 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This site is provided by Ted Amenta, Breckenridge Ski School Ski &
Snowboard Instructor,
available for private instruction upon request.
- Altitude: Several people are taken by the increase in their local altitude when the arrive in the 7,000 to 10,000 ft. main street of the ski towns of the rockies. Jet lag can add to the symptoms experienced from the less dense air. To help protect yourself from altitude sickness: DRINK LOTS OF WATER, eat carbohydrate and vitamin C rich foods, slow down your pace, and come to the mountain well rested. Caffeine, Nicotine, and Alcohol all impede adjustment to the new altitude. Alcohol especially, when you first arrive a mile or two above sea level one drink carries the punch of two.
- Equipment: Obviously your ski equipment is very important. Boots are the most important piece of equipment. If your feet hurt you won't enjoy skiing!
- Boots: If your renting boots, pay the couple extra bucks for the ones that feel good! Always try on both boots, walk around in them, etc. Start with the boot loose, then tighten over several minuets. One of the to keys boot fit is a lack of heal lift. Overall, none of the foot parts should feel like their "swimming around". Most ski shops realize that this is a service industry but some just want to crank out numbers. Don't take boots that are uncomfortable! If your buying boots, again fit is primary. Consider your skier type. The boot that works for your friend or instructor may not be the boot for you. A stiffer boot is desired for more advanced and heavier skiers while a softer boot is desired for beginner and lighter skiers. Stiffness correlates to ankle flex. Heavier and faster skiers require more support to achieve the same resistance and range of motion lighter and slower skiers achieve with a softer boot (over generalization but mostly true).
- Skis: Don't go to short. Instructors are constantly telling students to step up to a longer ski. Skis are measured in centimeters. "Never-evers" should start on 155 cm to 180 cm increasing with weight (Adults Only!, kids skis are always shorter). More advanced skiers gradually step up to longer skis with 210 cm being the ceiling for the recreational 200+ pound expert. Skis should be sharpened and waxed by someone knowledgeable and who knows the expected skiing conditions.
- Bindings: The primary safety feature!!!! Have bindings set at the beginning and middle of each season by a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL. Basically, you should be able to twist and kick out of your skis while standing still. If you can't, get 'em checked!
- Poles: Poles should be of the length that if you hold them upside-down just under the basket , with knees slightly bent and elbow pointing down, your forearm is at a slight upward angle to the flat surface your standing on.
- Helmets: More and more pros
are wearing them. The number one cause of death
on the hill is head injury. At least give your
kids a hard hat (sell it to them right and they
will love it!), because it's tough to keep kids
out of trees!
This site is provided by Ted Amenta, Breckenridge Ski School Ski &
Snowboard Instructor,
available for private instruction upon request.
