9 things that every beginner in skiing should know

It's really a pity for those who are not lucky enough to experience the thrill of a winter vacation on the ski slopes! A week's skiing or snowboarding vacation in the mountains is a completely and completely special experience.

If you are lucky enough to experience your first snow adventure this winter, you may need the tips below. You will definitely thank us later!

Avoid driving at night

The mountains are beautiful, even if during the day the slopes are full of thousands of active skiers, but at night the mountain can be dangerous and difficult to access if you don't know the area well. If you go to the mountains somewhere at a high altitude, and you travel by car, take care to get there while it is still light outside, because it is not at all advisable to try to locate the cabin at night, especially if you are not the house.

In addition, if it is snowing, the difficulty factor is ten times greater... not only will the visibility be poorer, but you will have to waste time with snow chains, which are already quite difficult to mount even during the day, let alone at night, when it's snowing outside...

Also, you will need to put on the chains without gloves, and the mountains are quite a cold place, especially at night, and it will not be a very pleasant experience.

Take the right clothes with you

If you have never been to a mountain resort before, make sure you prepare for the mountain climate.
Keeping the body temperature at a moderate and satisfactory level is extremely important for comfort.

Base layers that allow the skin to breathe, made of materials with a high absorption level, are ideal. They maintain a low body temperature when it's hot outside, getting rid of sweat at the same time, and ensure a high temperature when it's cold outside. The best advice is to wear several layers of clothing. You can easily remove a layer or add it to regulate your body temperature.

A waterproof jacket is a must, whether it's just a sheet or a thermal insulating ski jacket. If your jacket absorbs moisture from the air, from the slope or from the snow, then it will make you feel wet and not at all comfortable.

If you like the clothes you have or you can't afford to buy new equipment at least for the moment, you can treat the outer layer with a type of waterproof solution or spray.

Below is the list of mandatory items that you will have to bring to the game:

1. Long socks;
2. Tights;
3. Overalls with a waist belt;
4. The base layer;
5. Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt;
6. Waterproof jacket;
7. Gloves (and maybe the inner lining if you are more sensitive to the cold);
8. Bandana to put around the neck;
9. Helmet;
10. Caciula (for lunch and relaxation on the sides);
11. Safety glasses
12. Sunglasses
13. Beach lotion

Pack your luggage strategically

Be smart about your luggage and take only what you need. Roll the clothes instead of folding them, thus saving space and ensuring at the same time that they do not wrinkle. It fills all the gaps, such as putting socks in shoes, as well as cables, chargers and anything that might need an extra layer of protection, such as sunscreen and shower gel.

It's hard to even pack for summer vacations and keep it light, but when it comes to winter luggage and all the things you need for a vacation in the mountains, smart packing is mandatory.

If you go on vacation by plane and have problems with the baggage weight limit, it is advisable to leave with your ski jacket on and fill your pockets with all kinds of heavy things you need. It's incredible how many things you can take with you if you speculate every centimeter of space. You can pass through customs without problems with toiletries placed in a plastic bag and easily accessible.

Choose the appropriate equipment

The choice of ski equipment is one of the most interesting aspects, both for beginners and for long-time skiers. The equipment you will need depends on your experience, the style of skiing you want to do and, of course, your budget. For those who often go to parties and have money, the most convenient will be to buy the equipment they need.

You can do a thorough research, and at the end get exactly what you need. Then you also know what you are working with... You will progress faster when you work with equipment you know and, in addition, you will treat it with more care.

The alternative option is renting. If you go skiing once a year, this is probably the best idea. You can easily find new equipment, if you have a budget that allows for a premium level.
Be that as it may, there is only one part of the equipment that is extremely important for skiers, namely the boots.

Apart from these, you can borrow everything! If you like it the first time you go skiing and you have decided to come back next year and then continue, consider investing in your own boots, which will fit you perfectly.

ski

If you are determined to take up skiing seriously and want to invest in your own pair of skis, there are some extremely important aspects that you should take into account.
There are many types of skis on the market, each suitable for a different style of skiing, and things you don't know or don't pay attention to can affect the performance level of the skis you choose. Below are the most popular types of skis, depending on the style of skiing they are suitable for.

Allround skis

All-round skis are the most common type of skis and are considered a reasonable option for most skiing styles. In general, they have a radius of about 16-20 meters, an average stiffness, an average width and even an average length, compared to other styles of skis. This type of ski is very good for intermediate skiers because it will perform as well in all skiing styles as the average skier. All-round skis do not excel in any style of skiing, but if you need a pair of skis that can do a decent job and with which you can test any style of skiing, this is the ideal option for you.

Skis for beginners

Beginner skis are normally shorter, lighter and more flexible. Being short and light they will move easily, while the flexibility will allow beginners to come back more easily after making a mistake. The radius of the ski (sidecut radius) can vary, but normally it is about 16 meters. Also, the edges of these skis are not too sharp, because there will be no need to cut the snow too aggressively.

Race slalom skis

Skis for slalom races are short, rigid, heavy and have a radius of approximately 12 meters. The reduced length makes them turn more easily, while the stiffness and weight allows them to enter the snow aggressively.

Freestyle skiing

Freestyle skis are intended for use in the snow park, for jumping with spins, rails and boxes, as well as for jumping over any type of obstacles. Normally, they have a large peak at both ends, so that they can be skied equally well both forward and backward.

Usually, this kind of skis are light and short, to easily execute turns and turns and are flexible, so that they are not hard when landing or when the skier makes a mistake. Their radius is generally 18 meters. Many modern freestyle skis also incorporate rocker (reverse) curves into their design.

Skis for powder

Powder skis are designed for off-piste skiing and are normally wide and long so that they have a large base area, which will allow them to float better over soft snow. They normally have a large radius, although they are not used practically on powder, and are generally flexible enough to allow the ski to bend and take shorter turns, although the flex can vary quite a bit between skis.

Many modern powder skis have rocker curves, which allow the ski to float even better in soft snow. However, there are many different types of rocker curves, and the shape of the profile will depend on the destination of the skis.

Giant slalom skis

Giant slalom skis are racing skis. They are rigid, heavy, quite long and, normally, have a radius of 20 to 30 meters. This results in a very aggressive skiing style, being intended for speeds at the upper limit of what is allowed on a part, as a result of the visibility and the available space. Most of those who have this type of skis are very serious and well trained skiers.

Downhill skis

This type of skis are intended exclusively for downhill races from competitions. Downhill skis are very long (usually over 2 meters), rigid, heavy and have a very large radius. They are designed for very large turns at very high speeds, on extremely frozen snow. You cannot practically buy downhill skis in stores, because they are intended exclusively for participants in competitions and, because the speed they reach is very high, you need a completely free part and carefully prepared to be used.

Travel insurance

It is possible that your usual travel insurance will not cover winter sports, because they are much more risky compared to a beach holiday. That is why it is advisable to contact the agency before going on vacation, to ensure that you are adequately covered, both on and off the road. In case of injury or any form of accident on the mountain, it is extremely important to have the necessary insurance.

Sunglasses and ski goggles

These are two articles of extreme importance. Simply because adapting your eyes to the snowy landscape is a difficult task, especially if it's your first time skiing. At high altitudes, you are closer to the sun, so its rays are stronger. In addition, the light is also stronger, because it reflects on the bright white surface of the snow, doubling the intensity.

It only depends on personal preferences and the weather outside if you use protective glasses or sunglasses. But keep in mind that protective glasses offer more protection against the wind and ensure a larger protected visual area. Another advantage of them is that you can change their lenses, to adapt to the conditions outside.

Sunglasses are wonderful for a lunch on the terrace and for when you go up the ski lift, because you will be able to cool down faster without goggles, but at the same time having protection for your eyes. There are many people who prefer to use sunglasses all day.

Protect your skin

Also on the idea that at high altitudes you are closer to the sun, remember that the effect of the sun's rays is stronger. Therefore, it is imperative to apply sunscreen to areas not covered by clothing, such as the face and neck. Sunburns are extremely unpleasant and can create serious health problems later in life. Sunburns that occur once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma.

Even when the sky is cloudy, UV rays penetrate through the cloud cover and can damage the skin. Don't be fooled if you don't see the sun in the sky. Moreover, do not forget that children's skin is more fragile than that of adults, and therefore they should use a cream with a higher sun protection factor and apply it more frequently.

Conserve your energy

Before going out that involves such a high level of physical activity, it is recommended to have a hearty breakfast: you can think of eggs, nuts, fruits, yogurt, vegetables... not all at once, of course. Maintaining an optimal level of energy throughout the day and preparing for movement is important, especially since no one likes to be dehydrated! Take a bottle of water and some snacks with you, which can be really lifesaving, not only for you, but also for other people in the group.

If it's not picnic time and you like to pamper yourself on vacation, you can eat throughout the day at local restaurants. If you have health problems such as diabetes, it is even more important to eat the right foods, which will ensure that the body works as well as possible.

Be in shape

If you haven't done it until now, you should think that you need to be in shape, both physically and mentally. Skiing requires a lot of energy and there are many challenges throughout the day, so preparation is essential. It is a kind of endurance test, although much more fun and very beneficial! Muscles are under a lot of pressure to perform at 100% capacity for long periods of time. If you are not prepared, your body will not work as you want and will not help you.

At the same time, skiing is an excellent exercise and will make you feel much better. If you don't have much time to prepare, adopt a shorter and more compressed training plan.

Plan your winter vacation

Take into account all the above elements when planning your winter vacation and everything should go perfectly. Whether you just want to explore and flirt a little with winter sports, or you want to get down to business, take care of all aspects and have fun! Winter vacations have a lot of real benefits!