While the idea of skiing on your edges might sound like a marketing gimmick, it’s actually a handy tactic that can help you improve your skiing experience. After all, there’s no point in trying to ski off-piste if you can’t handle the edge changes. It’s also more fun to ski on your edges if you don’t have to worry about hitting a tree or slipping on the ice. All you need is a map, some good vibes, and maybe a selfie stick to successfully execute this ski style. To help you out, we’ve compiled a top list of tips that will get you started.
Table of Contents
Find The Best Area
One of the most important things to do if you want to ski on your edges is to find the perfect spot. In order to do this, you need to consider a few things. First, look for a snow-free area that has deep layers of powder on top of the snow. If there’s an area that has a lot of skiers and snowboarders, it means there’s probably a good amount of snow there. However, it also means that the area is probably pretty crowded, which might not be the best for a first-timer.
Another important factor to consider is the snow quality. Make sure that the snow is soft and crumbly, and that the skies are mostly sunny. Good days for skiing are generally frosty mornings and warm afternoons. The combination of sun and frost makes for perfect snow condition, which is ideal for skiing.
Once you’ve found the perfect area, you can begin making your plans. This might mean renting a ski or snowboard, or buying one that suits your needs. Another option is fixing up a couple of classic turns, or designing your own expert terrace. Assembling a wax park, or making a super-trail, are also ways to have fun on your ski holidays. Whatever you decide, make sure that you enjoy yourself, and that you have everything you need to have a hassle-free experience.
Get Good Gear
The right gear is vital if you want to ski on your edges. You won’t be able to execute any fancy tricks without the right equipment. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the essential gear that every skier should own.
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Boots
- Marshmallow Peeps – what’s not to love?
- Warm Sock – for the chill
- A pillowcase – to rest your head on while you sleep
- A jacket
- A fleece pullover
- A beanie
- A snowflake stud earring
- A scarf
- A balaclava
- A gloves
- A bandana
- A water bottle
- An avalanche beacon
- A puffer jacket
- A snowflake necklace
- A sleeping mat
- A tarp
- A ground sheet
- A sun hat
You might also want to pick up some ski or snowboard gear, or resort equipment such as ski-tows, a lifeline, or snow guns. All this might sound like a lot of money, but the truth is that you’ll enjoy yourself more if you invest in quality gear. You’ll also save money in the long run, as you won’t have to buy low-grade equipment as often.
Ski Early In The Morning
It’s always better to ski in the morning, as the fresh snow will make you feel lighter and more agile. Plus, it’s a good idea to get out there before the crowds arrive. If you’re staying at a resort, it’s also a good idea to get up early, and head to the slopes before the lifts close for the day. This way, you’ll have the place all to yourself, and you can enjoy your ski holiday without any stress or worries.
Skiing in the morning also has the advantage of giving you more time to recover and relax after your day on the slopes. Going for a night-time dip might be fun, but it’s not the best idea. Your body needs time to recover after a hard day on the slopes, and a night-time dip might not be the best way to do that.
Pick A Spot For Yourself
If you want to ski on your edges, it’s best to pick a spot that you know and like. This way, you’re more likely to have a good time, and you won’t lose any sleep or money trying to find the perfect spot. You might also want to set up some jumps and rails, or build a terrace. These are all ways of having fun on your ski holiday, and they don’t cost much money or effort. Once you’ve found your spot, you can continue to make it better by grooming it and adding more features. This way, you’ll have something fun to do every day, and an awesome spot to show off to your friends.
Plan Your Timing
If you want to be able to ski on your edges, you need to plan your timing. This means that you need to know when the park opens, and when it closes. You’ll also want to make sure that you use this time efficiently, as getting wet and cold is no fun.
There are several ways to do this. First, you could contact the resort management and ask them when the lifts will open and close. Alternatively, you could ask the staff at the lodge, or look it up online. Knowing when the lifts close is also important for other activities, as it can affect when and if you can grab a bite to eat, or visit a bar for a drink. Knowing when the lifts close also gives you the opportunity to grab some sack time, or take a nap before you head back down. Knowing when the lifts close also gives you the opportunity to grab some sack time, or take a nap before you head back down. This is also important because when the lifts close, you’ll be in for a lot of traffic, and it could be hard to move around. Sometimes, it helps to set a wake-up call so that you don’t oversleep and miss the first lift of the day.
Make A Mental Note Of Where The Tricky Areas Are
Making a mental note of where the tricky areas are can help you avoid them, or at least know what to expect. A lot of beginner skiers get frustrated because they don’t know what to expect, and they end up going through more than they need to. If you make a mental note of where the tricky areas are, you can either choose to avoid them, or know that you’ll have to deal with them eventually.
These areas are usually at the top or the bottom of the ski run, or beside impossible-to-see jumps that seem to appear out of nowhere. It’s also important to make a note of the places where there are no lifts, and the areas with the most challenging terraces or steepest mountainside trails. Knowing these things will help you have a good time while still being careful not to hurt yourself.
The above tips will get you started on the right foot. Be sure to add them to your arsenal, and enjoy the thrill of skiing on your edges. If you want to have more fun, take it easy, and enjoy the adventure.