A beginner’s guide to Skiiing

04 May 2017

With winter just around the corner, a ski trip is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors and improve your fitness.

Get in shape

If you want to make the most of your time on the slopes, it’s best to get your heart rate pumping before you go. The fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have. Add some new moves to your existing workout, or take up some light cardio like walking, running or cycling. Remember it’s important to chat with your GP before starting any new exercise plan.

Practise your moves

Nothing beats a professional ski instructor to get you started with the right technique from the get-go. Before you head off, consider a couple of lessons or watch some videos to get a better grasp of how to handle yourself on the snow. A professional instructor will usually be happy to rent equipment to you when you’re starting out.

Get the right gear

Once you’ve fallen in love with skiing, it’s worthwhile investing in the right gear. If you’re buying, get everything fitted by a knowledgeable salesperson. There’s nothing worse than being stuck on the slopes in ill-fitting boots. If you decide to borrow or rent, try everything on to make sure it fits right. You’ll need:

Layered clothing. Start with a good base layer (think thermals), a warm second layer, and a removable waterproof shell. These don’t have to be ski-specific.

Gloves, mittens and a scarf.

Ski pants and socks.

Ski boots.

Ski goggles.

Most people rent a helmet, poles and skis. It’s up to you.

Book a trip

Consider starting with a weekend and working your way up from there. Australia has plenty of top-notch ski resorts, and most offer lessons for beginners. Take your time learning as it’s the best way to make sure your technique is up to scratch and avoid injury later on.

BRUSH UP ON THE LINGO

Run: A route designed for skiing.

Traverse: Skiing in a zig-zag pattern down a slope to reduce speed.

Apres-Ski: What you do after a day on the slopes. Think music, dancing and drinking with friends.