1. Prepare your body
If you go skiing once a year does not mean that you don’t have to do anything for the rest of the year. In contrast, your muscles need to be maintained constantly to react on extreme conditions. The thighs, calves, and back are the most important ones. Swimming and running are ideal sports to prepare your body to ski in winter.
2. Train your respiration
The muscles are not enough. It is important to have a good breathing so you do not get exhausted, especially if you have chosen to go skiing on a high altitude. Running and jogging are great trainings to train your long balance. If you decide to go hiking or snowshoeing, your breathing will be even more important because there are no lifts to take you to the top.
3. Warm up yourself before you start
Start every ski day with a good warming-up. At the foot of the slopes you move your ankles and calves by doing some exercises with your toes. Squats will help warm up your thighs and some pelvis movements will warm up your back.
4. Stretch after a day of skiing
Apres-ski at the foot of the slopes is a nice activity at the end of the day. But do not forget to stretch leg muscles, back, shoulders and arms before you go eating. If you forget this it is possible that you will be sore the next day.
5. Respect the safety instructions on the slopes
A ski accident happens fast. Be careful. Always be in control of your speed and your route. You are responsible for alpine skiers. Wear gloves to prevent hand injury and a helmet against shocks. Be extra careful when you see a child because the route can be very different, it is up to you to be careful and not stand in the way. If you snowboard it is important that your board be tied to your boots to prevent your board hitting a skier in case you fall.
6. Respect the safety instructions in the lifts
You also have to be careful on the ski lifts. Let the safety barrier drop and keep it closed until the signs tell you you can remove it. Descents on altitudes are very dangerous even in the snow. Protect your poles so they do not fall on a skier and don’t swing them. Keep an eye on children who want to admire the surroundings.
7. Avoid off-piste
Do not try something you cannot do. The red and black slopes are meant for experienced skiers and are thus not for beginners. Many ski accidents happen when skiers go on slopes that are too difficult for them. Also do not go off-piste because no one knows where you are and thus cannot save you. Furthermore there could be hidden obstacles that can surprise you. Take into account that a winter insurance is not accountable on off-piste accidents!
8. Have a healthy lifestyle
Eat well so your body functions well. Don’t go on the slopes if you haven’t had a hearty breakfast, don’t skip lunch and take a snack with you in case you get tired. Hydrate well during the day and do not drink alcohol on the slopes. Many restaurants in the mountains offer great food but do not leave directly after eating, rest a bit.
9. Cover yourself well
Hypothermia can cause accidents. See to plenty of cover and wear breathable materials that don’t hold moisture. When your body is cold your muscles will not function fast. This can lead to an injury.
10. Have equipment that are in good order
Finally it is important to have well-kept equipment. If you are renting equipment the stores in the resort will offer you to try them out. If you are using your own equipment make sure they are well kept and let them be checked when you arrive at the resort.
