Whether you're planning to enjoy a day at the alpine mountain or skiing at the Nordic trails, there are a few steps you can take to make it more enjoyable. From keeping warm to enjoying delicious snacks, here is how to make the most out of every ski day.
First, you want to pick a place, like a ski resort, and make sure that place is open. Once you have acquired a place to ski, you will need to find the conditions and weather reports for that area. These reports will help you plan your day accordingly and dress for the weather.
Keeping warm is the most important; it's hard to have fun when you're cold.
If you're planning on downhill skiing, then a few more layers are needed. You will need to start with a base. Base layers can include, but aren’t limited to, marina wool or long johns. These layers keep warmth against your skin. Then a mid-layer is important, something in between your outer shells and your base layer. Having more than one mid-layer is not a bad idea, depending on how cold the conditions might be. Thick wool pants and fleeces are good ideas for a mid-layer. Next is your outer-layer or your shells, these are ski pants and a jacket. This outer layer will keep you dry and warmer. Gloves, a helmet, goggles, buffs and thick ski socks are all accessories that will keep you warm as well.
If downhill skiing is not what you had in mind for a ski day, then Nordic skiing is perfect for you. Keeping warm is a bit easier for Nordic than it is alpine skiing; however, it is still important to have all your layers. First, you want to start with a base layer. These can be the same base layers you wear for alpine skiing. Depending on how hard you plan on skiing, you might only want to consider wearing a base layer top and not a pair of base layer pants. For Nordic skiing, it is a bit easier to get away with less layers. However, next you want to have a pair of ski pants; ones that will keep you dry. Nordic ski pants are not like alpine ski pants, Nordic pants and thinner and give you more range of motion. A Nordic ski jacket is important, they keep the heat in and the chilly wind and snow out. Wearing gloves, buffs, socks, and headbands/hats will also help keep you warm.
In addition to dress, specific equipment is required for both types of skiing.
For alpine skiing, you will need your boots, poles and skis. Keeping equipment in working condition is important. It is important to make sure your skis are waxed, your pole straps are secure, and your boots fit well. This will help you to have an enjoyable ski day. Having equipment malfunction is never fun.
Nordic skiing has many of the same needs for equipment. Make sure your skis, boots, and poles are ready. It is important to have the right skis and boots for the technique you plan on skiing that day.
Food is important for both as well. Whatever skiing you enjoy, being fueled makes it more fun.
For alpine skiing, many people take the entire day to ski. Bringing lunch and some snacks is a good idea for energy for the entire day. Many ski lodges have food you can buy; however, this food can be expensive.
“A thirty-dollar hamburger at Stevens or listening to music on the chair lift makes skiing more enjoyable. Having hot chocolate with my friends after a long day skiing is one of the best parts of skiing,” said Breigh Ragsdale (11).
For Nordic skiing it is a bit different, many people go to enjoy it for a bit of time, like one to three hours. However, food is still important. When people Nordic ski, they use more of their body and burn energy. Having food as fuel will keep you skiing for longer. Also having food will help your body regulate body temperature.
Lastly, it's important to have fun, enjoy the snow and skiing. Bringing friends is a great way to enjoy the day.
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