First Day Tips
Equipment Rental
What to wear and bring
Take a lesson
Put your boots on like a pro
Equipment Rental
Most people will need to rent boots, skis, and poles. Sometimes waterproof snow pants are also available.
Spend the extra few dollars for the cheapest shaped ski package. They will help you gain confidence faster as it will be easier to turn.
Let the boot technician measure your foot and recommend a length. You will learn faster if your feet are well connected to the ski via a boot of proper length.
On weekends and holidays, lines for rentals at resorts can take an hour. Save time and often money by renting in town the day before. Most places do not charge for the rest of the day after 3pm.
Elect the $2 damage insurance if it is early or late in the season and the snow is thin. If your friends take you on a challenging run, you may accidentally steer over some small rocks or grass.
What to wear and bring
You will not enjoy your first day if you are wet, cold, or toasted by the sun.
Layering is the best way to stay warm. A good layering system has three components: Baselayer a.k.a. long underwear, Insulation a.k.a. fleece, and Outerwear a.k.a. water/wind proof/resistant shell. As an aside, Cotton is your enemy, as it holds water better than any other fabric; do not wear jeans!
Wear a hat for insulation and a hood to block the wind. Also, a highly visible hat makes it easier for your friends to find you at the lift.
Mittens are often warmer than gloves, because, they expose less surface area to the wind.
Ski socks are required, as they are designed to wick moisture away from feet and are long enough to extend beyond the boot.
Goggles are better than sunglasses for beginners. Goggles will take the falls better and they won't fog-up or get covered in ice if it is very cold.
Suntan lotion takes 10 minutes to activate after application.
Make sure to use a waterproof/sweat-proof lotion that has UVA and UVB protection.
Remember that for every 1,000 feet that you gain in elevation above sea level,
UV intensity increases approximately by 5%. (www.gosunsmart.org)
At 9000 feet that is 45% more. Snow reflects UV, so don't forget about under
the chin, ear tips, etc. Also, don't forget about lip balm.
I have never worn a helmet, however, I plan to get one next season. This season (2001-2) I got mowed-over three times. Fortunately, only my pride has sustained damage while skiing. At the end of the day, the few blue and green runs that lead to the base become crowded. Inevitably, there is a skier or rider that is going too fast for their abilities that will bump you or cut you off. A beginner that is proceeding safely and cautiously is more likely to get hit from behind and less likely to evade someone that cuts in front.
Borrow from friends on the first trip (not boots or skis)! You can use good gear, before committing to the sport.
Take a lesson
Unless your friends are certified ski instructors, you should take a lesson! I know that group and private lessons are expensive, however, two hours of instruction from a professional on easy terrain can make all the difference between feeling good about your first day and quitting the sport. If your well-intentioned friends take you on something too steep, you will survive without injury, but, will not have fun.
Put your boots on like a pro
Putting on your boots can be a daunting task with all of those layers of clothing, buckles, straps, and switches. With the proper technique putting on your boots will be easy and your feet will thank you for it on the slopes.
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First, NOTHING should go inside the boot other than your feet, one ski sock per foot, and the built-in boot lining! Do not stuff your Baselayer or Outerwear into the boot for two reasons. One, you will hurt yourself when the boots are tight and the wrinkles sand-away at your leg. Two, being able to feel the pressure on your shin will be critical to skiing well.
Take off your hat and gloves and get comfortable, because, this is an athletic procedure. Unbuckle and un-strap the boots completely. If your boots have a ski-walk knob, turn it to ski. I like to pull the tongue forward, often resulting in the buckles slipping behind the plastic collar that is directly in front of the tongue. Pull-up the Baselayer and Outerwear to your knee. Align your socks such that there are no wrinkles. Put a boot directly under your foot and grab the tongue of the boot. While pulling the tongue forward hard, and I mean with all your might, slip your foot into the boot. Have a friend or technician pull forward for you to make it really easy. Check to make sure that there are no wrinkles in the sock. Push the tongue back down and align it with your shin; making sure that the it is under the plastic collar that may have been displaced as you pulled it forward. Make sure that the buckles are on top of the plastic collar. Kick down on your heel, hard, to make sure that your heel is all the way in the back of the boot. Always dress the boots from top to bottom. If your boot has a Velcro power strap, begin by pulling it as tight as you can. Buckle each buckle to the first notch from top to bottom; mind your fingers! Stand up and lean forward. You should feel an even pressure across your shin, your heal should be locked down to the foot-bed, your toes should press firmly into the front of the boot, and your foot should be totally immobilized within the boot. Ratchet in the buckles until this is the case or trade for a shorter boot. When the boot is tight, pull down your Baselayer and Outerwear around the cuff of the boot to keep the snow and wind out.