Can I ski on a budget?
Yes! Even if you're not a "professional budget skier"--i.e., a ski bum--you can save hundreds of dollars by shopping smart and skiing off-peak periods. Purchase winter clothing that's versatile enough for other uses, and choose functional garments that stay in fashion. For the best deals on new gear, shop during the late spring; for used equipment visit ski swaps usually held in the late fall. (Be wary: outdated ski bindings are no bargain; most shops won't touch them. If you're not sure what to look for, take an experienced friend along.) Last year's demo skis--high-quality, well-maintained demonstration models--are often sold with bindings for a song at the end of the season. Demos go fast, so inquire before the snow starts to melt. Discount lift tickets are hard to come by on your own, but ask your favorite ski area or travel agent about off-peak and group discounts on lifts and accommodations. Don't neglect smaller ski areas, especially local ones, which often provide great skiing on uncrowded slopes at modest prices. Join a ski club near your home! Ski clubs offer social activities, group accommodation and lift rates, transportation, and advice. If you're adventurous, consider a youth hostel or dorm accommodations. And check the Family Travel Network for great ski packages coming soon!
How do I continue improving my skiing?
The key to safe and consistent improvement is to keep your technique ahead of your terrain experience. In other words, practice and perfect new skills and maneuvers before venturing onto more challenging slopes or carrying higher speeds. Nothing is more dangerous or disheartening than blundering into conditions too difficult for your ability; and nothing is more exhilarating than attaining mastery over a new situation because you developed the needed skills first. Whether you're practicing a new move or just motoring around the mountain, strive for perfect balance over your skis. And always think safety.
How safe is skiing?
Skiers report about 2-3 injuries per thousand skier visits. Most involve thumb or knee sprains. This picture sharply contrasts with a few decades ago, when more primitive equipment and a lack of safety features made broken legs in plaster casts a familiar sight at ski resorts. Despite the downward trend, present-day injury statistics don't tell the whole story. It's unlikely that all injured skiers report their injuries to mountain clinics, where injury statistics are gathered. Alarmingly, although the overall injury trend is down, the incidence of very serious trauma (e.g., paraplegia, quadraplegia and, rarely, death) constitutes an increasing percentage of total injuries. Higher speeds and risk-taking that characterize modern skiing. (A word to the wise: attempts at "extreme skiing" by any but the most skilled, experienced and daring skiers is extremely foolish.) This underscores the most serious shortcoming of present-day injury statistics, for they fail to control or account for such variables as skier ability and judgment, terrain and conditions (including snow, weather and crowds). In the last analysis, skiing is probably like most other activities: it's as safe as you make it.
What can I do to minimize the risk of injury?
First, learn and follow the Skier's Responsibility Code. Second, use modern equipment and have it regularly checked and adjusted by a properly trained technician. Third, never push yourself (or allow yourself to be pressured) into taking risks inappropriate for your ability or temperament, and don't ski when you're tired, ill, injured or otherwise impaired. Fourth, quit early. Don't brave storms or crowds when prudence dictates otherwise. Enjoy an apres-ski drink instead; you'll be fresher tomorrow. Finally, take a lesson. There is some evidence that good technique can minimize common ski injuries such as knee sprains, which are probably the most common serious injury. A good instructor can point you in the right direction as well as remind you about on-slope safety and courtesy. Above all, use common sense and always put safety first.
When is the best time of the season to take my ski vacation?
Mountain weather predictions--especially long-range ones--are notoriously imprecise. Experienced winter sports enthusiasts know that snow conditions can vary wildly from winter to winter and even day to day. The best advice is twofold: maximize your ski time by skiing during off-peak times (i.e., midweek and non-holiday periods), arrive equipped for all possible weather conditions, and pray for snow.
Is skiing physically demanding?
Traditional wisdom had it that alpine skiing utilizes relatively low amounts of energy compared with other popular sports such as running, cycling and cross-country skiing. No more. Modern studies have shown that high-level skiing can be one of the most physically demanding sports. Aggressive techniques, such as quick turns through the bumps, place high demands on both strength and aerobic capacity. One more reason to get in shape!
Should I rent equipment locally or at my destination?
Although it's often a couple of dollars a day more, you're better off renting skis, boots and poles at your ski destination than near home. Not only will you save the hassle of lugging equipment around airports or cars, but you'll be able to quickly resolve any fit or function issues that arise. Keep in mind that many shops won't work on outdated equipment; if your rentals from home are malfunctioning or the least bit out of the ordinary, technicians may not touch them due to liability concerns. Having the shop that rented your equipment close at hand amounts to cheap vacation insurance. Caveat: never attempt to repair or adjust your bindings yourself! Doing so may cause injury.
What should I wear skiing?
Experienced skiers prefer layering for maximum warmth and versatility. Start with propylene (or a similar synthetic) long underwear, or silk if you don't mind paying more for its elegant feel. Avoid cotton next to the skin--it absorbs perspiration and will make you feel clammy and cold. Traditional wool underwear still works well, but is hard to find these days and not very comfortable. Next, add one or more insulating layers of wool or synthetic fleece; in very cold weather (below about zero degrees Fahrenheit), consider adding a goose down layer or a synthetic substitute with similar heat-trapping loft. Top off with an outer layer of water or wind resistant fabric (e.g., Gore-Tex), as appropriate for conditions. The traditional ski parka will keep you warm but isn't very versatile. Stretch pants are also OK unless it's stormy or very cold. (And they look so good, who can resist?) On the feet, one pair of thin or medium weight wool or synthetic socks provide adequate warmth without compromising boot fit. (Two tips: if your feet get wet from sweat, try rubbing some antiperspirant in before you put on your socks. If boot-top pain is a problem, make sure your socks and long underwear overlap above the top of the boot, so that wrinkles won't get pressed into your ankles and shins.) Choose gloves one size too large so you can add liners if needed; look for leather palms and a long gauntlet to keep out the cold around your wrists. On stormy days, good goggles and a warm hat that covers the ears are essential, and an extra pair of eyewear and glove liners are good insurance. Masks that trap moisture from your breath and allow it to freeze next to the skin are usually counter-productive; get a neck gaiter instead. Always avoid scarves and all clothing with dangling or loose pieces, which can cause serious injury if caught up by passing skiers, lift machinery or other stationary objects. And wear plenty of sunscreen and quality eyewear, even when it's overcast; burning rays that cause cancer and cataracts can penetrate cloud cover.
How should I dress my kids?
Use the same good sense when dressing your children as you do dressing yourself: put on multiple thin or medium layers rather than one or two heavy garments. It's warmer, more versatile and often cheaper. Details matter: don't skimp on good quality, properly fitting gloves, hats, eye protection and sunscreen--they're as important for your kids as for you.
Can I carry my toddler on my back while skiing?
Toting young ones in backpacks was a familiar sight a few years ago, and brought both praise (quality time with the kids) and criticism (the risk of falling was labeled child abuse by some). Controversy aside, there appears to be no evidence that an accomplished skier can't safely carry a child while skiing, and we know of know rules prohibiting the practice. So assess your own skiing abilities, self-control, and comfort-level with risk. If you're anything but an advanced skier, or you're unwilling to restrict yourself to modest terrain and speed, best get a baby-sitter. Whatever your ability, remember that even the best skier can get hit from behind, so exercise extra caution if you're carrying precious cargo.
Why should a good skier like me take a lesson?
Apart from safety concerns, even the world's very best skiers benefit from good coaching. An experienced instructor can advise you on the terrain, equipment and techniques that are right for you. You'll be pleasantly amazed what an experienced eye can pick up in your skiing. And group lessons are a great way to meet new ski partners and compare your skiing with others of similar ability. So find an instructor you trust, and take a lesson at least once per season--or more frequently if you've been off your skis for awhile.
How do I find a good instructor?
Ask your friends, and don't hesitate to query your ski school about the qualifications and training of its instructors. If you can't get a recommendation from someone you trust,request a fully-certified (or "Level III") instructor. Full certification means that the instructor is an accomplished skier and teacher, one who has passed at least two fairly rigorous, multi-day exams administered by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (a non-profit organization devoted to instructor training and certification). While it's no guarantee of quality--and there are many fine instructors with lesser or no certification--full certification greatly increases your odds of getting a dedicated, skilled and experienced teacher.
