In the winter, nothing is more satisfying than skiing. Gaining momentum as you glide down the mountain, whipping the snowflakes from behind as you drift away, the excitement and adrenaline rush is unmatched. Unfortunately, the white fluffy flakes can also cause serious damage to your vehicle, so it is essential to equip your ski equipment for the elements. Amongst the various types of ski equipment, something more specialized and expensive has to be purchased, which is the ski guard for your roof rack. Wearing a mask or snowsuit when skiing is not a practical solution as you will freeze your lips and nose off, which makes breathing almost impossible. Hence, you need a solution that offers you full protection without hampering your freedom of movement.
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Types Of Ski Equipment You Need
There are three distinct elements to your ski equipment; the skis themselves, the ski boots, and the helmet. The skis are the metal or wooden planks that you will use to glide down the slopes. The more expensive and longer the ski, the better the glide and the more stable the skiing experience. The ski boots are the shoes you will wear on the mountain. Similar to snow boots, which are similar to mountain boots, these offer more protection from the snow and slush and are also designed to grip the ski better. The helmet protects your head from the whipping wind and the occasional snowball, and is also the means through which you will receive feedback from the mountain.
The third element is the bindings. The bindings attach your skis to your feet, allowing you to easily lift and lower them as you ski. Depending on the type of skiing you will be doing, you will either need fixed or removable bindings. In general, the more expensive and longer the ski, the more sophisticated the bindings should be. You will also need to determine whether you want to carry skis with or without poles. In case you choose to go without the poles, you will need to invest in some ski goggles to protect your eyes from frostbite.
The Roof Rack Is The Most Popular Place For The Skis
With the roof rack, you will store your skis on the car roof and transport them to the mountain. It is advisable to carry skis and other sports gear on the roof due to the limited storage space inside most cars. Storing your equipment outside limits the reach of small children and pets, who may damage the gear in question while playing around on the roof. Hence, the importance of protecting your skis on the roof rack. A few key places you will need to look at are the roof itself, the inside of the car, and the area around the vehicle. Your roof is the most obvious place to start, so make sure to protect this area from all types of damage. Another place to look at is the inside of your car, especially the floor where the gear is stored. Young children and pets are usually known to be very destructive when playing around inside cars, so make sure that neither of these have access to any parts of the vehicle where you keep your valuables. Finally, you will need to secure the area around your car, especially near the trunk where you store your gear. Watch out for any weather conditions that may arise out of nowhere, as they can cause serious damage to your skis if left unchecked.
Types Of Damage Skis Can Bear
Depending on the type of skis you have, the types of damage they can bear vary. For example, a pair of all-terrain skis can take a bit more wear and tear, as they are designed to tackle all types of terrains. These would likely be the safest choice for your budget, as they are more affordable and have a longer lifespan than other types of skis. If you plan on using your skis for skiing in challenging terrains, consider an investment in a pair of these. If you are looking for a safe and cost-effective solution, an all-terrain pair of skis will serve you well.
On the other hand, a pair of snow skis will only handle fresh snow and ice well, as they have a pointed shape that digs into the surface for better steering. As a result, they will wear out faster than other types of skis, and you will need to replace them more frequently. This also makes them more susceptible to damage, so be careful not to tip over or fall on these when skiing. If you are going on a gentle slope, a pair of these would be a safe choice, as they will not cause as much wear on your vehicle as other types of skis. They are also easier to transport and store, as they do not take up much space in your car. Finally, if you are skiing in challenging terrains and need to transport your car frequently, a pair of these will increase your safety on the mountain. However, if you are not that kind of skier, it is best to choose the traditional pair of alpine skis for the best experience.
Ski Guards For The Roof Rack
Protecting your skis on the roof rack is not as easy as it seems, as there are several moving parts inside your car that can pose a safety risk. This is why you must invest in some type of ski guard in order to secure your gear on the roof. Most of these ski guards are designed to protect your legs from the impact of falling rocks, which can seriously damage your vehicle. In case you are on a dangerous road, the sharp edges of the road can also pose a threat to your safety while skiing. Hence, it is essential to protect yourself from all sides while on the mountain, which is why you need to invest in a pair of ski guards for the roof rack. Remember, no matter how skilful you are, accidents can still happen, so you must remain vigilant at all times while skiing to ensure your safety.
Ski guards are available in two distinct styles; the hard plastic type and the metal type. The hard plastic type is more popular because it is lighter, which means you will not be overburdened while transporting your car. On the other hand, the metal type is more effective in protecting your equipment and can also withstand severe winter conditions. The main difference between these two types of ski guards is in the means of attachment. The hard plastic type is usually attached to your car with either suction cups or with clamps, while the metal type is usually threaded onto your car and can be tightened or loosened as needed.
Ski Protection For Beginners
If you are a beginner or an occasional skier who is just getting into the sport, you might be tempted to choose cheaper and more basic types of ski equipment, as you will most likely not need all the sophisticated gear mentioned above. In general, beginners should choose intermediate or junior sized snowboards, as these will be the safest and most convenient option for them. If you are just getting started, it is wise to choose a beginner’s pack, which will include a helmet, gloves, and boots. Also, choose a board that is narrower than usual, as this will make it easier for you to ride. When choosing your equipment, remember the size of your snowboard will determine the width of the snowflake you will encounter on the mountain. If you are a woman, you might want to consider getting a smaller board to be easier to maneuver, especially if you are skiing on a crowded mountain. If you are a man, you might want to consider getting a longer one so you can cruise down the mountain at a more leisurely pace. Once you are confident and comfortable on your board, you can choose more expensive items such as ski gloves, goggles, and boots, which will significantly enhance your skiing experience.
Final Takeaway
In case you want to enjoy skiing without the worry of damaging your vehicle, it is important to invest in a pair of protective skis for the roof rack. These will prove to be an invaluable investment, as they will increase your safety on the mountain while also extending the lifespan of your expensive equipment. Most of the injuries and damages from skiing occur during the storage and transport of the equipment, especially the roof rack. Hence, it is essential to take appropriate safety measures during these times, as overzealous and careless drivers are the primary cause of accidents and injuries while skiing.