Beginners Tips
Beginners Tips for Skiing
Every year around this time, homes and offices around the world are full of plasters and chilling anecdotes of ski and snowboard accidents. But by following some simple tips, it is possible to stay safe even if you ski for the first time.
- Getting ready before you go skiing:
According to Ben Farley, a ski instructor at Sainte Foy ski resort in the French Alps, “eight out of 10 people overestimate their fitness. Especially young people. The first morning, after a few hours, they are exhausted. ” This is when there is the most chance of an accident or injury. Jonathan Bell, of the Wimbledon Clinic, in London, recommends training 6 to 12 weeks before skiing, depending on the level at which you intend to ski. The idea is to acquire essential cardiovascular preparation and work strength, as well as balance and coordination.
- No alcohol
Do not consume alcoholic beverages and drink a lot of water. Dehydration is faster at 1,500 meters.
- Obey the rules for skiers:
The regulations of skiing of the International Ski Federation, which can be found on the Web www.fis-ski.com or anywhere in the ski resort. Some are common sense, such as: “a skier must behave in such a way that does not endanger or harm others,” but it is worth remembering, especially if our friends intend to encourage us to descend by a “little” black track.
- Go little by little:
Winter sports are so expensive that it is usual to feel the need to spend every minute on the tracks, but it is better to dose. The first day is recommended to ski, eat, and then rest until the next day. Or have a late breakfast and ski at noon, when there are fewer people to crash with.
- Do not leave the tracks:
Skiing among the trees can be dangerous; In case you cannot resist, it is best to hire a local guide.
- Wear a protective helmet:
In case of impact, there is more chance of surviving or being unharmed if wearing a helmet. Ski resorts generally insist that children wear masks, at least during classes. Its detractors claim that it can provide a false sense of security that encourages the user to take higher risks, but avoiding this, experts recommend its use.
- Avoid being a target for other skiers:
Those below tend to have priority over those who are behind but do not use that as an excuse to zigzag from one side of the track to the other, disorienting those who pretend to overtake us. We should not stop just under the top of a hill so that the others suddenly find us on their way. And do not cease to chat with other colleagues in the narrowest and busiest areas of the track.
- Do not trust the classification of the track:
In theory, a green descent is more comfortable than a blue one, this one is simpler than a red one and the latter, in turn, easier than a black one; but only in theory. In practice, the gradation varies from one station to another; Also, other factors such as shadow, wind, or the number of skiers can alter the classification. The best thing to do is to visit the same station several times to familiarize yourself with its tracks and see the changes they are experiencing throughout the day.