Skiing is an enduringly popular pastime for those who prefer to be active on holiday. In the US alone, there were 10.5 million visitors to ski resorts last year as travellers embraced the chance to hit the slopes again without pandemic restrictions. If you are preparing to make tracks in some fresh powder in 2023, check out this guide on how to stay safe on your ski trip.
Improve your fitness
Before jetting off to your chosen skiing destination, take steps to improve your fitness. Hit your local gym and ask the instructors to recommend suitable exercises to help you develop your strength and stamina. Cardio is particularly important to prepare your heart and lungs for long downhill runs.
Use proper equipment
You must use proper equipment when on the slopes. Typical gear required for a skiing holiday is a warm and waterproof ski-suit, gloves and goggles, and a helmet. The latter is essential as head injury claims due to skiing accidents are common, even for those who are experienced. Beginners will be glad to know that skis and snowboards can be rented once at the resort as buying these pieces of equipment is a considerable financial investment.
Consider a class
If you are new to skiing – or perhaps a bit rusty after a few years away from the slopes – consider a class to kick off your holiday. Just a few hours of instruction can make all the difference in ensuring your safety for the duration of the trip. It will also help to make your experience more enjoyable, too, as you will have peace of mind about your capabilities, level, and technique.
Know the etiquette
Whatever your skill level for skiing and snowboarding, it is important to know and honour skiing etiquette. There are many rules and regulations on the slopes and following them is a must to ensure the safety of yourself and other travellers. These guidelines include advisories on entering and exiting the slopes, overtaking others, controlling your speed, and stopping. You must also make sure that you know what to do in the event of an emergency and how to assist others should an accident take place.
Monitor the weather
Lastly, before you head up to the top of the peak for a day of thrilling runs, be sure to check the conditions. Monitoring the weather is important as extreme conditions such as snowstorms, ice, and fog could impair your ability to stay safe on the slopes. Ski resorts usually have daily weather reports so make sure that you know where to find this information.
