Ski and Snowboarding Tips

Monday, 08 December 2008 14:11

Snowboarding Tips:

• Unlike ski bindings, snowboard bindings are designed not to release when you fall. Make sure your bindings are compatible with your board and boots and the style of riding you plan to do.
• Make sure that your boots are compatible with your board and bindings, and the style of riding you plan to do.
• Riding stance: Regular-foot riders stand with their left foot forward on the board. Goofy-foot riders stand with their right foot forward. If you skateboard, surf or wakeboard, you probably already know what your stance is. If not, have someone push you lightly from behind. Whichever foot you put out first to balance yourself is probably the foot you should have in front.
• The two most important measurements of a snowboard are length and waist width. Snowboards are measured in centimeters (cm). Your board length will depend on your weight, your riding style and the type of conditions you will ride in most often. The waist width will depend on the size of your feet. The toe and heel of your boot should be flush with the edges of the snowboard. This will give you the most leverage and allow you to turn easier.
• First-time snowboarders should always take a lesson from a qualified instructor. A lesson will help you learn much faster and you probably won't be as sore the next day.

Budget Skiing and Snowboarding:

• Make your own meals and pack lunches.
• Check ahead of time to see how many people are required to get a family or group rate, though the minimum is usually anywhere from 15 to 25. Some ski resorts offer discount passes when you buy online or purchase your passes at the beginning of ski season. Tour operators also offer discount tickets with packaged deals.
• Carpool or take a shuttle bus
• Avoid high ski/snowboarding season.
• Watch for package deal discounts and free nights. Lots of ski resorts, travel companies and online travel websites offer packaged ski and snowboard holiday deals. They'll package your accommodations, flight, lift tickets and meals into one price which will often cost less than what you would pay for all of those items individually

Ski safety Tips:

• Get in shape. Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.
• The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.
• When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing and products.
• Wear sun protection. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days! 
• Always wear eye protection. Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see. 
• Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underwear (top and bottoms), which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.
• Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).
• If you’re tired, stop skiing. In this day and age of multi-passenger gondolas and high-speed chairlifts, you can get a lot more time on the slopes compared to the days of the past when guests were limited to fixed grip chairlifts.
• The all-important warm-up run prepares you mentally and physically for the day ahead

Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

• Always stay in control.
• People ahead of you have the right of way. 
• Stop in a safe place for you and others. 
• Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield. 
• Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. 
• Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails. 
• Know how to use the lifts safely.

Sources:

NSAA

Travel Yahoo!

Guide to Snowbording