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Ski Resorts: Your First Day
All begining skiers, whether young or old, have to start on the smaller hills, often known as 'bunny slopes'. Skiing basics include knowing how to walk in your skis, how to stand in your skis and how to get up after a fall. Though these skills seem easy, you'll see how foreign it can feel once you get the skis on. You'll also have to learn to find the fall line on a mountain which is the straightest way down. As you advance, you'll build your skill set with turns that allow you to maneuver, traversing for traveling across a slope and sideslipping for making use of your edges when descending. Most ski resorts offer beginner and advanced lessons.
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Workouts for Skiers
Even though most of your training will happen on the slopes, skiers can train indoors also. If the weather is too bad for the slopes or if the slopes are dry, take to the gym to continue building muscles for proper ski techniques. Skiing workouts should include lunges (*link to fitlink.com/exercise? type=free+weight&exercise=lunges) with weights for leg and arm strength(*link to fitlink.com/exercise?type=free+weight&exercise=lunges), planks (*link to fitlink.com/exercise?type=bodyweight&exercise=advanced+plank) for core stability, and back exercises (fitlink.com/exercises?type=resistance+tube&body_part=back).
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Ski Resort Style
When getting dressed for a day out on the slopes, you must remember to layer. You should put on at least three layers. The first layer should be thermal underwear, a wicking material that will keep you dry during aerobic activity. Your second layer should be a fleece or wool sweater for warmth. Ski pants and jackets are the outer layer and should be water and wind resistant. Keep in mind the temperature of the area you are skiing; if you are skiing in colder temperatures, you will want an extra insulating layer for warmth. If you're in warmer climates, you want ski clothing that is breathable and perhaps a lighter weight jacket or water-resistant shell. You should wear gloves that keep your hands warm and protected. In very cold climates, wear a glove liner for extra warmth. Wear UV protected goggles or sunglasses. The sun's reflection off the snow is very bright and can damage your eyes. Lastly, you may want to feel stylish or make a statement. The best part of ski clothing is that it can be functional and fashionable, so have fun with your choices.
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Ski Equipment 101
If you are a beginner to intermediate skier, it is not necessary to buy ski equipment. Skis and other equipment can be easily rented at almost all ski resorts. If you are interested in purchasing skiing equipment, talk to a pro in the ski shop and discuss your options with them. Ski equipment should be fitted well. Many people invest in ski boots that don't fit properly. Take your time when trying on ski boots to see if any pinching or pain arises. You can demo skis before buying them; however, some key things to keep in mind are whether the length is right and what their shape and stiffness are. Helmets are being worn by more skiers and are helping to reduce the number of head trauma incurred during ski accidents. Measure the circumference of your head before buying a ski helmet. When you try a ski helmet on, be sure it is aligned just above your eyebrows and fits snuggly.