How to Really Love Your First Ski Trip |
 I'm heading out to Vail today (yes! yes!), so I've got snow sports on the brain. When I saw CNN's 5 Rookie Ski Trip Mistakes this morning, I knew I had to post it - and come up with a few suggestions of my own. If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, here are five tips from the TravelPost.com Insider to ensure a good time is had by all:
1. Rent before you go. If you're visiting a ski resort within driving distance of your home town, consider renting equipment before you leave instead of waiting to do it at the mountain. You'll usually save a decent amount on rentals, and you won't have to schlep through crowded rental lines on your first morning out. That can really kill momentum.
2. Wear a helmet. Too many people choose cute snow hats over protective helmets. When you're learning to ski or snowboard, you will fall and, trust me, it hurts. Nothing quite botches up the learning process like a nice concussion.
3. Strike a balance with your gear. Try to find a happy medium between spending boatloads of cash on fancy gear you may never use again and taking the ultra stingy route, which can leave you shivering and hating the very sports you set out to learn. Any kind of waterproof shell pants over ample long underwear will work on your first day out - no need to spend $200 on hot looking pants. But do shell out for waterproof gloves, the right socks and a pair of long underwear.
4. Pace yourself. Many first-timers think they have to go nuts on the first day. It's much, much easier to injure yourself when you start getting tired. Don't feel bad about cutting out early and heading for the lodge. You can always hit the slopes another day - unless, of course, you've got a broken wrist.
5. Be independent. Tell your hotshot pals they can take their black diamond runs and shove them. At least until you gain more skill and confidence. I can't tell you how many times I've heard a new skiier or boarder swear off a just-burgeoning relationship with snow sports after being pushed into trying a run that was just too plain scary and difficult.
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POSTED BY SYSADMIN - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007
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