Lastly I like getting to 25 strength by the end of a1 just in case you find some items you want to use and your starting strength is too low. If you have a cold immune unique monster, static + telek + merc should do the job. If you run into a pack of cold immunes, just keep on teleporting. I have levelled 8 sorcs in /players 8 hardcore single player since d2r launch (and I couldn't even begin to count how many in classic), and pure cold is just far superior. I am not a believer in doing the whole cold + fire hybrid thing. At the end of normal respec into blizzard and then follow the guide. You will steamroll all of normal with it. It's has great group clear and is easy to use because of it's shotgun effect. You're better off just maxing charged bolt. Pick one element to specialize in for normal mode, and pick skills that synergize. And while I think nova is also an extremely poor choice to level with, it's not the absolute worst. You should never be putting more than one point into static field.

But I have one major disagreement with this guide for the a1 normal skills. In general leveling a sorc can be pretty easy. Enter Lut Gholein and pick up a Belt Use Nova Pick up any Orb you come across and check them for +x to Nova Create and equip your Stealth Try to reach Level.

Diablo 2 sorceress build leveling