A Beginners Guide to Snow Sports

- by Wayne Ruck (CSIA Level III, BASI Level 3)

BEFORE YOU GO

Preparation for your holiday

Skiing and boarding are physically demanding sports and the fitter you are the more you'll be able to get out of your wintersports holiday. As a beginner, fitness is of even more importance than if you can already ski or board. Sports such as cycling and running will help prepare your legs for your ski holiday.

Clothing & Equipment

When going on a ski holiday for the first time it is essential that you take appropriate clothing.You will need;

• Ski gloves; insulated and waterproof
• A waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Thermals
• Sun glasses
• Goggles
• Hat
• Scarf / Buff

Retailers;

Gear-Zone.co.uk * Snow and Rock * Field and Trek * Cotswold Outdoors

Tresspass produce snow wear which is very good value for money, particularly if you are having to buy clothing for kids too.

M&S sell very good value thermal underwear which is perfect for skiing, available in black or white.

It 's all about layers when you are in the mountains, thin, breathable layers.

For the first time skiier getting all your kit together can be expensive so check out Ebay and ask any skiing / boarding friend if they have any kit you could borrow before you splash out.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Ski, Board & Boot Hire

Unless you are flush with cash it isn't necessary to buy skis or a board for your ski holiday. Like with all sports equipment, skis change every season and unless you are prepared to change your skis every few seasons you are better off hiring.

Boot hire is available in all resorts and are usually pretty new. Boots are different to boards and skis in that the design doesn't change that much and therefore you can keep a pair of boots for much longer. As such it is a good idea to get a pair of boots once you feel that skiing or boarding is a sport for you. Remember when you are buying boots do not purchase based on colour! Finding a comfortable pair of boots is no mean feet (pardon the pun!).

With piste safety becoming more and more important it is worth considering buying or hiring a ski helmet. Like with all safety gear it is not necessarily that you will perform any dangerous stunts, it is more to protect yourself from those around. Check out www.hardheadhelmets.co.uk for more information on helmets and to buy a helmet online.

Ski School

Even the best skiiers benefit from instruction when they are on holiday. For a beginner it is crucial that you get professional tuition when you start skiing or boarding.

Don't forget, essentials to take with you on the slopes..

• Lip balm
• Sun screen
• Sun glasses
• Phone (if skiing alone)
• Goggles
• Chewing gum - if you suffer from 'popping ears' with increasing altitude

FAQs