How to Prepare to Go Skiing

By Anthony Herman

You have a ski trip planned with your family, some friends or with a group and you're wondering what to bring and what you need to prepare for your trip. With this article, I'll explain what equipment you need, what clothing you need and some tips to make sure you're not the last one that everyone's waiting for to get ready.

If your trip is a few days out, then you have some time to possibly borrow any equipment that you need. Many people who ski or snowboard often and have their own equipment will have extra things like jackets, gloves, pants and maybe even skis or poles that you can borrow. So ask people you know that go skiing or snowboarding if they have any items that you're missing. Then be sure to return it in good, clean condition.

After checking for any available equipment from friends and family, you should see what's missing. You will also want to decide if you're going to rent any equipment.

Renting Ski Equipment

Find the website of where you're going to go ski and check out their prices for ski rentals. When you rent skis, they should give you poles and the bindings are included with the skis. Boots are usually also included since these places will often want you to use their boots with their skis. Find out if there are different rates for all day or for a partial day. If you want to ski and snowboard, some places will let you trade in one for the other part way though the day, which is a nice thing about renting.

If you don't ski too often, renting equipment is a good deal. You get equipment that's tuned and waxed and all ready for you. There might be some scratches on the equipment but it should be in good working order with the edges sharpened and so forth. You should also look for any package deals where you can get something like a lift ticket, rental and a lesson for one price.

The Ski Rental Procedure

As you go through the rental procedure, you will need to fill out paperwork, which includes a waiver. They will ask for your height, weight and skiing ability. If you don't ski often, you should say you're a level one or beginner skier. They need to know this information so that the bindings are set correctly. The bindings will release your boots from the ski if you happen to fall, so that's an important setting.

Equipment Checklist

Here's a checklist of other things that you will want to consider bringing with you:

Ski jacket - get a good ski jacket that will keep you warm and comfortable. It should keep the snow out and not restrict your movements. A hood can be useful if it snows or rains.

Ski pants - ski pants have about the same purpose of the jacket. Wearing jeans is not a wise decision. They're often too tight and because they're made of cotton, they just soak up any snow or rain. The lift chair may be wet or you may fall and the moment any snow sticks to them, it will soak in and you'll get wet, which is not comfortable. Good snow or ski pants will not let any snow soak in and are comfortable to wear. Under your ski pants you can wear a base layer or long underwear.

Skis, ski boots and poles. Again, you can borrow from someone, bring your own or rent.

Gloves - gloves are very important. Bring two pairs in case one pair gets wet.

Hat or helmet - this keeps your head warm, of course. Bring two hats in case one gets wet.

Goggles - these are more important that you may think. They're nice to have, help you see and keep the wind out of your eyes as you fly down the slopes.

Base and mid layers - dress in layers. Try to find a non-cotton layer for your base layer so that any sweat doesn't get trapped near your skin. There are a lot of good polyester and synthetic materials that keep sweat away from your body.

Other things to consider bringing:

• Facial tissue or a handkerchief
• A face mask in case it's very cold or windy
• Sun block
• Snacks like granola bars or nuts
• Walkie talkies
• A scarf
• Sunglasses

Hopefully with this list, you can better enjoy your ski trip. Plan ahead and you'll be sure to enjoy skiing since the right equipment does make a difference. Have fun!

Find out more about skiing equipment and get other tips on how to prepare to ski. Tony has some great advice about skiing and snowboarding at his website, Love to Ski and Ride. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information on Ski Equipment, see www.bestskisource.com.

How to Tune Your Ski Equipment

By Sean Raftree

A finely tuned ski or snowboard can be the difference between a great day on your favorite mountain or a nightmare of an experience trying to get to the bottom of the hill. The reason tuning your gear is so essential is how it affects the performance of your boards. There are many ways to tune equipment and many techniques. I am going to impart some basic knowledge that should help the everyday skier to have an amazing time on their equipment.

1. The first thing you are going to want do is check the base of the skis or snowboard you are riding. If it has an ashey dry look to it, then it desperately needs wax. You will need an iron, a plexi-glass scraper, and a scouring pad to buff out the surface.

2. Secondly, you are going to want to run your finger along the edge of the gear to feel for any burrs (which are nics on the edge that you can feel with your finger). You will want to smooth these out with your hand edging tools. You will need a file and a guide to accomplish this. There are two separated guides you will have to own to get this done: One is for the base edge and the second is for the side edge. These edges have to be smooth in order for the operator of the gear to effectively turn the ski. Burrs and un-smooth edges make it hard for the ski and the skier to charge down the mountain.

3. Third, you will want to do all edging work first because it messes up the finished waxed product. Always move from tip to tail when use a file and a guide on your ski. After a few passes with the file, take your scouring pad and wipe off any metal scraping that may have been left by the file.

4. While you are edging, plug in your iron so it will be hot by the time you need it. Great, now you are ready to begin waxing. Take your iron in one hand and a small piece of temperatured ski wax in the other, and apply a thin coat to the base of the ski. Use the iron to smooth out the wax and evenly apply it to the bottom. Once this is done, you have to let the wax cool and adhere to the ski or snowboard.

5. Once we have given the ski enough time to dry (about 10 min) you are ready to scrape it. You will need a plexi-glass scraper and a scouring pad to finish the job. As with the edging, you are going to scrape tip to tail. Once you have removed the globs of wax from the base, you will take your scouring pad and buff it out. Now you can bask in the glory.

6. Your skis or boards should feel smooth to the touch and appear moist. This is a great sign of a freshly tuned ski. Now that everything is waxed go enjoy how fast and smooth turning your equipment should be.

Visit http://www.skibutlers.com/heavenly-tahoe-ski-rentals or call Sean Raftree at 530.542.1490 for more information. ---------------------------------------------------- For more information and articles on Ski Equipment, see www.bestskisource.com.

Ski Boot Heaven

By Frank Stuart

Here's an article to start your ski season off early about ski bootsand how to get them fitted properly.

Of all the equipment skiing requires ski boots may be the most important. Once you own the right pair of ski boots even an old pair of skis will act totally different (better behaved). The other important issue here is that if your boots don't fit correctly you can reach a whole new level of being miserable and quickly. One last thing, if you travel, it's a lot easier to put your boots in a boot bag and haul them along than adding a pair of skis to the luggage. If you are an advanced skier (and you probably are if you're taking your boots with you :} ) it's an easy thing to rent demo skis at any area. Demo skis are advanced models and cost a little more but are worth a few extra bucks.

Back to boots... here are a few tips that might help. Ski boot shells... the actual hard shell or outer boot... only come in whole sizes. So a 91/2 is actually a 9 shell. The difference is made up in the liner and the insole. As a result you should be sure you are up as far as you can in the fit as is possible. In my boots for example, I am nearly touching the front of the boot when I stand on a flat surface. When my skis are on I am forward enough to bring my foot back off the front of the boot. Now you may not want to push your fit that far and go for the extra ½ size, just understand that the more the boot isolates lateral movement in your foot, the more it is doing it's job.

Boots made the transition from leather to plastic in the late 60"s, with Lange leading the way. As hard as it was you could break in leather but unless you are a very hard skier, you won't really break in plastic shells. What you will break in is the flow in the liner of the boot. Flow is a high density foam that usually molds to your foot pretty well. If your boot shop doesn't do it for you, take your new boots and heat them with a hairdryer... don't burn them you should be able to put your hand inside to check without burning it. When the liner is good and warm strap, 'em on and simply walk around for 15 minutes with them on. Keep moving so the flow allows for the movement of your feet. You will end up with an immediate fit that otherwise would have taken a day or so of possibly uncomfortable skiing while the warmth of your foot broke down the foam.

As a last thought, all of us walk a little bowed out or in with our stance. This is known as pronation or supination. The effect on your skiing is that the ski does not lay flat but rather rides up on it's edge which in turn can cause you all sorts of issues you don't want. Talk to your ski shop about ways to correct your stance with inserts and your skiing will improve dramatically.

Have a great season!

Click here to learn more vital strategies to keep you safe on the slopes this year http://www.ski-safely.com ------------------------------------------- For more information and articles on Skiing, see www.bestskisource.com.

Going Skiing? Picking the Clothes to Make Your Ski Day Enjoyable

By Andrew Bicknell

No matter your level of skiing experience wearing the proper ski clothing is important to your overall enjoyment. Being wet, cold, and miserable will take the fun out of what can be a very fun recreational sport. You want to stay warm and dry while being comfortable at the same time. Fortunately this is easy to do if you use the proper skiing clothes and equipment.

Let's start at the top and work our way down. Either a good hat or helmet is a definite must. You will loose more heat through the top of your head then anywhere else on your body. This is particularly true when skiing first thing in the morning. As the day where's on it may warm up enough that you can just put your hat in a pocket.

A good pair of ski goggles or sun glasses is also something that you can't go without. Protecting your eyes from the wind, blowing snow, and the intense rays of the sun reflecting off the snow is very important. Goggles will also make it easier to see the terrain which can translate into better overall skiing performance.

Next you need to keep your body warm and dry. Start with a base layer of moisture wicking fabric like silk or micro-knitted fleece. This will keep any perspiration away from your body which is key to remaining warm and comfortable. Over this base layer you can add another layer such as a lightweight fleece shirt or jacket or ski vest. This is the main insulating layer so it pays to choose it wisely.

Over your base layers you will need a ski jacket. Your ski jacket protects you against the element; wind, cold, snow, and water. Choose one that offers the option of a zip-in liner which can further help you adjust your layering needs depending on weather and temperature conditions.

Your gloves or mittens should be waterproof and fit loosely enough to allow good blood circulation to your fingers, while at the same time you need to be able to have a good grip on your ski poles.

For your legs you will want a good set of waterproof/windproof ski pants or bibs. Under this you will want an insulating layer to stay warm. Fleece pants or heavy polypropylene long underwear are both good choices. They will need to fit snuggly over your ski boots to keep the snow out but still be loose enough to give you complete freedom of movement.

For your feet a pair of ski socks is a must. They should be stretchy and conform to the shape of your foot without being overly tight. You do not want to constrict the blood flow to your toes because once they get cold they are hard to warm back up. Ski socks should also be made of wicking material to keep moisture away from your skin.

Choosing the proper ski clothes will go a long ways towards your ultimate enjoyment of your day on the slopes. Being cold and wet is no fun and can be avoided if you take the time to outfit yourself with the right kind of clothing.

There is no better choice then a North Face Womens Jacket when it comes to skiing warmth and comfort. To learn more about North Face Womens Jacket please Click Here.

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Ski Helmets

By Mark Kempster

Ski Helmets are becoming the norm for most skiers on the slopes. A few years ago the only people that had a ski helmet on were those you might have regarded as the more extreme or off-piste skiers. Now it is quite the norm to wear a helmet whilst skiing or snowboarding.

A helmet will protect your head from most falls or collisions with other skiers or obstacles. Your head and ultimately your brain are the most important parts of your body to consider protecting from an injury. Damage to your head or brain can have serious injury implications, which in some case can be terminal. Not wearing a helmet while skiing can have some serious effects on your health should you be involved in even the slightest accident and hit your head in some way. The sad death of Natasha Richardson earlier this year is a grim reminder that not wearing a helmet really can have terminal consequences. There are many factors surrounding her death including the length of time it took for her to receive treatment but one thing is for sure, and that is had she been wearing a helmet, the damage to her head and ultimately her brain may not have been so severe. Natasha Richardson is not the only high profile person to die from a head related injury on the slopes. Other well know people in recent years include Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy.

A report from the US shows that over 7,000 head injuries in a season could have been prevented if a ski helmet was worn. The resort of Aspen has made it compulsory for the 09/10 ski season for all the employees working on the snow to wear a helmet and it is widely predicted that before long it will become compulsory in some places to wear a helmet. There is now plenty of evidence to show that wearing a helmet will reduce the injury that the head may sustain in a ski accident. There is no evidence to suggest that wearing a helmet reduces your vision or impairs your hearing in any way or makes you feel off balance.

Fortunately, helmet wearing is on the increase with latest figures showing that some 48% of adults now wear a helmet whilst skiing with a higher uptake in children and the over 65 age group. The days of wearing a helmet and feeling uncool are fortunately now gone. Wearing a helmet is regarded as the sensible option and amongst younger new entrants to the sport, is regarded in many cases as the norm.

Helmets come in all shapes, sizes and colours now and are made by most of the ski hardware manufacturers along with a number of companies that have made helmets for other sports such as cycling, skateboarding and blading. The design of helmets varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but purpose of the design is to protect the head from most sorts of ski accidents. Designs have now become quite stylish, helmets come in most colours, the most popular being black. Some helmets now have a visor integrated as part of it that will come up or down as required and negate the need for goggles.

Expect to pay around £80 - £100 for a good average helmet made by someone like Uvex who have a very extensive range of ski helmets for men, women and children. If you want top of the range, expect to pay up to £400 for a designer helmet made by a designer company. Companies like Poc make a good range of helmets that sit in the middle of the price range and again, offer all shapes, sizes and colours and some now with a fancy chin / face guard.

A good quality helmet will last many years, so think of the purchase of a helmet as an investment in your safe future.

Booking cheap holidays is not easy - you need to know where to begin! Once you understand the reasons cheapholidays exists it should be easy for you to find one! --------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information and articles on Ski Equipment, see www.bestskisource.com.

Skiing For Beginners

By Sydney Garrison

Skiing can be a fun and exciting sport. But, for the beginner in can be downright frightening. Knowing what to expect before hitting the slopes is the best way to calm your fears and ensure that you have a safe and fulfilling experience.

The three things to keep in mind when starting out are the ski slopes themselves (where will you go skiing), the equipment you will need, and the instruction that you will receive. There are ski resorts throughout the country which have slopes ranging from beginner to extremely difficult. Whether you are looking to stick close to home, or to take a skiing vacation, the internet can be your best resource. First, you will need to narrow down how far you would like to travel from your home and how much money you have to spend. When planning your trip, keep in mind that skiing will engage muscles that you never knew you had. You may not want to plan a week-long vacation for your first time (unless there are other activities that you will do on your vacation). Once you have narrowed down the general area, check online (or with a travel agent) to see where the best slopes are and find out how much it will cost to ski there. You can usually get deals for multiple days and discounts if you are traveling with a large group. You can also find packages that include your equipment and instruction as well as lift passes. This is all depends on your requirements.

Your equipment is the next important issue to discuss. You are going to need certain things which you could buy, but renting is more practical for the skier just starting out. You may turn out to hate the sport (though I doubt it) so buying equipment before trying it out may not be wise. Boots, skis, poles and goggles can be rented from the ski resort or you may be able to find them cheaper at a local sporting goods store. Many of these stores do offer rentals, but you will then have to carry your gear with you. Clothing is very important as you will be in extremely cold weather while skiing. You may want to invest in a pair of snow pants or other waterproof bottoms (a great deal of your learning will be spent falling on your butt), dress in layers and make sure that you have gloves and something to protect your face from the freezing winds. You may want to wear a few layers of socks as well to keep your feet as warm as possible.

The last thing you will need to decide on is your instruction. You could teach yourself how to ski, but since you don't actually know how, that is not advisable. If you have a good (and patient) friend who is willing to teach you, this is a much cheaper option. However, keep in mind that they may not know everything there is to know, and just because they are a good skier doesn't mean they will be a good teacher. Your best option, would be to take private or class instruction at the ski resort (this will depend on your budget, though private would be ideal). A certified ski instructor will be able to teach you the skills necessary to stay safe out there and can ensure that you have the best time possible (after all, it's not much fun if you break a leg in the first fifteen minutes).

Where ever you decide to ski, have a great time, this is an experience you won't soon forget!

Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike rack store.

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Skiing in Washington State on Crystal Mountain

By Kerry Devere

There are many reasons to visit Washington State but for the winter sports enthusiast what better reason could there be than to visit the challenging ski resort of Crystal Mountain? During the winter months Crystal Mountain is ideally placed to provide snow-capped peaks of over 7,000 feet, standing proud below the towering Mount Rainier which climbs to over 14,000 feet.

The months of November to April bring several feet of fresh powder snow to Crystal Mountain, this being a reliable happening thanks to the cold Cascade storms common to this area. This factor alone makes a compelling reason to visit this first class Washington State ski area.

There are breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain. The area positively bulges with 2,300 acres of fabulous skiing and here you will find every kind of skiing you can imagine, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington.

Of particular appeal to advanced and intermediate skiers who will enjoy 87% of all runs, there are some 7 runs for beginners which amounts to a generous variety for all levels. Intermediates are best catered for with 57% of all runs and of all the runs the very longest is called Northway and stretches for 2.5 miles or 4km.

With a definite bias in the distribution of trails towards the more experienced skier, lift capacity runs at 20,000 per hour. There are 2 high speed quads, 2 high speed sixes, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs and a surface lift for children. Despite leaning towards the more experienced skier, lessons are available and it is possible to rent skis and other equipment as required. This is also useful in the event of losses and breakages.

There is a Kids Club that is open from 8am to 4pm each day for children aged four to eleven years old. They will be well looked after while the experts in the family explore the remainder of the resort and experience the thrill of skiing the black diamond runs. The Kids Club supervises skiing on the appropriate slopes for their charges and there is also snowboarding available for children aged 7 - 11 years old. Children will learn while having fun and being supervised on the slopes while the remainder of the party can enjoy the challenging terrain that this Washington ski resort offers.

For those who enjoy back country skiing, Crystal Mountain has two back country areas which can only be reached by hiking. This is extreme and unforgiving terrain and the ski patrol has specific rules for those looking to ski in these areas. Covered mainly in thick woodland, North Backcountry does have some trails which have been cut through the trees.

The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the best snow fall is experienced. There are many places to choose for lodging, meals and evening entertainment. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers and even the games room. Massages are available with a reservation. In the summer of 2004, Crystal built the Campbell Basin Lodge, a Cascade-style lodge serving pasta, pizza, soups, teriyaki, burgers, salads, Mexican food and more.

For a superb vacation skiing in Washington State this is a great place for the family. Everyone can have a great experience at Crystal Mountain, even though the slopes are more for intermediate and expert skiers. Novice skiers can have fun as well as long as careful attention is paid to the grade of slope attempted.

Kerry Devere is a great fan of holidays in the mountains and in particular thrashing the red runs. Before you plan your next ski safari, read more of her ski destination reviews.

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