Summer is coming, and this means one thing: It’s time to hit the slopes! While some of us may be stoked on the prospect of going back to school or work, for those of us who ski every year it’s not exciting, it’s just another season.
What’s more, the resorts are getting smaller, with fewer people skiing on them and the slopes getting steeper. It’s not just a coincidence that the number of ski injuries is increasing too.
With the popularity of virtual reality and gaming, skiing is no longer just about skiing. Nowadays, people are trying to recreate the experience of being on the slopes with their friends and family through gaming. It didn’t used to be like this. Back in the day, if you were good enough, you’d ski all the time.
It’s not just about the nostalgia either. It’s more about the adventure of exploring snow-covered landscapes and having fun with your friends and family. What’s more, the snowboarders and skiers of today are better and more experienced than ever before, and it shows in their steely determination and resilience as they push themselves to the limit on the slopes. They’re a tough breed, and they demand respect.
However, being good doesn’t guarantee you’ll have fun. There’s a lot that goes into having a good time while skiing, and avoiding accidents requires a bit of research as well. With just a bit of preparation and planning, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on the slopes and avoid any accidents that might happen. So let’s delve into how to have fun while skiing, shall we?
Table of Contents
Know The Ropes
Skiing isn’t just about skiing. It’s about the whole surrounding area too. For those of us who grew up in the mountains, it’s not always easy to forget about the culture and lifestyle that surrounds skiing. If you don’t know what avalanche warning is, you might not want to be on a slope when it’s time to ski, as it’s not always safe to be there when an avalanche comes.
Similarly, ski touring is becoming incredibly popular and requires a lot of preparation too. If you want to do it right, you need to learn how to ski, how to snowboard, and how to prepare for a day on the slopes. There are certain techniques and tactics that you need to learn and understand in order to be able to do it right. So again, being good doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have fun. It takes a little bit of research and preparation as well.
Make Sure You’re Prepared
In the event of an accident, your ski holiday can turn into a real mess. If you’re not prepared, it can be pretty terrifying to be on the scene of an accident when the paramedics arrive. After all, you might not know first aid or how to deal with injuries caused by a collision with another person or a ski lift.
It’s important to be prepared for the slopes. You need to make sure that you have everything that you might need during your stay. This includes things like snow shoes, ski clothes, and ski equipment. It also means being prepared with things like an avalanche beacon, shovel, transceiver, and oxygen cylinder (in case you get stranded).
What’s more, you should make sure that your ski equipment is of good quality. It’s not going to be fun to spend half the day struggling with an inflatable ski jacket that’s been punctured by a sharp edge. So, make sure that you have equipment that’s been well-checked and is in good condition. Also, if you’ve never been skiing or snowboarding before, take some time to learn the proper use and care of all the gear before you go.
Research The Best Spots
One of the most important things to do if you want to have fun while skiing is to find the right spot. For beginners, this might mean looking for gentle slopes that are suitable for beginners. If you want to travel further afield, you might want to do some research on the best destinations for the next big ski festival or to get some expert advice on which resorts to avoid during the summer.
As for the location, make sure that there are no dangerous spots near you. This means avoiding cliffs, rocks, or forested areas. These are all potential places for accidents to happen. It’s also useful to look for spots where the snow is evenly distributed, meaning that you can find your ski boots and skis easily after the day’s skiing is finished.
Learn How To Ski
Of course, the most important thing to do if you want to have fun while skiing is to learn how to ski. If you’ve never been skiing before, it might be hard to know where to begin. Don’t worry: With a little bit of research and guidance from an expert, it’s a skill that you’ll learn in no time and will have fun using once you do. Plus, being able to ski is a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. It might even save your life one day.
Many resorts offer ski-in/ski-out accommodation, with the added bonus of being able to park your car directly in front of the hotel. This makes it easy to park and access the slopes without having to drive all the time. What’s more, in some places, the locals are more than happy to give free advice and help you get started. So don’t be afraid to ask for help from the local shop owner, diner, or bar personnel.
Have Fun!
Now that you’re equipped with the basics, it’s time for you to have some fun. Even if you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, it’s still important to remember that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. You have to have the personality to have fun while skiing. If you’re always looking over your shoulder waiting for the crashes to happen, you’re doing it wrong. Enjoy your time on the slopes and make sure that all of your equipment is in good condition so that you can have fun without any worries.