Here is some basic advice you should know whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or just trying to find your courage:
General Tips:
1. You don't need a soundtrack. It's true that Hannah Teter won a Gold medal while listening to her Ipod, and it's proven to withstand the cold. But unless you're 100% confident in your abilities, we suggest keeping your ears peeled for anyone else on the slope and screams of "Tree!".
2. It's not Skiers Vs. Snowboarders anymore. No matter how much you may think or want there to be a battle royale on the slopes, forget it. While there are still strong opinions on which is more fun, it's not Bloods against Crips at ski resorts. You should be able to try out both without feeling like you're a double agent.
3. Use skilift etiquette. You may be in a gondola that sits many people or one that just sits a few. But if you're amongst strangers, remember that they probably don't want to spend their family vacation hearing about your drunken one night stand. And please, no smoking.
4. Don't be a jerk. If you're mad about your runs, or annoyed by the less skilled people on the slope, calm down. We're sorry you're having a bad day, but if it's that bad, take a break and let everyone else have a good time.
5. Rent first. Maybe you're positive you'll be doing tricks on fresh powder for the next ten years. But unless you have money to burn, rent your board and clothes for the first season. It's worth the extra money to not feel like a jackass every time you see the board collecting dust in your closet.
6. Drinking and boarding/skiing don't mix. You may need a beer to calm your nerves, but save the rest for the lodge. If you want to make sure your trip doesn't end prematurely, stay sober on the slopes.
7. Beware the sun. You may be freezing too much to think the sun poses any hazards, but make sure you have sunscreen for any exposed skin. You'll also need eyewear to shield from the reflection off the snow.
Snowboard tips:
1. Dress appropriately. We know you don't want to look like a newbie, and your clothing choices are very important. Buy or rent clothes that are bigger, comfortable, and water resistant. If you strap in with jeans and a hoodie, you're making a huge mistake.
2. Carry the board correctly. Don't embarrass yourself before you even strap in. Just hold your board under your arm like a book and watch out for other people. And whatever you do, don't drop it down the hill.
3. Learn how to fall. We can't explain all the ways to prevent serious injury, but you can't be scared to fall. If you fall forward, make fists and try to fall on your forearms. If backward, tuck your head down to prevent a concussion. And try to fall on the side of your butt instead of your tailbone.
4. Keep your board on edge. You may think staying in the center of the board is the safest position, but that's going to get you in trouble. Make sure you're either balacing on the toe edge (where your toes point) or heel edge. This is also going to help you stay upright and steer.
5. Try to Ollie. Popular with skateboarders as well, the Ollie is the easiest trick to do. Just crouch on your board, and shift your weight to you back foot (Usually, you want to keep your weight evenly distributed). Then lift the nose of your board and spring up with the back of your board. Lift your knees and try to keep the board centered underneath you as your board takes off. Then just let gravity pull you back down, and use your knees to absorb the impact.
Skiing tips:
1. Dry and clean your boots. You may be tired after a long day of skiing, but spend a few extra minutes on your boots. First make sure the soles are clean and free of anything that may prevent the boot from releasing from your bindings. Also make sure your boots are dried out to keep them warmer for your next day outing.
2. Know your pizza. Snowplowing is the best way to learn, turn, and stop. All you have to do is keep your weight balanced, bend your knees, and turn your skis inward like a slice of pizza. This will keep you from going down a hill too fast and makes for simple turns. Just tip your shoulder forward, increase the pressure slightly on your right ski, and you'll find yourself moving to the left.
3. Watch out for skier's thumb. While your ski poles are very helpful, in a fall they can overextend your thumb and sprain the ligament. While it may be unavoidable, if it happens make sure to treat it immediately with ice and compression packs.
- S. Mehling
Ski ResortsSnowZone
