FIRST TIME EVER ON THE SLOPES? hERE is some ADVICE ABOUT HOW TO GET READY...
Have you finally decided it is time to give it a go and learn to ski or snowboard? Did you book your ski or snowboard lessons and are now faced with preparing all the rest for your first time on the slopes? Here at Eden Ski & Snowboard School in Poiana Brasov we want to help you with some advice about how to pack your suitcase and what to bring on the slope so that your first time skiing or snowboarding will be memorable!
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR FIRST SKI HOLIDAY
The most important thing on the slopes is to dress appropriate to ensure you have a good time. What do people wear when skiing? The first piece of advice would be to avoid cotton completly since it will get wet when you sweat and it takes ages to dry out. Microfibre or technical wool underwear are the best since they elliminate sweat fast and ensure that you will stay dry. Skiers wear what is called a base-layer on top of the underwear, which is also called a second skin. The base layer can be made of syntetical or natural material (depending on how much you are ready to spend) but both have very good performance when it comes to eliminating sweat, keeping you dry and warm. Natural fibers such as wool are better than synthetic ones since they also regulate body temperature so they prevent you from overheating when skiing or freezing when riding the chairlift.
For the upper part of the body, most people wear a midlayer on top of the baselayer under their ski jacket, which normally is a synthetic material designed to add extra warmth and eliminate sweat. When it comes to ski jacket and ski pants (the outer layer) you will have a wealth of choice - our advice would be to choose a jacket and some pants that have zippers under the arms and on the inner thighs which you can undo when you are too warm and do up when you feel coldish.
Don't forget about the ski socks which are essential - they are high socks that get all the way up to your knee and are essential to feel confortable in your ski boots. Add a pair of gloves and a neck gaiter and, as far as clothes are concerned, you are ready to go!
WHAT to bring on the slope
On top of clothing, there are some other bits and pieces that will make your first experience on the slopes better. Even though Poiana Brasov is not a very high ski resort, it is strongly adviseable to bring sun cream for your face. Even if it is a cloudy day, you can still get a sunburn - especially if you have a fair complex skin - since the sun can reflect through the clouds and is amplified by the snow. Bring some cash for a quick hot chocolate or mulled wine on the slope (some places on the mountain will not take cards). Avoid bringing backpacks with you when skiing since skiing is a sport where balance is essential and a backpack can quickly through you out of balance especially when you are a beginner. Don't forget your phone - it will help you find your ski instuctor and will also take those memorable photos for your Instagram or Facebook.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO RENT AND WHAT IS NOT
Most rental centers, including ours, will offer the ski and snowboard equipment to rent. For skiing, you can rent boots, skis and poles and for snowboarding you can rent the snowboard and the snowboard boots. Safety equipment is also available, such as helmets and googles, which can be rented separately if you don't bring your own.
Normally, you won't find any cloteles to rent, so it is better to bring your own ski suit and gloves as well as the warm neck gaiter.
PREPARING MENTALLY
If you are an adult and have never skied or snowboarded before, you probably have a lot of worries about how it will go. Discuss these worries with your ski or snowboard instructor. You need to build a relationship of confidence and trust so that the whole learning process will unfold more naturally. Skiing is truly a sport for all ages - anyone from 2 to 65 years old can learn to ski, with the right guidance. The time you will need to learn the basics will often depend on your general fitness level and mental attitude, more than it will depend on your age. Our ski instructors are ready to give you the best chances out there!
PREPARING YOUR KIDS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE SNOW
Bringing your kids for the first time to the slope? Make sure you book a snowboard or ski instructor for your kid when they are at their peak with their energy - avoid the times of the day when they are used to eating or taking a nap. This way, you'll ensure that their daily energy will go into learning the new sport. Kids learn though play and here at Eden Ski School in Poiana Brasov we have been teaching children from the age of 2 so have qualified and experienced instructors to take care of your child or children and teach them while making it a fun experience for them.
Don't forget to book your ski or snowboard lesson online to get the best price guarantee. You can book you ski lessons now to get the best price and availability.
Still have questions? Here at Eden Ski & Snowboard School we are happy to answer any questions you might have. Please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.