Getting into skiing as an adult can be scary, and not just because it’s an injury-prone sport. There’s a lot of style and culture that surrounds the mountains, and some people find that pretty intimidating. For those of us who’ve been participating in the sport since before we can even remember, giving the right tips to beginners can be difficult. Fortunately, Heather Balogh Rochfort of Trailblazeher has 10 beginner ski mistakes that many people fail to warn about.
10 Beginner Ski Mistakes
- Tucking base layers into the top of ski boots.
- Creates pressure points along your leg, causing much more pain than you might expect.
- Prioritizing fashion over comfort/warmth.
- Buying cute ski onesies or outfits that aren’t warm/waterproof/comfortable can quickly ruin a day on the slopes.
- Wearing ski boots that are too large.
- Don’t buy ski boots online. Head to a ski shop or rental shop and trust what the boot fitter tells you to wear.
- Choosing a boot that’s too stiff for your skill/body weight.
- Ski boot stiffness isn’t a competition. Get what’s right for your skills and size, ensuring you can actually flex into the boot.
- Skipping the helmet.
- Wear a helmet. It’s easy and prevents injuries. Remember: No Helmet, No Steeze.
- Forgetting sunscreen.
- Burns on the ski mountain can be devastating, especially with the snow reflecting UV rays. Wear sunscreen or suffer the consequences.
- Skiing in the backseat.
- Backseat skiing may feel safer when you’re beginning, but it can make staying in control very difficult. Keep your shins on the front of the boot and your hips over your feet.
- Skiing with poles too soon.
- Poles are a very important part of ski equipment and skiing technique, but they can be a distraction for some when trying to learn. This isn’t always the case, but sometimes putting down your poles for the first few days can help you figure out balance and technique.
- Wearing cotton layers.
- Cotton is great at getting wet and terrible at drying. Wear synthetic or merino wool layers to stay warm on the slopes.
- Filming yourself way too soon.
- Cameras are a distraction, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Snap some photos on the mountain throughout the day, but don’t worry about filming yourself as a beginner skier.
