I'm going skiing next month, do you have any tips?

Question

I've gone skiing 2 other times, and it's one of the few athletic things I was naturally good at. Do you have any tips? They can be on anything ski related, how to ward off some of the pain and stiffness the next day, how to stop better, ect.

Answer 1

I found that I did better at skiing if I have done a lot of bicycle riding in the summer before that, even a stationary bike helped. Even though you are a natural, it may help to take some lessons. Even in a group, the instructors can give you some good tips.

Answer 2

Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.

Answer 3

To get rid of teh stiffness, go to a local drug store and get an ICYHOT stick (looks like a deoterent stick). Rub this on any sore muscles, and after 15 minutes they should feel better. Also take some advil to make it lst the day.   For skiing, try some more challenging slopes, keeps the excitments there, but always stay under control. And respect other skiiers.

Answer 4

Get lessons. Especially if you haven't yet. The longer you go without lessons, the harder the bad habits you are forming now will break in the future.

Pain and stiffness are a given. Your body gets used to it over time...in the meanwhile, use a massage mat or chair, or take a hot bath after skiing. Drinking lots of water helps, especially if you are at altitude.

If you don't know how to stop, you probably didn't get lessons. Get some lessons and learn all that cool stuff!!

Answer 5

ski good or eat wood.  

that's the best advice anybody ever gave me

(applies mostly to glade skiing)

Answer 6

Well....on multi-day ski trips I try to always have a hotel or condo with a hot tub and/or sauna. A good soak or even just the heat from the sauna will loosen up the tight muscles and will help you be invigorated the next day. If I don't have a hot tub, a good long shower will also help loosen up the stiff muscles.

I eat Ibuprofin as if it was M&Ms on long days. I pop a few before I even start, wash a few more down at lunch, and then drop a few before bedtime.

Water....lots of water. People don't think they get thirsty in the winter and fail to hydrate properly. DRINK! and I don't mean Kamakazis at the bar (although a few of those don't hurt either.) I stay away from the AMP, RedBull, and Gatorade. They have a lot of sugar, but no staying power. Water or a no calorie addative (I'm now using NUUN...great stuff...Thanks for all of the freebies!) and eat something with some fat...nuts, seeds, etc..or an energy bar!

Eat a banana in the morning..or if you feel cramped up during the day.

I always have a pack at big mountains with water and a few energy bars stashed inside so I don't have to go back to the lodge, but I always have lip balm and some hard candy stashed in my pockets wherever I ski.

Technique:

If you can edge then you can do a hockey stop. Just put more weight and pressure on the uphill ski and you'll stop.

Bend your knees and put pressure on the shins. You should feel the shin pressing against the front of the boot. This helps you drive the ski better.

Stay Square: Keep your head and torso facing downhill and use your abs and lower body to turn.

Stay Balanced: Use both skis to turn. Keep your legs a bit apart, but parallel, and engage both skis when turning. This will help you CARVE!

Keep the tips up and lean back if you are getting into powder.

Clothing:

Dress in layers. NO COTTON. If you get hot and sweat the cotton stays wet and you get cold. If it gets wet from snow or rain...it stays wet and you get cold. Go with synthetics.

Have Fun!

(Apologies for the blatent plug for Nuun)

Answer 7

General conditioning of the body is vital. Jump rope, swimming, running, low impact exercises but get your lungs in great shape.  Spend overnight at altitude to lessen high altitude sickness. Ice your muscles after skiing for 20-30 minutes. Hips, legs, back and arms should be cooled down to avoid stiffness.

   Take lessons from a qualified instructor, listen and practice the basic and advanced skills necessary to the sport.  To stop or control your speed, turn your skiis more uphill.

  This is a social sport as much as a snow sport, go with a friend or several and make new ones.

  Basic skills,  Balance, rotary, edging and pressure.  Your boots should fit very tight without extreme pain, but may be  uncomfortable at first.  If your feet hurt the fit is wrong for you.

  Enjoy.