As fun as it might be, skiing can often be confusing for newcomers to understand their first time around. From safety concerns to etiquette, it takes a certain level of knowledge and understanding for skiers to know how to hit the slopes properly and fully enjoy it.
Fortunately, there are a few tips you can keep in mind when starting your skiing career to help you acquire these skills right out of the gate. So, before you book your first trip to your dream ski resort, remember the following suggestions.
1. Avoid Driving to the Slopes at Night
Whether you’re coming from thousands of miles away or simply got a late start to your journey, there are times when you’ll find the sky getting dark before you arrive to the slopes. Though it might be tempting to see your trip through and brave the night, this can put you — and anyone else in your party — in extreme danger.
For starters, you’ll likely be navigating through an unfamiliar area with little to no connection to the outside world. Furthermore, with poorer visibility, it’ll be more difficult to properly set up essential safety measures like snow-chains. So, keep yourself out of harm’s way and plan to arrive during the day.
2. Only Bring the Essentials
Don’t feel pressured to pack everything you possibly can into your suitcase. Instead, be strategic with the items you bring to your ski trip. Roll your clothes to optimize storage space, use small bags to hold your toiletries, and avoid taking anything you won’t put to good use.
3. Know What Equipment You Need
Skiing is an equipment-heavy activity, which means you’re going to need a practical list of items to help you make the most out of your time at the resort.
Start with the basics: multiple layers of clothing to keep you warm in harsher climates, including gloves, jackets, socks, and more. Follow with essential items like sun cream and hats, along with ski-specific equipment like goggles and helmets.
4. Choose the Equipment That’s Right for You
That’s right: not all ski equipment is built for the same person, nor designed for the same purpose. If you’re trying to get on the slopes for the first time, it’s best to opt for beginner-friendly equipment that will help you understand the basics without worrying about advanced features.
For a one-time occasion, a simple rental will do; but consider buying your own equipment if you plan on returning throughout the year.
5. Look into Goggles and Sunglasses
They’re not just for looks! As stylish as they are, ski goggles and sunglasses are a crucial aspect of any skier’s equipment arsenal. Since you’ll be high up on the mountaintops, you will be at a closer proximity to the sun — which means improved protection is required. Aside from redirecting sunrays away from your eyes, goggles will also shield you from harsh winds and airborne debris.
6. Stock Up on Sun Cream
Similarly, your skin requires a powerful defense against the sun. Though much of your body will already be wrapped up in warm layers, it’s important that you don’t head to the slopes without first applying a high-quality sun cream to your exposed skin. Doing so will help drastically reduce your chances of receiving a sunburn or — even worse — developing a condition like melanoma.
7. Consider Ski-specific Travel Insurance
Since this sport can pose a larger risk for injury than other activities, conventional travel insurance sometimes will not cover a trip to the slopes. As such, you should look into ski-specific travel insurance that would cover any accident you might experience on the mountain.
8. Renew Your Energy
Skiing is simultaneously exhilarating and exhausting. As such, after spending hours speeding down the slopes, it can be easy to forget just how tired you are until you suddenly find yourself drained of all energy.
So, set yourself up for success by eating a good meal before heading to the mountain, and keep a supply of snacks on-hand to eat throughout the day. You should always have plenty of water, along with items like trail mix, protein bars, and other convenient energy sources.
9. Prepare Your Body
Skiing is a physically intense activity for everyone, regardless of skill level. As such, one of the best ways to prepare for your first trip to the slopes is by getting fit beforehand. By training your muscles and performing plenty of cardio, you’ll have the strength and endurance necessary to handle every twist and turn that comes your way.
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