You’re lucky enough to be hopping off for the holidays to cooler climes to enjoy a bout of summer skiing. That’s great and is a brilliant way to get away from it all, changing scenery and focusing your mind on an activity that keeps you fit, healthy, and extremely happy. However, while preparation gets easier with time, if this is your first time skiing, it can be a bit tricky knowing how to prepare and what to bring along. We will explore six tips that any beginner (and even some pros) can use to ensure they have everything ready for their tips so they can maximize their fun and remain safe.
Make A List Of All The Gear You Will Need
To truly be prepared, one must create a pre-trip list that includes all the gear, equipment, and clothing you might possibly need for your vacation. Now, this is tricky enough when it comes to a regular vacation, but when your trip includes a specific activity like skiing, you really need to be prepared and even Visit your local Sporting Goods Store to gain some inspiration of what you might be missing and what could be worthwhile investing in. You should bear in mind the changing conditions and pack accordingly, but we will cover that in the following points. When it comes to things to bring, you should at least consider the following:
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Warm clothes for layering up: It might sound obvious, but the place in which you will be skiing is likely going to be pretty cold! However, because temperatures can change fast, you should bring a range of clothing that you can use to layer with. This will allow you to keep warm when the wind kicks up but cool when your exertion is warming up your body. Layers also make it easier when entering a chalet so you can remain at a comfortable temperature in whatever environment.
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High-quality goggles: If you think that you can skimp on your goggles and buy the cheapest pair you find on Amazon (or, shudder, Wish.com), you need to think again. Your goggles need to have very high UV protection, be tinted, and include some kind of anti-fog layer that stops them from becoming foggy as your body heats up.
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Sunscreen: Being out in the snow all day can cause pretty serious burns if you’re not careful. While you are covered from head to toe, you will have a few extremities exposed to the elements, and these you need to cover with sunscreen.
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Lip balm: Cold, dry weather causes lips to crack…this is as true as the sun will rise again tomorrow. An essential lip balm with moisturizing ingredients will keep lips soft and supple so you can avoid the discomfort that dry lips cause and focus on enjoying your adventure.
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Your own helmet: Most ski resorts allow you to rent most equipment, but if you plan on doing this a lot, it could be worth investing in a high-quality helmet that fits your head perfectly.
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Some kind of Go-Pro: This option isn’t really a necessity, but it can help you to capture the best moments hands-free.
Plan Ahead For Accommodation As Skiing Is Popular
There is a very obvious ski season, and this is typically because you need the weather to be just right so that you have enough snow to be able to ski (obviously), but also so the worst of the storms have finished, but it is still cold enough that the snow doesn’t melt away too fast. This all manifests into a very narrow window of time when anyone who wants to go skiing will be booking. Consequently, it pays to book well in advance (when you might also be able to take advantage of lower costs) and ensure to contact them when your trip nears so you can confirm everything is fine and there are no double bookings that will leave you without a room for your stay.
Check Resort Rules And Regulations
As with any trip, you should double-check all of your arrangements with the resort you have booked so you can avoid any unwanted issues once you’ve arrived. You can see what their rules are in terms of gear hire and what their regulations might be concerning their different slopes. It can also be a good idea to see what other activities they have available. While you are obviously going skiing, it might be nice to have additional activities available if the weather becomes inclement or you simply wish to participate in something else.
Be Prepared For Changing Weather
You might think that the only temperatures you will experience will be cold. Well, this might be true most of the time, but you should always be prepared for the unexpected and pack accordingly. Plenty of ski locations experience a vast range of weather patterns that can often make or break the trip, so having a few different items of clothing available will smooth things out when you are unable to ski due to bad weather or to layer up when you’re out on the slopes and the mercury dips unexpectedly.
Spend Some Time Getting In Shape
If you have never skied before, or if you only participate once in a while, you should make the effort to get into shape. Skiing is an enormously active sport, and you can find yourself running out of steam far quicker than you expect if you don’t have the requisite stamina to back things up. So, get to the gym or, at the very least, get outside and build up your leg and core muscles.
Tune Up Your Skis Or Snowboard
Before hitting the slopes, it’s crucial to ensure your equipment is in excellent condition. Start by checking the bases of your skis or snowboard for any scratches or gouges that might impact performance. Use a base cleaner to remove old wax and dirt, giving you a fresh surface to work with. Next, apply a fresh coat of wax suitable for the snow conditions you’ll encounter, which will help your equipment glide smoothly. Sharpen the edges to maintain control and precision on icy patches. Don’t forget to inspect the bindings and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are secure and responsive.
Skiing is an amazingly exciting activity, but preparing for your trip can make it even more enjoyable. This means booking your accommodations, getting your gear up to snuff, and investing in anything else that might make your trip even better.
