Tips to know about Skiing

[john510]

You know if you have ever started something new for the first time you know it can be a frightening experience. This is especially true in trying something that has the risk of injury involved (have you read the post about injuries !). The information here should ease your anxieties about getting started if you are just beginning skiing. If you have any tips do add them too.

1- You will need some equipment. Your equipment should be comfortable and suit your skill level. Make sure you tell the sales assistant about your skill level honestly.

2- Clothing is another option that you want to consider when going skiing. It's recommended that you dress in layers with the lowest layer having a fabric that will draw moisture away from your body. This will keep you warm and dry. Remember when you start off you will be using more energy so having layers will allow you to take layers off if you get hot.

3- Figure out when and where you plan to ski.

It can be scary when you first learn to ski but if you have the right equipment, a great place to ski, and a professional instructor you can have a great skiing experience.

Does anyone have any other tips ?

[ClaireBear]

Another thing about buying equipment is that it can be expensive, so you don't need to buy everything straight away. I would start with boots for both snowboarders and skiers (once you have pants/jacket/gloves/mask &/helmut). Then I would think about getting a board or a set of skis.

Remember if you are buying you will probably ski better, as won't need to waste as much time getting used to the equipment.

[xcountry]

My best tip would be to get some lessons right from the start. It doesn't have to be the whole day, but trying to get your friends to show you isn't the best use of your or their time (unless they are a skiing instructor). I made this mistake and my first trip to the snow was almost in vain. I could barely turn after a week on the snow, where as some of my friends who took the classes were able to do down Blue slopes no problem.

[john510]

Another good tip is to make sure that you don't go off piste alone, and find out about avalanche warnings. I know it sounds pretty common knowledge, but every year there are lots of people who get caught in avalanche every year.

In German they are called : Lawine
In French they are called : Avalanches (easy isn't it ?)
And in Italian they are called : Valanga

Also don't forget to warm up before skiing !

[Jhu]

My advice would be not to read the injuries thread - thinking about all the bad things that could happen does not exactly inspire confidence and will hold you back!!

[suzyb]

Hi guys,
New to site and also novice and should I say useless skiier (but determined to persevere!!) Quick question - does it work out cheaper to book ski gear with your package or to wait til you get to resort and do it then. Would be travelling with a family and have heard that sometimes with adults can rent kids gear free?

[kid101]

Suzyb : I booked mine online last year and it was about €30 cheaper.

[imported_admin]

We have launched a partner site on http://www.skiing.ie/discount-equipment/ with SkiSet.com where they promise to reduce your bills by 20%. Personally, I haven't used the service, but maybe it might be useful for someone.