Skiing and Snowboarding: What You Need to Know to Hit the Slopes.
The sound of freshly fallen powder, the cold air on your face and the thrill of just being in the snow is enough to get any die-hard snowboarder or skier itching to hit the slopes. But before you set off on your winter season adventure, it pays to brush up on your knowledge to make sure you know exactly what’s involved in a great day of snowboarding or skiing. From essential gear to safety tips and technique essentials, here’s everything you need to know before taking to the snow.
The Equipment
Getting the right gear is key for a fun, safe and successful snowboarding or skiing experience. It’s important to know that snowboarding and skiing equipment can be bought as either a single purchase or in various packages. To make decisions on which individual products you buy and if you should opt for a package, inform yourself on the following:
Board or Ski: Snowboards are more parallel and less curvy, while skis are curvy and cutting. Snowboarders stand sideways on the board and use one foot at a time, while skiers stand parallel with both feet into the ski.
Boots: Snowboard boots have little lumpy bumps at the boot’s heel that let it securely lock on the board. Ski boots, on the other hand, are usually more rigid and have more advanced technology to facilitate quick turns.
Bindings: Snowboard bindings are used to keep your foot secured onto the board and are available in various sizes to fit any size of snowboarder. Ski bindings, on the other hand, work to join the boot to the ski, offer shock absorption and help to free-heel for walking.
Helmet: A helmet is an essential piece of equipment for snowboarders and skiers. Having the right helmet ensures you can proficiently enjoy your snow experience with added protection. In terms of snowboarding and skiing, look for helmets that offer head, brain, and neck coverage.
Clothing: As with any winter sport, it’s important to dress appropriately and stay warm. Think in layers – the base layer should be the first layer closest to your skin and help wick away sweat and keep you warm. Mid layers provide heat insulation while outer layers should be both waterproof and breathable.
The most important thing to remember is to buy clothing and equipment according to your level of snowboarding or skiing. Beginners should stick to lower priced items as they won’t need more advanced tech in their gear yet, while professional skiers and snowboarders will require high-end, technology-driven equipment.
The Techniques
Whether you’re a novice, intermediate or professional snowboarder, there are certain techniques you should brush up on before you hit the slopes. These will help ensure that you have an enjoyable ride, remain safe and improve your skills with every session.
Snowboarding:
To begin to learn how to snowboard, mount the board and practice controlling your balance by bending your knees and keeping your head up. Next, use your back foot and edge of the board to turn and halt. To turn, slightly press your toes towards the direction you want to turn. To stop, bring your feet together and press your heels down to create a wedge. To snowboard sideways, practice light turns by shifting your weight onto your toes. Use your back leg to balance, flex and turn. Regular practice will help you master your turns, control your speed and eventually tackle jumps.
Skiing:
The most important technique for any aspiring skier is to maintain the practice of counterbalancing. Counterbalancing entails extending the opposite hand outward when turning and positioning your skis at the ready. As you progress, you’ll find yourself requiring less counterbalancing since you’ll become more comfortable with the movements.
Next, begin to learn how to make turns. Turning is the most important technique in skiing as it will determine your speed of travel. To turn, you’ll need to put your skis across the slope, edge your ski in the new direction then apply pressure to the outside edge to make the turn. Once you’ve mastered turning, apply pressure to both legs evenly and concentrate on moving your skis down the mountain with momentum and stability.
The Safety
Safety should always be paramount when you’re snowboarding or skiing, regardless of your skill level. Beginners should always seek a ski or snowboard instructor that can guide them through the techniques and show them proper care and control over the board or skis. Here are a few other safety tips that should be followed:
Wear helmets and safety gear: This isn’t only for the pros, but for any snowboarder or skier, big or small. Wearing the right safety gear will not only protect you from serious head or bodily injury, but it’ll also help you remain agile and mobile on the slopes.
Know the limits: Snowboarding and skiing can be incredibly exhilarating, but if you’re not experienced or used to the snow-bound terrain, then it’s best to build up to higher powered slopes. Else, you risk taking on terrain you’re not ready for and could result in an injury.
Be aware of other skiers and snowboarders: Observe the conditions of the terrain and keep an eye out for others who may not be used to the mountains. Respect other users of the slopes and stay aware of those around you – this way you can help prevent any unfortunate incidents from happening.
Respect signs and warnings: The signs and warnings that may be posted at the leading ski resorts are there for a reason – pay attention to them. Allowing nature to take its course can be an enjoyable experience, but obeying these warnings can help you stay safe on the slopes.
Successfully snowboarding and skiing can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but only if you have the right gear and safety information alongside your knowledge of the correct techniques. Only with the right gear, knowledge and practice can you make sure you’re having a safe and fun time on the slopes. So now that you know what goes into skiing and snowboarding, why not get out there and hit the slopes?
“Skiing and Snowboarding: What You Need to Know to Hit the Slopes.”.