Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. But can you really ‘forget’ how to ski?
Even if you have been skiing for as long as you can remember, it never hurts to remind yourself of the basics. This is especially important if you decide to take a break from skiing, or if you plan on skiing in a foreign country.
Luckily, we have prepared a short guide on how to ski again if you think you have forgotten how. Follow these easy tips and you will be able to ski in no time.
Table of Contents
Get A Skin Suit
No, we don’t mean the kind of skin suit that Lycra® and spandex® wear in the shower. We mean the kind that you wear on your skin, like a bathing suit. Most ski resorts require you to wear a skin suit to protect yourself from extreme temperatures. This is especially important if you are not used to the cold, or if you are an older skier. Trying to keep your body warm is one of the key factors to having a good time on the slopes. So do yourself a favor and get a good, warm skin suit.
Get A Fanny Pack
We don’t know why, but for some reason, a fanny pack always makes us think of ski-in/ski-out ski lodges. The fanny pack will keep all of your ski equipment organized and safely stored, so you can go faster on the slopes. It will also keep your hands free, so you can enjoy the ride more. A fanny pack can also double as a hand/feet warmers, in case you didn’t bring your own. You can find fanny packs with internal heaters, so you can keep your hands and feet warm even when the temperature is below freezing. That’s right, it’s quite handy to have a fanny pack during the winter months. They even make decent hand warmers!
Get A Headlight
Speaking of which, we can’t talk about skiing without mentioning the headlight. Even if you have been skiing for as long as you can remember, you will still need a headlight to be able to see the slopes clearly. A lot of people get confused with the different types of lights used in skiing. There is a headlight, that you wear on your forehead, to illuminate the slopes in front of you; and there is a running light, attached to the top of your ski helmet, that points upwards, so you can easily find your way back to the chairlift. The former is mandatory and used for all forms of skiing; the latter is only needed for night skiing. A headlight allows you to ski comfortably in poor light conditions, or if you are skiing at night. If you put on the headlight, you will also be able to see how the surrounding environment looks like, in low light conditions. This makes it easier for others to see you, in case you crash or fall down, which definitely could happen. In addition, a headlight allows you to ski with your eyes open, which is vital if you want to maintain your concentration. It also prevents you from hitting your head on a rock or falling off a cliff, which could be fatal. So don’t forget about your headlight, it will make a difference.
Get A Ski Bag
Speaking of which, we can’t talk about skiing without mentioning the ski bag. A good ski bag will make carrying all of your equipment easier and more comfortable. The best part is that a good ski bag will protect all of your valuables, including your phone, wallet, and credit card, from getting wet or stolen. Not one but two zippers on the ski bag will make it easier to organize and access your belongings, without having to search for a button or a lock. If you are on the go, a ski bag will also provide you with additional storage space, so you can bring along all of your belongings, without having to worry about fitting everything into your ski equipment. A good ski bag will make carrying all of this around much easier. So don’t forget about your ski bag, it will make a difference.
Get A Ski Jacket
As we mentioned above, a good ski jacket will keep you warm on the slopes. However, it will not only do that, but it will take the stress out of finding your way back to your lodge or restaurant after the day is done. The best part is that a good ski jacket can be worn both outside and inside the lodge, if you are staying there overnight. So you can wear it for dinner, and put on another layer, if necessary, for the nightlife. In cooler weather, a good ski jacket will keep you warm even when you are carrying heavy packs or backpacks. In very cold weather conditions, a ski jacket can also keep you from injuring yourself through exposure. That’s right, a good ski jacket will make a big difference, especially if you are on the slopes far from the lodge.
Get A Snowboard
A snowboard is a board with two or more metal or plastic edges, which run parallel to each other, and are connected at the front and back. If you want to learn how to snowboard, all you need is a good pair of snowboard boots. The best part is that you don’t need expensive equipment to learn. You just need a snowboard and some snowboard boots. Of course, you will also need to be in the right place at the right time, for the slope style you want to learn. After that, all you have to do is push off from the snow and glide down the slopes, enjoying yourself.
The above tips will assist you in getting back on the slopes as soon as possible. Of course, you will need to find the right place and time to practice, but at least you will be able to get on the slopes again. Once you are back on the mountain, or in another country, you can find all of the information you need to know about the local ski resorts, through one of the many online travel agencies, such as tripadvisor.com. Remember to bring a credit card, in case you forget your passport, or visa. In addition, make sure to check the weather forecasts, so you don’t end up somewhere dangerous, due to bad weather conditions. Enjoy your time on the slopes, and don’t forget about the basics, it will make a difference.