4 Things You Should Know Before You Go Skiing
Whether you are a lifelong skier or are looking to don your skis for the first time, there are a few things you should know before you take to the slopes. By planning ahead, you can protect yourself from a number of sports-related injuries and ensure you are prepared in the event of an accident or emergency. Continue reading to find out everything you should know before you go skiing.
1. Work on your fitness
A skiing holiday may not necessarily command the fitness levels of a peak athlete, but a clean bill of health can make the entire process easier on you as well as your body. By working on your fitness both at home as well as in the gym in the lead up to a session on the slopes, you are much more likely to allow yourself to relax and have fun. By focusing on cardio and strengthening your leg muscles you can benefit from increased stamina and endurance.
2. Pack the right shoes
Whilst your skis may take on most of the hard work, the shoes you wear can have a dramatic impact on your skiing performance as a whole. Packing for a holiday in the sun can be difficult enough but packing for a holiday at a ski resort can present a real challenge. If you don’t know where to start, try asking a friend or family member or familiarizing yourself with the information available at Piste Pro. Even if you intend to spend the majority of your free time on the slopes, you must also pack the appropriate footwear for any unscheduled downtime. Practical shoes and ski goggles that can withstand snow and ice are a must. If you are a seasoned skier, it may benefit you to invest in a pair of snow boots or walking shoes.
3. Protect your skin
Despite skiing amongst the mountains, the sun tends to reflect off white snow and ice. This can increase your chances of becoming sunburnt and developing sun damage in the long run. To protect your skin, you must remember to pack a lip balm with UVA and UVB protection as well as sunscreen with a suitable level of UV protection for you as well as your loved ones. It should be applied at regular intervals throughout the day and reapplied as necessary. As you will be subject to greater sun exposure, you must also remember to pack goggles or ski glasses or purchase a pair at the earliest convenience. This can protect your peepers from sun glare and prevent long-lasting damage.
4. Purchase ski boots
Ski boots are not designed to be comfortable or fashionable but to ensure your ski experience is as stress-free as possible. If they are preventing you from having fun altogether, however, it may benefit you to shop around for an alternative pair. The right pair of ski boots should feel tight but not too tight. If you are unsure, a ski instructor or assistant should be able to fit you for a pair of ski boots or at least point you in the right direction of someone that can. If you are walking around with ski boots, loosening the clips can make them a little more comfortable but you must remember to refasten them before you return to the slopes.
Skiing can be a fun way to marvel at the weird and wonderful beauty of nature and have fun at the same time. But before you hit the slopes, there are a few things you should know beforehand. This includes working on your fitness, packing the right shoes, protecting your skin, and purchasing ski boots.
