At least have a first contact with an instructor, who will give you the basics and teach you what you need to know at first. If you later decide to go it alone, there is no problem, but get a base before you can avoid unnecessary risks. It's worth it.
1. Get good ski equipment
Clothing, boots and skis are usually rented at the resorts, so at this point there would be no problem, but yes, you have to pay attention to other aspects. Don't forget to bring some sunglasses (here you have a article about how important goggles are in the snow), sunscreen, thick socks, gloves and a thermal shirt.
And remember to bring a small backpack with water, something to snack on, and a cell phone with a battery in case you need to make a call or get lost (it's not easy to get lost, but it's better to be safe).
2. Know the level of the slopes
If it is your first time or you do not have much experience, pay attention to these instructions:
- Green track. It is easy and is aimed at those who are starting out in this sport. They are usually short slopes without much slope and without many obstacles, so you will be safe :)
- Blue track. Here things get fun, with medium difficulty and with some obstacles that you will find along the way, as well as more inclination. But yes, don't go to this one if you don't master the green perfectly.
- Red slope: aimed at those people who have a medium-high level in both skiing and snow. They have a high slope.
- Black track. It is a difficult track: here you will find a greater steepness, narrower paths and potholes. It is very important that you do not enter here if you do not have the level or experience to it.
- Off-piste. It involves a lot of difficulty and natural dangers, such as avalanches. For this reason, it is mandatory that if you do not have experience, you do not leave the designated tracks to practice the sport.
The main thing is that you don't leave the ski slopes if you don't have a level or know the state of the snow. They are prohibited areas and if they are, it is for a reason.
You also have to keep in mind that if you want to stop in the middle of your descent, you can never do it in the middle of the track, as it can be dangerous for both you and those who are descending.
As for the priority of the participants, the person in front of you always has it, so leave enough safety distance with him, because, if he falls, it is your responsibility to avoid colliding with him. him.
4. Learn basic things
Once you know which slope you should ski on and you've taken a class, there are certain things you can't do without. Several points come in here:
-1 How to put on and take off your skis. It seems obvious, but you need to practice and be clear about it before you start skiing. For example, in the event of a fall, it is easier to get up at first by removing one of your skis.
-2 Learn to move with skis. Walk with them first because it is a good way to familiarize yourself with the skis and at some point you may need to advance like this.
-3 Acquire good body posture. You will have to go with your knees bent and leaning forward. At first you may find it difficult to maintain this position without losing your balance, but you will have to be patient and practice.
-4 Master the braking technique. Essential. Bring the tips of the skis together and bring the heels outwards but paying special attention not to put one tip on top of the other of the ski, as this could unbalance you.
-5 Discover how to fall. You may need it at some point, especially at the beginning to avoid crashing into trees, people or any other obstacle. To do this you will have to fall to one side, preferably in an uphill direction and trying not to fall on your arms, but on your hips and shoulders.
-6 Make friends with the chairlift/ski lift. You will need it to go from one slope to another or to go up the slope you just finished descend. Always remember to remove the poles from your wrists and do not go up until the person in charge of the ski lift notifies you. Eye! Do not look out once at the top because you could fall.
5. Try not to lose control
During the descent it is likely that at some point you will have the feeling that you are going too fast or that you may not be braking correctly.
You have to be clear about two things here: learn to handle the braking technique :) and do not block yourself if you pick up some speed, because many times the fear of going so fast makes us believe that we are not going to be able to stop. And that's what keeps you from really stopping.
6. Be aware of your limits
I have already mentioned it to you in some other post, but this point is fundamental. You see, there are many people who, in order not to be left out of the group or simply because they believe they were born to practice this sport, try to go where they are not yet prepared.
This can have two consequences: generate frustration by not being able to get where you wanted to, so instead of enjoying the activity you end up having a bad day and, what can be worse, hurting yourself or others. someone.
7. Never go alone
In general, this premise can be applied to the vast majority of sports, especially for your safety. You may fall and get hurt or get lost and get lost. Going with someone will always make things easier, plus the fun will obviously be much greater.
And you, what advice do you give to get started? What security measures do you think are necessary? Tell us!
