| 1. Exercise and Stay In Shape. |
You don’t have to be an olympian or an adonis but skiing will be a more enjoyable experience if you keep in shape. Work your way up to skiing by following an exercise routine on a regular basis. |
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| 2. Use Proper Ski Equipment. |
Borrowing equipment can be risky. Skis can be too long or too short and bindings would need adjustment. Rent from a ski shop or the ski area. They will make sure your bindings are properly adjusted. When buying equipment, make sure your ski boots are fitted properly. |
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| 3. Prepare For the Weather. |
| Wear layers of clothes and wear a helmet liner, a hat, or a headband. If you’re cold you can add layers like a sweater. and if you get hot you can remove layers. Wear gloves or mittens. |
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| 4. Get Proper Instruction. |
| Often family and friends will bring new skiers out and can teach em' enough to be dangerous. Sign up for ski lessons. Even experienced skiers hone their skills, every year instructors and ski patrollers are required to take on hill refreshers. |
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| 5. Wear Goggles. |
Wear ski goggles that fit properly around your head or your helmet. If you wear eyeglasses, buy goggles that fit comfortably over your eyeglasses. |
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| 6. Ski With a Friend. |
Although the single lift line always seams to move faster, it's always safer to ski with a friend so so you can watch out for one another. If you get separated, have a meeting place and use cell phones or radios to stay in touch. |
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| 7. Take a Break. |
If you’re tired, take a break and rest for a while in the lodge. While you’re resting, make sure you eat and drink enough. Skiing burns a lot of energy! Many ski patrollers will tell you a lot of accidents will happen when it's the end of the day, and someone tries and get in a last run. It's better to quit while you’re ahead and save your energy for next time. |
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| 8. Know Your Boundaries. |
Trails are marked (Green Circle, Blue Square, Black Diamond, Double Black Diamond) as to what level skier they are appropriate for. Do not ski trails that are above your skill level. Youngsters who are in lessons often receive patches for their coats to identify to patrollers and other area management what their skill level is. If they are found to be skiing out of their level, they could have their ticket taken away. |
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| 9. Obey The Rules. |
Each ski area is different than the other. What may be acceptable at one area may not be at anther. Some ski areas allow snowboards, some don’t. Some areas allow inverted aerials, some don’t. Do not go off-trail. Obey posted trail closure and other warning signs. They are there for your safety. |
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| 10.Wear a Helmet. |
| Wearing protective headgear while skiing and boarding makes good sense. We'll get into this some more in the equipment section. |
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