Those who seek adventurous sports should try winter sports. The unpredictability of weather and chilling air grazing the face is enough to accelerate your heart. One of the most adventurous sports is Skiing.
Sliding down the hill on soft snow is worth the hype. Skiing is not just sliding down the hill on a ski blade, there is science involved along with techniques and tricks for a smooth experience.
Most people say skiing under the clear blue sky is the ideal setting for skiing. However, some also believe that skiing is more captivating when snowing. The lovely, ethereal setting and fluffy powder falling can make the whole experience more unreal.
You can plan your next ski vacation to Colorado which has some of the amazing ski resorts. Book your cheap flight to Colorado and enjoy an amazing skiing experience.
However, if you want to experience skiing in an untamed and wild space, you should visit the winter wonderland called Alaska. This winter paradise exhibits natural and untamed skiing spots. Book your next flight with Alaska’s flag carrier Alaska Airlines for affordable tickets and the best services.
Tips and Tricks You Should Know While Skiing in Snow
Skiing through snow is entirely different than skiing on a clear day. The environment is completely different in both experiences. Skiing on a clear day is a piece of cake for those who can ski.
However, even professionals remain skeptical about skiing while snowing because it’s highly uncertain when the slow snowfall will turn into a blizzard.
You can avoid any mishap as long as you’re properly prepared, and the fresh powder laid in front of you to zip across. You need the right gear and the perfect mindset to experience the best skiing experience.
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Prepare for a Snowy Day
One of the best ways to prepare is to gear yourself up with the correct layers. The key to a well-prepared layering includes the base layer, mid layer, and outer shell.
The base layer usually consists of thermal wear to retain body warmth from the cold outside, the mid-layer is your sweaters, pullovers, and down jackets, and lastly, the outer shell is your main skiing jacket.
It’s better to get a ski jacket with a hoodie for snowy days. Also, pack some thermal gloves and a warm beanie for a better experience.
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Watch out for Visibility
Visibility is highly important while skiing for you to navigate the terrain and avoid obstacles. A slight change in weather can drastically change the visibility on the slopes.
To compensate for the lack of visibility, you can get low-light goggles to see in the low visibility too. However, the low-light goggles are useful under limited low light. In case of severe snowfall, try skiing without them to navigate to a safe place.
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Adjust Your Skiing Technique
The skiing technique becomes different according to the weather. In snowy weather, you need to adapt your skiing technique for fresh powdered snow and low visibility.
Remember to keep skiing together more than usual to prevent yourself from diving into deep snow. Maintain balance by keeping your knees together and torso centered with your feet with your hands forward.
For smooth skiing, focus on making round turns with fluid movements. Also, maintain a moderate speed and avoid sudden movements to prevent accidental skidding on snow.
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Remember to Choose the Right Trails
It’s exciting to venture into unknown trails and discover unknown beauty but safety should be the number one priority during any adventure sport. The same goes to skiing, it’s very easy to get carried away while being absorbed in the exhilarating experience yet you must stay alert about your surroundings.
During heavy snowfall, stick to the groomed green and blue runs as much as possible. The gentler pitches and smooth curves are easier for beginners and less confident skiers.
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Carefully Choose Transport and Safety
During heavy snowfall, you need extra precautions in terms of transport and safety. Always check the weather forecast and traffic routes before starting your ski expedition. In case of a weather alert, avoid going out for skiing as the weather in mountains and hills tends to change drastically.
Equip your vehicle with emergency tools like a shovel, flashlight, food and water, and a portable battery phone. Always make sure to have good snow tires to maintain grip on slippery mountain roads.
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Wear a Balaclava or Neck Gaiter
A very underrated accessory, a balaclava or neck gaiters prevents you from getting a cold stroke. During heavy winds, your face will need protection from harsh wind.
Neck Gaiters are a versatile accessory, you can cover your face while skiing or you can cover your entire head when it’s snowing.
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Stay on the Groomers
For beginners, groomers are the best place to get accustomed to ski techniques. Groomers are particular trails created by ski resorts to make the whole experience easy and smooth.
Skiing on powder snow is a whole different experience, the soft fluffy snow will act as a protective cushion while at the same time, it’s a bit hard to control speed and direction.
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Learn to Read Ski Symbols
Going skiing without knowing the nitty-gritty of it, will only lead to confusion and mishap. There are certain symbols in skiing which you need to understand before starting skiing.
You definitely don’t want to encounter steep slopes with black diamonds as a beginner. Build up your skills and confidence on designated blue and green runs during initial learning.
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Work on Your Leg Strength
Winter sports demand to test your endurance at another level. Skiing especially demands leg strength as your whole body weight is handled by your legs. To build up your leg strength, train your calves and squads daily by doing lunges and squats.
You can also try climbing stairs to build your leg and core strength. Furthermore, increase your body flexibility by practicing yoga postures daily.
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Protect and Prepare Yourself Overall
Skiing is a very energetic sport that demands focus and sharp observation skills. On sunny days, you can ski with a few preparations like applying sunscreen to protect yourself from hard sun rays. Apply lip balm as lips tend to get extremely chapped due to cold wind.
During snowy days, don’t forget to wear warm mittens rather than gloves. Always keep a fully charged phone with you. But a very cold atmosphere can shorten your phone’s battery, so ensure to keep your phone inside your jacket in a warm place to retain battery life.
Bottom Line
Skiing or any other snow related sports require physical exertion, balance and concentration. However, the feeling of skiing through glistening snow as the cold air trickles your face is worth experiencing. Try following the above-mentioned tips to have a smooth skiing adventure.
Keep looking out for alerts and warning boards while skiing to avoid mishaps. It goes without mentioning that safety comes first, so avoid heavy snowfall that can turn into blizzards in no time. Lastly, enjoy a safe skiing experience and remember the tips for the best time of your life.