As we twiddle our thumbs waiting for Mother Nature to deliver enough snowfall to get the ski/snowboard season going strong, there’s a handful of things you can and should be doing to be proactive and ensure your ready to hit the slopes the second they open. Some are about making sure your gear is squared away and some are about making sure your body is ready to go, but if you follow these 6 tips you’ll almost certainly be ready for opening day.
Get In Shape
It takes some work and should start at least a few months before the ski season begins, but making sure you’re training your body for the months ahead is vital to keeping you injury free and happy all season long. Ideal preseason training includes weight lifting, cardio, and mobility training, with weight training particularly focused on legs and core. If you’re looking for some exercises to get you going, this routine could be a good place to start.
Wax & Sharpen Your Skis/Snowboard
It can be tempting to push this process back as far as possible, but getting your skis or snowboards tuned up before opening day ensures that you’re as happy as can be when you hit the slopes. If you have the gear to do this at home, feel free, but I highly recommend taking you equipment into the shop at least once at the beginning of the season to make sure your bases are flat and ground, your edges are sharp as a knife, and your gear is plenty waxed.
Wash & Weatherproof Your Ski Clothing
If you haven’t taken your ski jacket and snowpants out of your ski bag since the spring, now is the time to do it. Believe it or not, your gear smells and you’ll be a lot happier if you make sure it’s clean. Plus waterproofing generally works better if the clothing isn’t covered in dirt and grime. A lot of gear will have a tag explaining how to wash, and a lot of ski/snowboard gear companies have directions on cleaning somewhere on their website.
Once your jacket, snowpants, hat, and gloves are smelling a lot better, consider re-weatherproofing as it can prolong performance on your favorite outerwear. Companies like Nikwax sell the products necessary to make sure you’re staying dry and warm all winter long.
Make Sure Your Gear Still Fits
There’s nothing worse than showing up to the mountain with a jacket that’s too small. It looks goofy and feels rather uncomfortable. Try on all of your equipment to ensure that it all still fits long before you head to the slopes, that way you can go on the hunt for any new gear with plenty of time to find some deals or order something online. Your ski boots might feel a bit more uncomfortable than you remember, but you probably just need to get your feet used to them again.
Inspect Your Helmet For Damage
Wearing a helmet is highly recommended on the mountain. If you do wear one (as recommended), make sure it still functions properly and hasn’t been damaged. Helmets should be replaced at least every 5 years, but if you notice any cracks or bumps on the inside or outside of the helmet, if the buckles and straps aren’t working properly, or if you’re having a hard time tightening/loosening the straps, it’s time for a new one.
Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter Driving
Now is the time to make sure your car, truck, or other vehicle is ready to do some winter driving. Put on your winter tires, put chains in your trunk, get your breaks checked and fluids changed, and do all that you must to make sure you’re not the one causing major traffic because you can’t drive in the snow. Also, put an emergency kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, non-perishable food, a blanket, gallon of water, a snow brush to clear snow, and anything else that will keep you safe and warm on the road.
