My story is kind of a cheat I'll admit.
First time I skied a course was in college in the mid 90's. Grew up freeskiing and didn't even know competitive skiing was a thing until just before college. I had zero coaching and really had no clue what I was doing. My college PB was barely getting through 15 off at 36mph and the only way I was able to do that was pure grit.
After college I had no access to skiing for close to 20 years. I free skied like twice a year. Not one single set in a course though.
In 2016 I finally got a proper boat, upgraded my ski established some access to a course and leaned in hard to the sport. Slalom is my golf now. I've been getting coaching at various spots several times a year, learning as much as possible. Got on my C85 and got it pretty well dialed in.
This past summer I got around 5 ball at 32off (34mph) and running the pass felt totally doable. My current stretch goal is to get through 35off before I turn 51. 3 more seasons ...