haven't taken it up before is because I usually play basketball in the winter. I've been skiing and snowboarding a couple times before and have been decent at both, so I'm not completely new to the sport. I can only drive up to a ski resort once a week for 1 or 2 days max this year, should I invest in lessons? Idk anyone who takes skiing seriously so that's why I'm coming here for advice.

You are not too late at all!
That said, skiing good takes a lot of time on the snow, so don't get disappointed.
If you love it, then the future will find ways for you to ski way more days, and that's when it gets good.
People with good balance and athletic skill pick it up pretty quickly.
Some places offer lesson deals for first timers, with some perks after you finish. (you might have to fake it a bit)
Go for it!
3 years ago
6 0
profile picture
Chrischi69
Posts: 652 - Karma: 5,064
Im 16 and got into it when i was 14, i know its 3 years less but it hasnt really made a difference
3 years ago
4 0
profile picture
SmokedGouda
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 6,841
Never too late. I’m 19. Don’t get mad at the crazy insta shit either. Those people ski 50-100 days a year. One thing to do though is not get coupt up in fear. I suffer from anxiety and idk if that makes an impact, but one season(a few ago) I fell off a cornice and that ruined my progression for the season. Now a few years later, I’ve decided to not give a shit anymore and hit stuff whether it’ll look good or bad. Fell like 8 times today dialing in switch for the first time. I’d say it was a success. And a nose butter 180. Next on the list is 360s and obtaining much better air awareness. Some days, I wish I could get implanted, the brain of candide like what they did on the matrix with Kung fu, but sadly can’t. It takes time!
3 years ago
8 0
profile picture
Mr.Whatsittoya
Posts: 94 - Karma: 1,516
SmokedGoudaNever too late. I’m 19. Don’t get mad at the crazy insta shit either. Those people ski 50-100 days a year. One thing to do though is not get coupt up in fear. I suffer from anxiety and idk if that makes an impact, but one season(a few ago) I fell off a cornice and that ruined my progression for the season. Now a few years later, I’ve decided to not give a shit anymore and hit stuff whether it’ll look good or bad. Fell like 8 times today dialing in switch for the first time. I’d say it was a success. And a nose butter 180. Next on the list is 360s and obtaining much better air awareness. Some days, I wish I could get implanted, the brain of candide like what they did on the matrix with Kung fu, but sadly can’t. It takes time!

So true. Somedays I'm just to scared to try stuff even though I KNOW I can do it. It's one of the most annoying things ever.

**This post was edited on Jan 11th 2022 at 10:17:26pm
3 years ago
6 0
profile picture
goatmaster
Posts: 374 - Karma: 2,433
Totally. Sounds like you know how to ski and are a good athlete so it will come fast. Just got out and ski and hike park all day and you will get decent fast.Just come at it with a mind set that you are learning. This means don't be embarrassed that you are knew. Everyone starts somewhere. Just be respectful and kind and everyone will respect you back. Youtube is a great resource. Also just try things. Watch park edits and movies. Ask local people for advice. Everybody will be happy to help you out. Talk to people in the park. I am 17 and have a few friends never skied park but are getting into it a bit more now. Just don't get discouraged if you take some falls especially when you are learning. Remember to keep you weight forward on rails and you will fall a lot less.
3 years ago
5 0
profile picture
muffMan.
Posts: 2891 - Karma: 27,580
Nah bruh, I’ve been skiing big mountain stuff mostly until this year I’m 21 and first year trying rails
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
tominiemenmaa
Posts: 573 - Karma: 3,387
Yes 17 is too late. That's why I started at 34.
3 years ago
17 3
profile picture
butter_69
Posts: 91 - Karma: -602
I have the same amount of skiing time and have learned how to send it and freestyle ski no problem. You’ll be fine just send it
3 years ago
2 1
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
goatmasterTotally. Sounds like you know how to ski and are a good athlete so it will come fast. Just got out and ski and hike park all day and you will get decent fast.Just come at it with a mind set that you are learning. This means don't be embarrassed that you are knew. Everyone starts somewhere. Just be respectful and kind and everyone will respect you back. Youtube is a great resource. Also just try things. Watch park edits and movies. Ask local people for advice. Everybody will be happy to help you out. Talk to people in the park. I am 17 and have a few friends never skied park but are getting into it a bit more now. Just don't get discouraged if you take some falls especially when you are learning. Remember to keep you weight forward on rails and you will fall a lot less.


This is great advice thxxxx man
3 years ago
1 0
profile picture
mattm7
Posts: 355 - Karma: 1,974
I learned to ski when I was 18 and started freestyle when I was 19 so you can definitely do it
3 years ago
2 0
profile picture
JAHn
Posts: 500 - Karma: 2,685
You’ve got plenty of time. Sounds like you’re fairly new so I’d focus your on mountain time learning to ride with good technique and working your way up to the hardest runs.

In terms of freestyle, you can progress insanely fast if you build a summer setup and/or can get access to a trampoline. Those are great ways to progress at home when you can’t get to the Mt all too much. I built my summer setup around your age having never hit a rail. I built it to learn rails and would sesh it after school. Made a huge difference.
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
weastcoat
Posts: 6499 - Karma: 75,277
Just for reference, Andy Parry started skiing when he was 14. If you don’t know who he is, he’s one of the most influential, skilled, and creative skiers of all time. Give ‘er hell my man.
3 years ago
10 1
profile picture
lil.Boye
Posts: 2784 - Karma: 12,649
never too late. know rippers that learned to ski park in their 20's.
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
AshtonRidesAly
Posts: 14 - Karma: 230
I didn’t start until I was 17. I’m doing qualifiers. Next season. Don’t give up the dream. Injuries happen, especially starting so late, but push through. F the haters. Visualize it. Every day.

don’t wait for your dreams to come to you, chase that shit, you’d be surprised of what you are capable of.
3 years ago
3 1
profile picture
bsurf
Posts: 181 - Karma: 1,939
It's never too late!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8567I94O8x8

just look at this guy
3 years ago
4 0
profile picture
Bellinghomie
Posts: 38 - Karma: 225
Skiing is the best fucking thing on the planet, why wouldn’t you want to do that?
3 years ago
2 0
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52560 - Karma: 173,824
Def not too late! A lot of really good people have learned in high school.

Even just casually riding. I suck at skateboarding but love it and started that at 30.

Biggest thing is you're 17, you're young, you can take a fall.

You can learn whenever but bring able to hike a rail and chuck some stuff to progress helps a lot. Where a little fall doesn't even phase you.

Also a lot more people hungry to learn tricks around then. Even people that have been skiimg since little kids high school is where a lot of people progress the most.

Sounds like you want to try it, get in there and have some fun! Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just enjoy it and progress at a rate that works for you.
3 years ago
4 0
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
AshtonRidesAlyI didn’t start until I was 17. I’m doing qualifiers. Next season. Don’t give up the dream. Injuries happen, especially starting so late, but push through. F the haters. Visualize it. Every day.

don’t wait for your dreams to come to you, chase that shit, you’d be surprised of what you are capable of.


That's awesome man good luck with qualifiers!!
3 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Timby
Posts: 182 - Karma: 1,421
I’m 20 and making it work. You have fundamentals so that helps, you got this.
3 years ago
5 0
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
sheeshIt's never too late!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8567I94O8x8

just look at this guy


Crazyyy that's inspirational
3 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Shower_Boy
Posts: 155 - Karma: 1,373
If you can't triple cork by age 12 its not worth it. Pursue a more attainable hobbie like knitting youre basically out of your prime at 17
3 years ago
5 2
profile picture
dvo777
Posts: 12 - Karma: 189
Shower_BoyIf you can't triple cork by age 12 its not worth it. Pursue a more attainable hobbie like knitting youre basically out of your prime at 17


Speak for yourself lol after all the positive replies I got on this thread I'm definitely going to learn
3 years ago
6 2
profile picture
-Dan
Posts: 7189 - Karma: 53,452
I started skiing park “late” too. senior year of high school. Don’t worry about being the best. Focus on having the most fun! It’s worth it for sure.
3 years ago
9 0
profile picture
donotreply
Posts: 256 - Karma: 2,242
Never too late to learn new skills I started fairly late skiing and even later in the park . If you’re passionate and have time to put into it go for it
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
_IRRELEVANT_
Posts: 944 - Karma: 4,427
Another thing I recommend is if you really get into it and get excited about trying to learn you can make a pvc rail for your yard it’s what helped me the most because if you’ve got a little snow, some pvc and a dream it’s possible, it’s also a great place to start because there is no judgment and you don’t have to drive to the mountain and buy a pass, you can just take an extra 20 mins out of your day and practice
3 years ago
4 0
profile picture
nmwninjart
Posts: 3090 - Karma: 15,857
Never too late. My first time ever on skis was at 34 😶 First ventured into the park a year later.
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Dan-Man
Posts: 7488 - Karma: 3,630
you probably won't be as good as kids who started much younger. but your not that old. I think a lot of youngsters don't find freestyle skiing until there mid to late teens.
3 years ago
3 0
profile picture
TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12696 - Karma: 119,778
Way too late, 17 years in fact. i was getting 20 days a year while chilling in the womb and riding on my umbilical cord twins learn every axis and grab. The zero gravity makes it the perfect environment for this sport. Im sorry but you should have started earlier. Might i suggest curling or chess as a new hobby?
3 years ago
4 1
profile picture
Jacobthesadskier
Posts: 503 - Karma: 5,014
I'm 17 and I just started learning freestyle this summer. Granted I'm terrible but I am making progress, and it's the most fun I've ever had whilst skiing. Absolutely do it.

**This post was edited on Jan 15th 2022 at 2:02:17pm
3 years ago
3 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 7:59AM