Skiing is a fun and exciting activity for people of varying ages. However, it can be dangerous for both beginners and experts. If you are interested in learning how to ski, there are various things you may want to know. In this post, we’ll discuss the amount of time you will need to learn skiing, the dangers involved, and skiing safety tips for beginners. 

How Long Does it Take to Learn Skiing? 

One of the most common questions among new skiers is: how long will it be before I can know how to ski? Different people master things at different paces. However, it should take you at least an hour to learn how to stand, gain balance, and advance for some meters before slowly stopping.

It will be several hours before you can learn how to ski down a shallow slope and turn fast. Learning how to start skiing slowly and turning either left or right takes approximately two days while mastering parallel turns can take up to a week or two. It’s worth mentioning that acquiring robust skills and confidence to engage in mogul skiing, or jumping off-piste terrain can take many years.  

Factors that Influence Ski Learning 

If you are a sports enthusiast and a fast learner, chances are that you will master skiing within a short time. However, if you have no sports experience, it could take you some weeks before you can finally master skiing skills. Some of the things that can have an impact on your learning curve include; 

·         Age

While you can learn skiing at any age, the older you get, the longer it takes to learn. Younger people will learn how to ski easier and faster.  

·         Strength and Fitness

The more fit you are, the better and faster you can learn and master how to ski. However, unfit people can still ski but mastering the skills will take much longer.  

·         Passion and confidence

Are you passionate about skiing? Fear is understandable at the beginning. However, you need to overcome the fear, be passionate, and avoid being over-confident. This will ease and accelerate your learning process. 

·         Balance

Learning how to control and balance your feet plays a huge role in boosting your learning curve. Practice and master balance skills by engaging in other activities such as squash, ice skating, and slack lining. 

Dangers Involved in Skiing 

There are various dangers you may come across while skiing. As a beginner, being conversant with skiing safety tips is the first step to protecting yourself from harm. Here are some of the skiing dangers you should beware of. 

·         Skiing Off a Cliff

Skiing off a cliff can be life-threatening. Beginners are more susceptible to this danger due to their lack of adequate training, knowledge, and experience. However, seasoned skiers sometimes make this mistake.

Some of the skiing accidents reported between the 1980s and 1990s were a result of skiers going over the cliff. Skiers can avoid these mistakes by mastering skiing safety tips on how to avoid obstacles, mastering their stopping skills, and understanding trail markings.  

·         Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS)

Snow immersion suffocation occurs when somebody is buried under the snow. SIS is rare albeit more common than avalanches. Skiers may experience SIS by falling into a tree well which is usually hidden from view.

Often, skiers will be buried by snow barring them from escaping. As a result of pressure and lack of oxygen, skiers can suffocate within minutes. Skiers can avoid SIS by being conversant with the surroundings and avoiding barriers such as trees. Skiing with a partner and watching over each other can help reduce the risk of SIS.  

·         Avalanches

Avalanches are natural tragedies that can be triggered by various things. For instance, skiers may interrupt snow-packed snow forcing ice layers to fall. No skiing safety tips can prepare skiers for an avalanche and this makes them even more dangerous. Avalanches have been a major cause of death in the US in the past decade. Beginners can avoid avalanches by skiing on safe regulated slopes and skiing in small groups to avoid interrupting the slopes. 

·         Hypothermia

Skiers can suffer from hypothermia if they lack proper protective gear. Hypothermia occurs as a result of insufficient coverage and overexposure to excess cold weather. It often occurs when the body temperature drops below 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include; confusion and shaking.

Death may occur in severe circumstances. You need to be armed with the right skiing safety tips to avoid hypothermia. For instance, be fully prepared with the right gear which includes a thick jacket and sufficient accessories to cover every part of the body. If you are exposed to excess cold, you may want to take shelter and warm your body up.  

·         Acute Mountain Sickness (ACM)

Acute mountain sickness occurs when skiers access the highest points of the mountain. Oxygen levels decrease at high elevations and ACM can affect skiers when they are 2500m above sea level. Symptoms of ACM include; dizziness, vomiting, swelling of the body, and shortness of breath.

To avoid ACM, skiers should monitor their altitude and maintain healthy levels. Having a partner or staying in a group is recommended. That way, you can watch one another. If you notice that your partner has suffered ACM, the best thing is to descend as soon as possible.

·         Frostbite 

Frostbite also results from insufficient coverage. It often affects the toes and fingers. You can start feeling the effects of frostbite after 30 minutes of exposure to extreme cold. One of the skiing safety tips to avoid frostbite is to wear thick gloves. Always wear warm socks and avoid removing your ski boots. 

·         Broken Leg

Suffering broken legs during a skiing trip can occur when skiers lose control and fall while skiing. However, this is a rare accident and beginners can avoid it by exercising to strengthen their leg muscles. Maintaining a ski angle of approximately 45 degrees and reducing strain on the legs helps prevent broken legs.   

Skiing Safety Tips you should beware of 

Wearing a certified ski helmet is one of the skiing safety tips that you should beware of. Here are more tips. Having protective ski headgear can save you from severe head injuries should you fall while skiing.  

·         Exercise in Advance 

You need to be in good shape to have an effective skiing session. Beginners should start exercising in advance before they can start learning how to ski.  

·         Dress Accordingly 

Wear the right clothing including a helmet liner, a headband or a helmet liner. Wear layers of clothing as well. Don’t forget your mittens and gloves. Carrying an extra pair of clothing comes in handy if the first pair gets wet. 

·         Use the Right Ski Equipment 

Avoid borrowing ski equipment. Instead, opt to rent from a ski shop. Many ski resorts also have a wide range of ski equipment for you to choose from. Whether you opt to rent or buy your ski equipment, try your ski boots to ensure they fit properly.

Your bindings should also be well adjusted. You should conduct research and compare the available ski equipment brands before choosing one that meets your needs. 

·         Get Formal Instructions

As a beginner, you will need ski lessons before you can finally embark on live ski lessons. Remember, even seasoned skiers get refresher courses from time to time. 

·         Rest

If you feel tired, you may want to take a break to rest at the resort. Eat well and drink enough water before resuming your skiing session. Remember, skiing takes up lots of energy and you will need sufficient energy to ski effectively. 

·         Wear Goggles

Wear well-fitting ski goggles around your helmet. If you use eyeglasses, choose goggles that fit appropriately around your eyeglasses. You can also consider prescription goggles. 

·         Be Cautious

While skiing, you need to focus on the task at hand. Often, accidents happen when skiers get distracted and lack concentration. Both beginners and experienced skiers should avoid skiing on overly elevated ski levels. 

·         Know and Understand Your Limits

Never attempt to ski trails that exceed your skill level. Trails are well marked to help you stay within your limits. Further, maintain control of your skis and concentrate on your skiing trail. 

·         Partner with a Friend

Skiing with a friend is a good idea because both of you can watch over each other. Have a designated place where you can meet if you get separated. You may want to use walkie talkies too to connect. 

·         Stick to the Rules

Every ski resort will have skiing rules that you should abide by. Be on the lookout for the warning signs as well to be on the safe side. 

Finally

Practice these skiing safety tips to be safe on the ski trail. Remember, both beginners and experts need regular training to master and enhance their skiing skills. Novice skiers especially need ski lessons before they can participate in the activity. Identify a qualified, reliable, and experienced ski trainer. Many ski resorts have professional trainers who you can rely on to enhance your skills. Skiing is easy to learn but hard to master. However, you can advance your expertise with regular training.

Are you interested in trying skiing for the first time? If you are, you will need to prepare the right gear depending on your needs. As a beginner, investing in expensive skiing apparel may not be financially viable. Instead, you can rent ski clothing and gear from the ski resort you are visiting for a slightly cheaper cost. 

Choose Appropriate Clothing

Before you embark on skiing for the first time, you need to dress up in gear that makes you feel dry, warm, and cozy. Wearing the wrong clothing can leave you feeling horrible. Don’t just wear anything you can lay your hands on.

Choose specially designed clothing for skiing. One of the materials you want to avoid is cotton. This is because cotton hardly dries up during winter and this will leave you feeling cold and damp. Pick synthetic fabrics or wool instead to enhance your comfort. Here are tips to help you know what to wear skiing first time. 

1.      Helmet

There are numerous risks involved in skiing such as falls. Falling while skiing can be dangerous but you can counter this with the appropriate helmet. Skiing helmets are designed differently from skateboard or even bike helmets. They come with specialized features such as; temperature-sensitive elements, moisture-wicking liners, and ear coverage. Other features include;

·         Shell 

The outer layer of the helmet also known as the shell is a solid surface that safeguards the head from abrasions, knocks, and sharp objects. Further, it comes in handy to circulate impact energy across a wider fraction of the helmet in the event of a fall. 

·         Chinstrap

The chinstrap should fit well against the throat to ensure it doesn’t come off on impact. The strap needs to fit snugly as well albeit loosely enough to allow you to chew food seamlessly. Fasten the strap always before you start riding. 

·         Inner Liner

The inner liner is made from expanded polystyrene foam and is specially designed to absorb impact. In case of a hard fall, chances are high that the liner foam will get compressed. Experts recommend that helmets should be destroyed after a severe fall. 

·         Ski Helmet Fit and Sizing

Before selecting your ski helmet, you want to try it on at your nearest recreational equipment Inc. store to establish the most comfortable piece. The helmet you choose should sit correctly and comfortably on your head for ultimate protection. Measure your head to establish the correct size.

When using a tape measure, place it approximately one inch above your eyebrows and slightly above your ears. Measure the widest part of your head to find the girth of your head. Counter check your measurement against the chart on the helmet’s packaging, to establish your correct size. The right helmet should fit snugly without feeling tight.  

2.     Goggles

The air is thinner at high altitudes which means fewer ultraviolet rays are cleaned out. The reflection of the sun on the snow is bright and more powerful. Extreme winds can also cause tearing of the eyes which in turn blurs your vision.

Further, various particles can get in your eyes as you ski through the slopes. This is why ski goggles are critical for skiers. They protect your eyes from the aforementioned elements. There are various types of goggle lenses you can choose from. They include;

·         Ski Lens Shapes

Lenses can either be spherical or cylindrical. It’s worth noting that some manufacturers utilize proprietary terms to define the two shapes. 

·         Spherical Lenses

Spherical lenses curve vertically across the face and the eyes. These offers enhanced peripheral vision, less glare, and less distortion. However, they are slightly expensive. If you want a better peripheral vision, opt for a larger lens. 

·         Cylindrical Lenses

These lenses curve from the left towards right across your face and eyes. The lens surface is flat between the forehead and the nose. Cylindrical lens goggles are reasonably priced and function well. However, the flatness can reduce peripheral vision while triggering more glare. 

·         Other Lens Options 

When it comes to what to wear skiing first time, goggles play a major role. Here are additional features to consider before buying ski goggles.

·         UV protection

All ski goggles available today come with 100% UV protection FRP, UVC, UVB, and UVA. You should wear your goggles even when it’s cloudy. This is because UV rays tend to bounce from the snow. 

·         Photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses are specially designed to change their tint automatically depending on the UV density. The more the sun and UV rays, the darker the lenses become. The lenses will remain light during overcast or snowy conditions. 

·         Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are specially designed to cut down glare from the sun on water or snow.

3.      Ski Pants

Your pants should be made of a strong material capable of keeping you comfortable and dry. When shopping for ski pants, you want to compare different fabrics, styles, and features that will complement your skiing style. Here are various things you may want to consider. 

·         Waterproofing

Many of the ski pants available come with between 5,000 and 20,000mm waterproof rating. A higher number indicates the fabrics’ water-resistant level. Still, some high-quality fabrics don’t necessarily indicate specific ratings. Seam taping, that is, whether the seams are fully taped or only the essential seams are taped also affects the waterproofing.

Some ski pants come with a softshell material. While this can be stretchy and comfortable, it may not offer ultimate waterproofing as is the case with hardshell pants. The level of waterproof in your pants will depend on your skiing region. For instance, if the ski resort is warm albeit very wet, your pants should be made from a fabric with a high waterproof rating.

It should also feature fully taped seams to prevent you from soaking up all the wet snow. Remember, the higher the seams taped and the waterproof rating, the more expensive the pants will be. 

4.      Ski Socks

Ski socks should fit snugly in the foot to prevent them from bunching up and moving around. Ensure they are not overly tight too. You should have sufficient room to flex your foot and wiggle your toes while wearing them. The majority of the ski socks available in the market today are made from a synthetic blend or merino wool.

Some of them are made of a blend of the two materials. They also comprise of a slight percentage of Lycra spandex or elastane to offer flexibility and improve the fit. Synthetic and wool are similar in terms of durability and function. The type of socks you choose depends on your preferences. 

5.      Ski Jacket

When it comes to skiing jackets, determining what to wear skiing first time can be an arduous task. Here are some tips to help choose your ski jacket with minimal struggle. 

·         Waterproof Coating

The majority of ski jackets come with a thin coating to repel water and prevent it from settling or soaking in. the coating is referred to as a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment. 

·         Insulation or Shell

Padded jackets are warmer albeit less versatile compared to shell jackets. Often, the latter feature less or no insulating material. While natural down insulation is less bulky compared to synthetic padding, its thermal properties disappear when it gets wet. Synthetic insulation works better when wet but is bulkier. Compressing it to form a smaller package is also a daunting task. 

·         Breathability and Waterproofing

Breathability and waterproofing are critical factors to consider when it comes to choosing a ski jacket. The effectiveness of a ski jacket depends on the breathable or waterproof membrane in the ski jacket fabrics. As we have seen before, the waterproofing level is conveyed in numbers attributing to a water test.

28,000mm represents overly high, 20,000 is high, 10,000 is average, while 5,000 is low waterproofing. Breathability, on the other hand, is rated in grams with 20,00g or more being overly breathable and 5,000g being low. 

6.     Skiing Boots and Gloves

Choosing the right ski boot is critical. The ideal ski boot should strengthen and make you feel comfortable as you ski. Knowing the type of and level of skiing plays a huge role in helping you choose the right ski boot. For instance, a beginner can’t choose the same ski boot as an expert skier.

You also need to establish the flex of your ski boot before purchasing it. The greater the flex, the more solid the boot shall be and this will make it reactive. A softer flex will, however, offer more comfort and tolerance. You’ll also need to consider the width and size of each boot, bearing in mind that each foot is unique.

When choosing ski gloves, ensure they are water-resistant and specially designed for freezing conditions. You can either choose fingered gloves or mittens. While mittens offer less dexterity, they will keep your fingers warmer.

Finally

If you will be skiing for the first time this winter, the skiing apparel to wear during your first time skiing is a critical decision to make. This basic guide should help you get started with minimal struggle. A majority of these items are available for rent at any of your preferred ski resort in Verbier.