|
|
|
back to resources...
|
|
check out more activities around the world...
|
Alpine Skiing, also known as downhill skiing, is a popular sport involving sliding down snow-covered terrain with skis attached to each foot.
Destinations
Skiing is a major travelling activity with many enthusiasts,
occasionally known as "ski bums," planning entire vacations around
skiing at a particular location. Sometimes nearby resorts that can be
skied with the same ticket are grouped together.
Learn
Virtually all ski resorts have a ski school where you can sign up
for lessons. It's recommended that you learn to ski at a smaller,
cheaper mountain nearer to your location before going off to a major
ski resort so you won't have to pay a large fee to just use the bunny
hill (which would be the same more or less anywhere).
Do
There are many types of skiing within alpine skiing, from contests
to downhill (going straight without turns) to moguls (going around the
bumps). Cross country skiing is usually also available. Nowadays most
resorts allow snowboarders as well, but if you plan to do so double
check beforehand.
Most resorts also offer a variety of other activities such as
horseback-riding and ice skating. There are also usually great stores
for shopping and wonderful restaurants in the area that are worth
looking into after a day of hitting the slopes.
Ski resort areas are also frequented during the summer months
because of their numerous hiking, mountain bicycling, etc
opportunities.
Buy
Any serious skier has their own equipment, which consists of the following:
- Skis with binding
- Poles
- Ski boots
If you're not certain of if skiing is right for you or you're
travelling a great distance, consider renting your equipment (which
should be very easy to do at the resort area). Also consider renting
equipment, particularly ski boots, for small children because they will
continue to grow and need to change sizes.
Regardless of if you buy or rent your ski equipment, because of
the typically cold conditions, cold outdoor equipment (such as heavy
jacket, hat, mittens, etc) are a must! Also invest in a good pair of
snow pants as you only need to fall once in order to be wet and
miserable for the rest of the day should you not have them. Ski goggles
and/ or sunglasses are also highly recommended to keep your eyes safe
from the glare off the snow.
Stay safe
Skiing takes place in some of the most treacherous terrain in the world under very cold conditions. Be sure you are properly protected against the cold
so you will not suffer from frostbite or hypothermia. When you are
skiing you will be exposed to the elements all day and need to act
accordingly. If you feel particularly cold, particularly if you begin
to shiver, call it a day and head indoors to warm up.
When the sun comes out, the reflection from the snow around you can cause serious problems as well! Be sure to wear snow goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from snowblindness and wear sunscreen
to protect yourself from sunburn. Snow can reflect more than 50% of the
light that hits it, so wear sunscreen even if it's cloudy outside!
You'll thank yourself later.
Ski terrain can often be very dangerous and can lead to hazards that can potentially injure or kill a careless skier. Do not ski any terrain that is above your skill level
and pay attention to all signs and Ski Patrol instructions. Also heed
avalanche warning signs and avoid areas where avalanche buildup can
occur. Also always ski in a group or let someone know where you are.
If you injure yourself on patrolled terrain, ask a fellow skier
to fetch the resort's ski patrol for you. Lift operators can help
contact them. Mark the location of an injured person by planting skis
or snowboards in an upright cross just uphill.
Major skiing destinations include:
Australasia
See also winter sports in Australia
Information here (unless otherwise specified) are licenced
under a Creative
Commons Licence.
|
|
|
|
