04 Aug 7 Ways to Keep Away from Injury as a New Skier
Skiing is extremely enjoyable, but coming away injured from a day on the mountain is a major disaster and can potentially compromise your entire season. If you’re planning to hit the slopes soon, you might like to keep a few simple safety suggestions in mind. Men’s Fitness talked with John Guay, Director of Skier Services for Deer Valley Resort in Utah and these were his pointers:
• Feeling good when you’re on the slopes will largely depend on your general activity off the mountain. If your muscles are used to regular wear and tear, you’ll not only enjoy it so much more when you’re on the hill, you’ll also be strong and much more likely to avoid getting hurt. Additionally, being physically fit will help your body to adjust to the altitude change at the resort.
• Improve your skill level and only head to more advanced terrain once you’re ready. Even though you know what you’re doing, it isn’t a bad idea to take it easy at the beginning of the day before tackling the super technical stuff.
• Adhere to the regulations. There are guidelines posted at any resorts and sometimes on your lift ticket, too. Basic things such as when and where you should yield to others, skiing at your skill level and guidelines for merging on a run will all help to guarantee that everyone goes home safe.
• Stay alert at the lift. This one may sound funny, but if you’re not watching and attentive, you can get hurt before you ever get started, or right when you’re in the middle of an amazing powder day.
• Listen to your body. If you start to feel tired, call it a day or take time to hydrate and eat some food. When you’re tired, your performance is going to be compromised, so stop before you get hurt!
• If you start to feel tired, call it a day or take time to hydrate and eat some food. When you’re exhausted, your performance is going to be compromised, so stop before you get hurt! If you start to feel yourself going down, don’t shy away from it.
• Take pointers from a ski instructor. All resorts offer lessons to teach basic skills or help advanced skiers improve their form and technique. It’s never a bad idea to review this stuff and see the payoff in your performance.
The whole point is to ride safe and ride smart. These pointers can help you do what you love, and walk away feeling anxious to hit it again. Venturing out, breathing the fresh air, and navigating powder safely is what it’s all about!