By Kati • 3 Comments
Skiing is so much fun. Whether it’s for fun or for exercise, there’s nothing more refreshing than hitting the slopes before relaxing with cake and drinks! It does have a rather steep learning curve before you can zoom off down those runs, though, and few people start as naturals. Here are a few of the things that you need to know, that people might not necessarily have told you.
Yes, that’s right. Those gorgeous boots that everyone spends hours choosing and picking color schemes for hurt. They feel like giant bowling balls, and they are very restrictive. There’s an excellent reasons for this: if you could move your feet and ankles easily, you’d be likely to injure yourself badly. That doesn’t mean that they’ll be a comfy walk, though. If you’re renting boots, work with the store to get the most comfortable fit possible. If you have burning or circulation pain, change your boots! If it’s cramping and you feel like you’re walking like a zombie, that’s fine. Don’t worry, though – even the hardcore skiiers will be limping with you.
Are you singing LET IT GO in your head now?! Ha. This isn’t an Elsa reference, though. You’ve spent most of your life learning how to save yourself from falling over when you slip, so it feels damn strange deliberately trying to slide around. You will get used to it – and the first thing you’ll learn is how to stop, which helps!
Yes, really. Being at a higher elevation (ie, on a mountain) means a thinner atmosphere, which means harsher UV rays. So while your lips might be turning blue, your cheeks will be turning red if you skip the suncream. Make sure you slather up every time you leave the room, and after every shower. Nothing will make your first ski trip more painful than forgetting your SPF!
Most ski resorts group learners into groups, who all learn together. While that can seem mortifying, it’s actually great fun – nobody judges, and it’s a great way to get a social life real quick. Plus, the end-of-the-week races are unmissable! If you’re really struggling, though, don’t push yourself to do things that you aren’t ready for. The instructors will be more than prepared to offer one-to-one lessons and get you up to speed, and happy.
I’m not joking here. They might look terrible, and if you don’t like hats, you probably won’t relish wearing it. It is essential, though. Whatever your ability level and whatever anyone else says, you need to protect your head. Falling over at speed and banging your head can lead to pretty severe accidents even with a helmet, and without one, your odds are severely reduced. Don’t leave your room without one.
Nobody gets off a ski lift perfectly the first time. They’re just designed like that. To ace it, put your poles in one hand, lift the bar up, shift forward, put your skis down, lean forward and push yourself with your other hand. Don’t stress if you get it wrong, though. We’ve all been there!
Skiing is fun, but it’s hard, too. After half an hour, your leg muscles will be burning. After a whole day, you’ll be desperately searching for the nearest pub, and willing to swap your ski equipment for a drink and something filling to eat. It does get easier. Stick with it!
I go skiing once a year, and it’s a holiday that I always look forward to. I literally can’t wait to get back to the mountain air! It took me a LONG TIME to ace it, though, and I’m still not that great. I love it anyway. Do you have any great skiing tips? I’d love to hear them!