Skiing the Mountains – Beginner Tips

October 20th, 2008 by Sean - NWA WorldVacations

Here are some tips from some of our expert skiers. When you head out on your ski vacation to the mountains, be sure to have some safe and hassle free fun!
The most important thing to being safe on the slopes is to have solid information from those that know the difference between a black diamond run and the bunny hill!

Tip #1: If you are flying to a ski destination and are not flying into the actual town where the resort and mountain are located, and need to drive over a mountain pass to get to the ski resort, or back to the airport, check if the roads are open. Also, make sure you leave enough time for traveling over a pass in the winter. The roads can be snowy and icy, and traffic will be moving slowly if they are open. If you can, fly directly into the ski resort town. This can save you a lot of time and frustration getting to and from the airport.

Tip #2: If you are a beginner skier, and want to see the top of the mountain but you are concerned with how to get down - don’t worry - there are plenty of ways to get down. On most mountains, there is what they call a “traverse” which is a pathway down the mountain. Find and ask the Ski Patrol for the safest pathways for you to traverse down the mountain. If you don’t feel confident in your skiing ability yet, jump on the gondola or ski lift to take you back down. It is an easy and beautiful way down the mountain. Don’t let your skiing abilities stop you from going to the top of the mountain and experiencing the natural beauty. Plus, there are sometimes a lot of fun bars and restaurants at the top!
Tip #3: Ski lessons – take at least one! Ski lessons in the mountains are really great! The instructors show you not just how to ski, but how to ski in the mountains. Lessons are for any level, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Instructors always give you great tips on what to do to improve your skiing. You don’t want to form any bad habits that are hard to break
Tip #4: When skiing the mountains, all beginners or even intermediate skiers can become afraid of the steepness, and snow depth. The first instinct is to lean back on your skis. Don’t lean back! You will get tired more quickly and can cause more accidents or injuries. The best thing to do is to make wider, longer turns and as you do this, always point your skis downhill, bend your knees and lean slightly forward, pointing your pole downhill. A ski instructor can show you the best body position in person.
Tip #5: Wear sunscreen on your face and exposed skin. The sun is extremely bright on top of the mountains and you can get sunburn very easily.
Tip #6: Dress in layers. The temperature changes during the day and will also change from the bottom and top of the mountain. So, if you are really warm at the bottom of the mountain, keep your layers because that will change as you go up the chairlift and towards the top of the mountain.
Tip #7: Wear goggles or sunglasses. The wind, snow, and sun combined can do a number on your eyes. It is best to have goggles, even if conditions don’t appear to be for goggles. In the mountains, the conditions change with elevation. Good, polarized goggles can help you see changes in snow depth and ski slope terrain.

Ski vacations can really be a blast for beginners, intermediate and skiers of all levels! If you are a beginner skier, or new to mountain skiing, I hope these tips will help you have a safe and fun ski trip to the mountains. Break a leg out there…I mean good luck and have fun!