Much like you visit Las Vegas once, and it is likely to remain up there with your top vacation destinations, should you take the plunge and challenge yourself to learn how to ski, it is likely skiing holidays will zoom straight to the top of the list.
Not only is skiing a highly beneficial form of physical exercise but the fresh air and nature of the activity are also helpful in boosting your core levels of emotional health and well-being. With this in mind, here is a beginner’s guide to skiing and the essential equipment you will need.
Table of Contents
1. Important Safety Rules
Before heading out to the slopes, it is vital to familiarize yourself with the basic safety rules of skiing and to ensure that you have done everything you can to protect yourself.
With that being said, the following safety rules should be memorized:
- Always have at least a couple of lessons with a professional
- Dress for safety over aesthetic value
- Wear a helmet
- Follow all rules of the particular slope you are starting out on
- Warm up and stretch your muscles beforehand
- Take regular breaks
- Stay hydrated throughout your time on the slopes
2. Wear the Right Gear
When skiing, the right clothing is one of the most important aspects of preparing for your first time on the slopes, and, as such, layering is key. It is often said that there is no such thing as too-treacherous weather and that when you are wearing the right clothing, you can still enjoy outdoor activity.
When skiing, base your outfit and accessories on the three-layer principle – the base layer of clothing will keep you dry, the middle layer will regulate your body temperature, and the top layer should be windproof and weatherproof.
While on the slopes, protecting your eyes from the sun with prescription sunglasses online is also a priority, both for the health of your eyes and so that you can see any potential hazards clearly and adjust your course accordingly.
3. Increase Your Physical Fitness Levels
Another important factor in preparing for your first outdoor skiing lesson, or indeed a more informal introduction with an experienced skier you trust completely, is ensuring that your physical fitness levels are such that you can practically ski.
Now, this is not to say that should you be carrying more than a few extra pounds, you are unable to ski, but the trimmer and fitter you are, the faster you are able to travel, the easier the maneuvers will be, and, therefore, the more enjoyable you will find it and the safer you will be.
4. Never Ski Alone
You only have to read the headlines on the first page of Google results for ‘skiing accidents’ to see that skiing can be dangerous when ill-prepared or descending a slope rated ‘expert’ when you are merely a beginner.
This is why, until you feel entirely confident in your skills, you should never, under any circumstances, ski alone.
