Are you going to spend the holidays on a ski trip? Will it be your first time skiing? You will definitely have a fun adventure and remarkable experience.
If this is your first-ever ski trip, there are likely numerous things running through your head before preparing for the journey. You are excited about this new adventure, however, you are likely overwhelmed and not sure what to expect.
Before you start your journey, it is important to be prepared and have everything you need for an amazing holiday. Unlike a trip to the beach, ski trips need more preparation and planning. Here are some pointers to keep in mind before going on a ski trip.
Ski Essentials Checklist
If you have your own ski essentials or are planning to purchase your own, you need to make a checklist. Creating a checklist will help you keep everything organized and ensure that you have all the ski necessities. It will also reduce your anxiety as you take control.
Some of the ski essentials, like poles and skis, can be rented at the venue. However, there are some ski items like ski clothes that need to be bought on your own. Here is a short ski essential checklist:
- Ski Goggles
You need goggles to protect your eyes from the sun and the icy winds. They will also improve your vision as they minimize glare from the snow and precipitation that may occur.
It is recommended to avoid the rented eyewear to avoid any eye infection risks like pink eye. If you’re looking to buy goggles, it is best to opt for OTG ski goggles which are great goggles for skiing with.
- Ski Helmet
Safety should always be prioritized first. You need a helmet to protect you from head injuries. Moreover, it will keep your ears warm and comfortable. A range of helmets of different sizes is available in any snow sports store.
You can also rent a helmet from the resort you are staying in. Choose one that fits your head and functions properly. Avoid renting helmets that have built-in goggles to avoid any eye diseases as mentioned above.
- Ski Jackets, Pants, and Layers
Your ski clothes include a jacket, pants, and adequate layers. They all must be well insulated to keep you warm and protect you from the harsh cold. Your jackets must be resistant to wind and water as well.
Your exterior clothes should be weatherproof so that you can be dry and snug from the fluctuating weather. For proper warmth, you should wear base layers under your jackets and pants. Make sure these inner layers are breathable and ideally woolen. Fleeces and sweaters are recommended options.
- Ski, Socks, and Gloves
Insulated socks and gloves are vital for your ski trip. Bring at least two pairs of ski socks, one for regular ski use and another for emergencies. The socks should be woolen or other insulating materials that will keep you cozy.
The gloves should be waterproof because otherwise your hands will be exposed to the snow throughout the day. Your ski mittens should allow you to get a good grip on the ski poles with ease.
- Ski Boots and Backpack
While there are rental ski boots available, it is best to bring your own. Rental boots are often uncomfortable, and it is a struggle to find the perfect fit. Make sure your boots fit just right and are not too tight.
You need your backpack to store all your necessary items like water bottles, sunscreen, first aid kits, etc. Backpacks are easier to carry than handbags and are much more functional.
- Skis, Poles, and Bindings
Owning skis and poles can be a hassle and expensive too. You can opt for rentals available at the hotel or resort. As a beginner, the rental staff can guide you properly and give you instructions. They will also help you with the secured setup of your bindings.
Get into Shape
Skiing requires high amounts of energy. If your body is not prepared or conditioned for the effects, your muscles will become sore and you won’t be able to move much the next day!
Even for sliding down a small hill repeatedly, you still need to be in shape. No specific training sessions are needed for your ski holiday. Just do regular workouts that involve cardio, core strengthening, toning, and stretching.
You can do regular physical activities like cycling and jogging to improve your endurance. Always keep in mind that skiing involves the use of almost every muscle in your body. Once you start skiing, your muscles will thank you for the “warm-up” from the routine exercises.
Ski Tune-Ups
Tune-ups involve waxing the ski blades, which are adjusted securely and according to your weight. Ensure that your rented skis are properly tuned up. If you are bringing your own ski blades, tune them up before using them.
Regardless of your boots and socks being new or not, wear them around the house before packing them. Make sure your feet are well accustomed to your ski socks and boots. The last thing you need is your morning to be ruined over malfunctioning ski gear or painful blisters.
Prevent Altitude Sickness
Your body must acclimatize to high altitudes when you go up the ski mountain. If your body does not adapt to the new surroundings, you will feel incredibly sick. Take the time for your body to get accustomed to the altitude.
Avoid going higher too fast. If you do, you will likely have headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These take a toll on your health and will also ruin your ski plans. Avoid going straight to the mountain peaks.
Gradually go up to the middle of the ski field and spend some time there. Your body will take up all the oxygen it needs and keep up with the different atmospheric pressure. If you make your way up slowly with time intervals you will be able to have a more pleasant experience.
Precautions for Your Skin
You are closer to the sun on high altitudes. This means your skin has higher exposure to the carcinogenic UV rays of the sun. Both the UVA and UVB rays can be very injurious to your skin. Besides causing skin cancer, they also accelerate skin aging.
They also cause such intense damage to your skin cells that your body cannot fix, and the aftermath is permanent. You need your skin to be protected from this harmful radiation. Hence, it is vital to wear sunscreen at all times during your ski trip. Long sleeves and pants is the surest way to protect your arms and legs.
The ideal sunscreen for a ski vacation should have at least SPF 30. Also, make sure that you use a moisturizer that has SPF in it. Your skin will become dehydrated if no cream or lotion is applied.
The cold and dry atmosphere will make your skin extremely dehydrated leading to cracked skin. Cracked skin is very painful and annoying. It also increases the risks of skin infections. Hence, it is vital to keep your skin hydrated by proper application of moisturizers.
Your lips need protection too. They are one of the most delicate areas of your body. They are more prone to being chapped and sunburned. Hence, you should always wear lip balm to keep them supple and protected. Ensure it has SPF and vitamin E. The SPF will protect it from damaging radiation, and vitamin E will help the skin maintain its structure.
Pack Snacks
The costs of typical food in mountainous areas are as high as the mountains. Generic snacks like candy bars are very expensive at skiing venues. All the typical inexpensive munchies, even chips, are sold at high prices. Moreover, there are not many grocery stores nearby.
Hence, it is better to bring your own snack stash to power through the day. Pack healthy snacks that are rich in protein and carbohydrates. Granola bars and trail mix are good options. You can also bring peanut butter squeeze packs.
However, avoid bringing liquids and perishables with you like milk and bananas. You don’t want your possessions to smell bad or be ruined by a spilled liquid.
Get Ample Rest
Your body will undergo a lot of strenuous activity during skiing so it is crucial for your body to get rest. Sleep properly after your ski trip and let your body regenerate.
Don’t forget to take a hot and cold shower before going to bed. The shower will help alleviate the stress on your muscles. If possible, get a deep tissue massage from your hotel’s spa services.
Enjoy Being on Top of the World
Plan everything and be prepared before you go to your ski holiday destination. Hit the slopes and embrace the chilly winds when you are speeding down the snowy mountains. Don’t forget to take a rest every now and then, and enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa to end the day perfectly.
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