First Time Skier
11 Tips for the First Time Skier
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If you live in the Vermont, Maine or Colorado then you’ve all seen lots of snow. But a large number of people have never had the opportunity to visit the slopes. If you’re a first time skier, especially an adult beginner then skiing can prove to be quite a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
If this is your first time on the hill, you should consider borrowing anything you can when it comes to clothing. A ski jacket can easily run you hundreds of dollars and this would be a poor investment if it turns out that you just don’t like skiing.
Definitely dress in layers
As a first time skier you’ll want to dress warn without looking like the “Michelin Man” and you want to be able to lower your arms. You need to start with long john underwear. Thanks to new technology today’s long johns are manufactured to wick moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the material where it can evaporate.
Your outer layer
You’ll want the outer layer jacket and pants to keep you warm and dry and give you ease of movement. You can easily spend lots of money on the latest fashion and color, but if you want to stay in style for a long time with your purchase, think classic for color and style.
Socks can make your day!
It’s really important to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. I would suggest you purchase socks that are made with moisture wicking fabric. It’s a good idea to carry along an extra pair so you can change in the middle of your ski day.
Mitts or Gloves
I’m here to tell you the last thing you want do deal with on the slopes is cold hands. It’s worth spending a few extra bucks to keep your hands warm. Don’t even think about regular mittens. My advice would be to get specially designed gloves or mitts with multiple layers to wick moisture and allow your skin to breathe. Another option is to grab a pair with a built-in pocket for a heat pack. This will really add a lot of comfort to your first time ski adventure.
Goggles or Sunglasses?
Many on the slope make do with their regular polarized sunglasses. But if you can handle the cost go for the goggles. They are oh so much better. They have vents to prevent fogging up, they help keep your face warn and they won’t fall off.
What gear do I need?
When you’re a first time skier to the sport I highly recommend you rent all your equipment. The local rental shop will hook you up with all you’ll need: boots, board, skis, helmet, poles, you name it.
Here’s a few important things you never want to be without on the slopes? Sunscreen, lip balm, water, heat packs, and energy bars.
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a great time skiing, you just need to be warm and comfortable. Just wearing the right clothing can make your first time skiing an awesome time, so be sure to wear the basics.
Don’t expect to learn to do a black diamond run your first time skiing! But do expect to fall, everybody does. Learning how to fall correctly should be the first thing you learn. Skiing is a fun sport, so have fun and don’t take it too seriously.
You’re gonna fall
When you know you’re going to fall, try to land on your butt, landing heavily on your knees or arms can do you some serious harm. Many broken limbs happen when you land incorrectly. Unfortunately when you fall from ski’s your body and extremities maybe in a distorted angle and the sudden impact on these twisted extremities can result in broken bones.
If you’re moving at a fast speed when you fall then try to roll with the fall, a rolling action will reduce the impact greatly. Never ever try to use the poles to stop yourself. Practice bringing the tips of your skis together and dig in the edges, this will bring you to a stop.
How to get up after you fall
I have to admit, I’ve had many laughs watching people try to get up after they fall. Sit yourself to one side of the skis and place both poles on the same side as your body right against your stomach and then into the ground. Grab near the top of the pole with one hand the near the bottom with the other. Now with a quick movement push down on the poles and lift yourself back up. It’s easier to do than you think.
Buying or Renting Skis
If you’re a first time skier definitely rent all your equipment until you’ve decided that you’re going to stay with the sport.
Should you decide to purchase your own skies and ski equipment specialty ski shops carry a variety of skis. They’ll be able to advise you as to what suits you best. It’s a good idea to start with shorter length skis, they’ll make it much easier and faster for you to learn on.
Make sure you have the specialty shop adjust the skis for you and, before you leave the shop make sure you’re comfortable and satisfied with the skis.
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