You want to go skiing in the winter? Pack your backpack, fill it with your ski gear, and hit the snow. Sounds easy, right?
Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. Backpacking skiing is a popular summer sport among thrill-seekers and those seeking a more low-key winter holiday. While it’s fun to go hiking and sightseeing with a backpack, sometimes you need a little help getting around town. So let’s dive into how to ski with a backpack.
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Ski Gear For Backpackers
Where to start? First off, if you want to keep your backpack upright during ski traveling, you need to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. This prevents slouching and keeps your spine aligned with your legs. You might also need to bring along some extra gear for this purpose. A comfortable backpack is also essential so that you can stay awake while skiing and avoid neck pain. Last but not least, you need ski equipment that is lightweight and packed well. Here’s a short list containing the essentials to make your transition from hiking to skiing easy and enjoyable:
- A ski helmet
- A pair of sunglasses
- A small torch
- A whistle
- A bandana
- A small bear spray
- A pair of gloves
- A jacket
- A pair of warm snowboard boots
- A ski bag
When packing for your first backpacking ski trip, make sure to include the items on this list. You may also want to add a sleeping mat and a small tent to the collection. Remember to bring your ski gear with you, of course, and check the weather before heading out.
Skiing With A Backpack – The Basics
As soon as you step off the plane and into the snowy tundra, you feel the urge to shred. The scenery is beautiful and the air feels amazing. The snow is crisp and pure, which makes for an ideal ski atmosphere. After setting down your backpack, you feel like you could run a marathon just by walking.
Unfortunately, things aren’t quite that simple. First off, you need to learn how to ski. Fortunately, with a little bit of effort, you will master this tricky art.
Stand with your right foot forward and bend your left leg. Place your hands on your hip in front of you. Place your backpack on your back. Tuck your arms into your body. Engage your core muscles. Try to keep your spine straight.
When you’re ready, take a short step forward and quickly pull your left leg behind you. Now that you’re equipped with the basics, it’s time to hit the slopes. But wait! Before heading towards the lift, take a look around you. Is there anyone behind you? If so, turn around and wave them into the back of the line. This will make sure that you’re not stuck behind a group of people while skiing. It’s also polite – and often pretty funny – to wave people in front of you on a ski trail. This will make them stop and wait for you while you catch up.
Where To Stay?
Once you’ve mastered skiing and feel the thrill of flying down the hill, the choice of where to stay becomes obvious. As a first-time skier, you will likely camp in one of the following locations:
- A luxury resort
- A medium-sized city
- A small town
Resorts are great places to stay. Not only do they have everything you might need, but they also provide you with easy access to the slopes. The downside is that they are usually quite crowded during the peak winter season. If you want to avoid other skiers completely, then a town or a small village is the perfect place to stay. These locations are often less crowded than a resort but have the benefit of offering a more authentic winter holiday. Staying at a hostel is also a popular choice among budget-conscious backpackers. While there are plenty of luxurious hostels out there, you should also consider staying at one of the smaller and more affordable ones. Besides, you get the bonus of meeting other travelers who are also going on a vacation in the winter.
Which Lift To Use?
Once you’ve mastered skiing and feel comfortable taking on the slopes, it’s time to pick your favorite ski run. A good place to start is the gondola. The views are fantastic and it’s one of the most popular lifts at any ski resort. It’s also a good choice because it’s usually the longest lift, which means you get to go all the way down the mountain and back multiple times. If you hate waiting your turn at the bottom, then choose one of the smaller and more intimate lifts. These are usually found at the beginning of the ski run. But be careful – not all of them allow you to bring your backpack. Some resort’s restrictions are very strict about that. If you want to travel light, then take the gondola.
There are also many winter sports outside of skiing. You might want to try snowboarding, for example, which is similar to skiing but a bit more extreme. It’s often faster and more fun than traditional skiing, but, as you may have guessed, it’s also a lot more difficult. If you’re looking for something different, then you can always try ice skating. Not only does it allow you to master a difficult ballet, but you also get to show off your incredible flexibility. Flexibility is important because it allows you to do all sorts of tricks on the ice. This, in turn, makes you a more attractive partner for a sexy dance. So while it may not be the most practical choice, it’s definitely a lot of fun.
How To Take Care Of Your Health?
Let’s be honest, skiing is a physically demanding sport. You’re typically going down a mountain for days on end, sometimes in very cold weather conditions. This, in turn, puts a lot of stress on your body. You need to take care of your body in a way that prevents injuries and discomfort. Here’s a short list containing the things you need to do to ensure that your winter vacation is both safe and exciting:
- Warm up before and after skiing
- Hydration is vital
- Avoid overexertion
- Take breaks when you need them
- Sleeping is essential for a healthy body
- Eat nutritious food
- Get proper rest
- Take your medicines on time
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don’t drink and ski
- Protect your lungs
Skiing with a backpack can be a challenging endeavor, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to have an outdoor adventure and engage with nature. Just make sure to prepare the right way for the sport and ensure that you’re having fun and staying safe at the same time. If you keep all these tips in mind, you will have a memorable and enjoyable winter vacation.