Preparing for A Ski Trip

It is possible to go on a spur of the moment ski trip. Many people have done it in the past, and many people will do it in the future. There are slopes located close enough to larger cities so reservations are not necessary. Most ski slopes have rental facilities where you can rent everything you need. Most people own some warm clothes. So, is there any reason why you have to do anything to prepare in advance?

Well, yes, there is. If you visualize your ski vacation as a time for enjoyment and adventure, and not a gamble with you health and well being, you are wise to do some preparation in advance. Skiing is a very demanding physical sport. It is often going to be your physical fitness that determines how easy it is to learn and master the more advanced techniques. The real thrill of skiing does not take place on the beginner slopes and to move beyond them requires fitness. Most personal trainers say that you need a minimum of six weeks to prepare yourself properly for the slopes. Three months is even better. A beginning skier who is not involved in regular daily physical activity should take 16-20 months to get ready.

The most important exercises are ones that target flexibility. This would include a great deal of stretching. Exercises that improve balance and coordination are also very helpful. Down hill or Alpine skiing is a sport that requires a great deal of balance. Lifting exercises should focus on the quadriceps and hamstrings. Both of these muscle groups influence the knee, and knee injuries are very common in skiing. It has been proven that the majority of injuries suffered by beginning skiers are the result of muscle tension and fear during a spill. Physical fitness prevents these injuries simply because the fit and prepared person is more likely to be laughing and relaxed during a fall.

When it comes to equipment, there are a couple of approaches for the beginner. A skier needs skis, boots, bindings, poles, and proper clothing. The proper clothing should be purchased in advance. Ski parkas and ski pants are made with waterproof and lightweight material that is well insulated. Ski gloves are also heavily insulated and made for gripping of the pole. Such accessories as thermal underwear and insulated socks complete the package. This clothing should be purchased in advance, and should be carefully purchased to insure proper fit.

The actual skiing equipment is a different matter. It can be purchased in advance, too. It is thought by some though that it is better to go with the rental equipment when just beginning. Skis are very specialized. Certain models favor certain styles, and good skis are a serious investment. After the first trip or two, the novice skier will have a better idea of what his own style and level of skill is going to be and the right skis can be purchased based on that. If you wish to go ahead and purchase them in advance, you are running the risk of coming down the slopes on very expensive skis totally unsuited for you. Also, the boots, bindings, and skis all work together. The only item of that trio that should be purchased in advance are the boots, although boots will be available for rental as well.

Millions of people ski yearly all over the World and they do it safely and without injury. Yet, skiing is a sport that has a certain amount of hazard. The most common injuries are sprained ankles, and twisted knees, although broken bones are not uncommon. One of the bad things about a ski injury is that it often takes place far from home. It might even be in a foreign country. A very wise precaution in preparing for a ski trip is to purchase some ski insurance. Ski insurance is designed to give full coverage and provide service and assistance in case of an accident while skiing, snowboarding, or engaging in other related winter activities. The policies can be purchased for a time frame of one week to cover that one time vacation, or can be purchased on a seasonal basis to cover the serious skier who plans to get out to the slopes as often as possible.

Ski insurance is like all forms of insurance. You are happy when you find out you did not need it, and very thankful should you actually have to use it. With the proper preparation and conditioning and with proper equipment, skiing should be safe and a lot of fun. Being prepared in all ways will make this even more likely.