First time: what you need to know if you are going to a ski resort for the first time

It's a dream come true to ride down a steep slope. But before you climb up the mountain and get on your skis, you should prepare for the trip thoroughly. So, what does a beginner skier need to know?

Equipment for skiers

Skis/snowboard, boots, poles, goggles and all related accessories can, of course, be rented already on the spot, but take into account that the prices at the resorts can hurt you. If you don't have a full outfit yet, decide before your trip what you'll take with you and what you'll rent locally.

How to choose clothes for skiing?

The most important point. It goes without saying that you need a special skiing suit, plus boots, gloves and goggles. If you've never had to stand on skis or a board before, rent a suit. This is in case you feel that skiing is not your thing.

When choosing equipment, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Water resistance — 5000 mm will be sufficient.
• Vapor permeability — not less than 5000 mm/sq.mx24h.
• The boots should fit snugly around the foot, but at the same time do not press and do not dangle. Also check that the heel does not come off the insole when you lift up on the toe. Stiffness is also important: shoes made of non-rigid plastic are suitable for beginners.
• When choosing boots, give preference to models with metal buckles: the chance that they will suffer a fall is much lower than plastic ones;
• Buy special ski socks. Their length should be higher than the boot, while making sure that they do not form folds on the leg.
• Bring waterproof trekking boots, warm gloves and a spare hat.
• Experienced skiers recommend taking mirrored goggles. Mirrored coatings can block out 10 to 50% of the light visible to the eye, and in sunny weather, that's what you need.

The tint of the lenses themselves also plays an important role when choosing a ski mask, as it has a functional and aesthetic purpose, which affects color transfer and clarity. Lenses in masks come in:

• Transparent, providing only protection from injury.
• Yellow, improving visibility, increasing contrast.
• Pink, which improves volume.
• The gold version will muffle the blueness.
• Black has excellent light output and will effectively reduce brightness.
• Green or silver will reduce the contrast of a bright sun.
• Polarized, are responsible for glare protection and will render natural colors as well as possible.
• Chameleons change the level of shading along with the brightness of the sun.
• Wearing glasses for your eyesight? There are special models for such cases.

Food: what to take with you?

Of course, you shouldn't take a month's supply of food with you, because a vacation in the mountains is also a tasting of local cuisine. But you definitely won't regret it if you take a healthy snack on the trail: chocolate, nuts and dried fruits. Don't forget tea and coffee. Your favorite drink in a thermos on the slope is a million times tastier than at home or in a cafe.

First aid kit in the mountains

When going to the mountains, take out insurance. If necessary, you will be reimbursed for doctor's services, medication and hospitalization. Of course, pack a regular first aid kit too. What medicines should I take in the mountains?

• Painkillers.
• Cream or ointment for sprains.
• Ointment with a warming effect in case of muscle "crepature".
• Band-aids and elastic bandages.
• Sunscreen for the face with high SPF (choose a special winter version).

What is the right way to ski?

Keep your legs half-bent

Many beginners straighten their legs and thus upset their balance. Keeping your knees half-bent allows you to control your skis and keep them parallel to each other (rather than crosswise or sideways). It is also safer and easier to make small jumps on the half-bent because of bumps that may be encountered unexpectedly on the piste.

Don't look down

It's going to be tempting, but you'll want to try. Ski instructors suggest looking about three meters ahead. That way you'll see people or trees ahead of time and can avoid collisions or prepare for uneven terrain. Also, looking forward will guide your body, which means you'll move where you're looking. It's like throwing a ball: you look where you want to hit it, not at the ball.

Don't be afraid to fall

Fear of falling is one of the most common and is one of the biggest obstacles to learning to ski fast. However, falling is inevitable. At first you will fall, a lot of falling. That's why it's extremely important to learn how to do it right. Try to fall sideways on your side, not forward or backward, as this can lead to dislocation. After falling, try to fix your body to prevent further sliding down.

How to ride a rope tow?

It is good when a ski resort has a chairlift. It will be enough to net, relax and hold your equipment tightly. But at many resorts more often work rope tow elevators, with which not everything is so simple.

Such elevators come in several types: anchor (popularly — "mop") and plate ("plate"). Try very hard to make friends with them.

So, in front of you is a rope tow. Don't be intimidated. See how other riders get to the starting point and try to do it again. Do not reach for the rope tow, otherwise you may lose your balance. Grab the bar only when it is a little closer than arm's length away. Prepare for the jerk. That's when a lot of people fall. If it happens to you, let go of the bar immediately, crawl away, and then get back to the start. It should work next time.

When going up on the rope tow, try not to lose your balance. Skiers need to keep their feet together with their toes pointed clearly forward. To get off the elevator, just pull the rope tow slightly with your hand, loosening the tension. Now simply release the "mop" or "plate" and release the tow at the top point.

First time at a ski resort: what do I need to know?

• When going to the slope, familiarize yourself with the piste markings. For example, the "green" slopes are the best to learn on — they are the simplest, with a gentle, wide slope, ideal for beginners. "Blue" piste — also from the number of simple, with gentle sections, although there may be bumps, but without jumps and height differences. "Red" pistes are of medium difficulty, with steep descents along the entire length or with alternating gentle and steep sections. These are more suitable for those who are confident on skis. Only pros are allowed on the "black" slopes, as these slopes have steep descents, sharp drops, and you need to be able to maneuver and make jumps.
• Do not exceed the speed limit on the slope and try to stay far enough away from others to avoid a skier who has fallen or is maneuvering.

• Do not stop on the track without an important reason. If you fall, try to move as quickly as possible to a place where you will not collide with anyone.
• When walking up or down, stay close to the edge of the trail.
• Warm up your muscles a little before riding. This will help avoid cramps and sprains.
• If possible, try not to skate with a backpack. The extra weight on your back changes your posture and you'll have a harder time keeping your balance.
• Bring a map of the ski resort with you. It will show not only the elevators and slopes, but also first aid stations.