Skiing Basics: The Importance of Clothing, Accessories, And Attitude

The prospect of going downhill at high speeds is exciting, but don’t let the adrenaline rush get to your head. If it’s your first time to go skiing, there’s a lot more you need to remember than just making sure you have the right size of skis.

To make sure your first ride down the slopes is a fun and enjoyable one, take these few reminders to heart. After all, there’s a thin line between an exciting downhill ride and a skiing adventure going downhill.

Mind the Sun: The Importance of Eye Protection

The sun is probably the last thing you’ll have to worry about when you’re skiing down the slopes. You’re surrounded by snow after all, so why worry about the heat getting to you?

Unfortunately, the rays of the sun are still strong enough to warrant proper eye protection. The glare, after all, can be very dangerous in snow, as it can reflect off the white surface directly into your eyes. Even if you’re not staring directly into the sun, you may experience glare bouncing off the snow.

To avoid this solar distraction, it’s important to wear appropriate eyewear. The ideal ski goggles should be of a manageable size and not as obstructive, so you can still see where you are going clearly. Thankfully, most ski goggles have a standard tint  designed to block out the potentially dangerous rays of the sun.

Speaking of the sun, you may want to lather some sunscreen before you go out skiing, especially around your face and neck. As mentioned earlier, the sun is still potent enough that it can cause considerable damage to your eyesight and your skin. Make sure you dress for the cold and put some sunscreen on your exposed parts.

Flexibility Exercises

Apart from making sure you have the right equipment for your ride down the slopes, you should also prepare yourself physically. Skiing is a demanding activity that can be a shock for first timers simply due to how tough it is on the body. Before you go out skiing, make sure you do some stretches and flexibility exercises to decrease the risk of injury.

Attitude is the last thing on your list, and is arguably the most important. No matter how well-trained you are, you need to respect both the mountain and your skills. Never overestimate your abilities, and since this will be your first time, ski “defensively.”  Also, be open to recommendations from your skiing peers. Just because you were successful down your first slope doesn’t mean you’re already an expert. Even those who have a natural talent for skiing perform better when they listen.

At American Ski Exchange, we’ll help you choose the right skis and provide you with the right accessories and equipment to ensure a safe ride down the slopes. Whether it’s your first time skiing or your third, we’re always ready to lend a helping hand.