Quote:
Originally Posted by AFC-911
Thanks for the info guys! I will definitely take some lessons before heading up the mountain.
At this point, I'm tempted to go with skis as I don't want to spend too much time on my ass! That said, I would still like to try snowboarding...This will probably be a last minute decision as to which I'll decide to go with.
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If you decide to try skiing instead--here are some tips.
Once again--dress for the weather--water proof/repellent pants and jacket--layered with thermals of some type--a jacket with vents is best as you can easily work up a sweat during a lesson. Only one pair of (good) moisture-wicking socks--some people tend to wear 2 pair of socks--this makes your feet uniformally larger--which is not how ski boots are fit, and they also tend to make your feet sweat as they don't breath.
Good gloves, hat, and goggles(they are worth buying--even your first time out)
Make sure your ski boots fit correctly--they should be firm, but not painfully tight. You should be able to wiggle your toes--your heel should NOT slide up and down. Use the adjustment buckles and take your time--ski boot/foot pain is one of the biggest contributers to people not enjoying their first time out.
Make certain that whomever youa re renting your skiis from knows it is your first time--they should be able to provide you with the correct length skiis and poles.
Prior to your lesson--if you can--take some time to familiarize yourself with your equipment--walking on flat ground in your boots, properly carrying your skis and poles--not the cross-armed, everything is in a pile--method. Practice putting your skis on and taking them off on a level flat area .
Always check under your boots prior to clicking in for snow buildup--if there are chunks of snow stuck to your boot bottoms, you will not be fully engaged in your bindings.
You should practice walking/skating around (on the flat) with one ski in so you get a feeling of how it slides and how it makes your foot feel with the additonal length of the ski. Then do the other ski.
After that, your instructor should take you through everything else you need to know from a staright-run, to stopping, speed control, and turning right and left. If ou take a standard beginner 1-hour lesson--all of these basics should be covered.
Depending upon which resort you are visitng all of your lesson time may take place in a beginner area without getting on a lift--if this happens, stay and practice after the lesson untill you are comfortable doing everything, and when the time does come to take the lift--tell the operator that it is your first time--if it isn't a detachable chair, they will usually slow it down and help you.
Ans, once again--remember to have fun!