A to SKI – The Ultimate Guide to Hitting the Slopes

With the weather turning colder, we've turned our thoughts to going the whole hog and embracing snow and slopes, on the adventure holiday of a lifetime.  If you've yet to experience the highs of a ski or snowboarding break, we can help. We've paired up with the experts from Highlife Ski & Snowboard to give you some top tips from A to Z, or A to Ski. ________________________________  Equipment - what to bring:

• Invest in a good-quality waterproof ski jacket that is windproof and breathable along with ski pants and a fleece. You don’t need to spend a fortune so shop around for the best value
• A good pair of sunglasses is a must to protect against the strong rays.  Alternatively, googles are ideal when it’s snowing
• Good quality ski/snowboard gloves
• When skiing at high altitude you are exposed to stronger sun rays - protect your skin with a high factor sun cream (30+ at least) and carry it with you at all times to avoid coming down from the slopes with a bright red nose and burnt cheeks. A key top tip is to apply factor under your chin and eyebrows as the sun reflects from the snow and hits these spots. Pack a protective lip balm also and apply daily
• A “bum” bag or small rucksack can come in handy to carry small essentials such as water, snacks, sun cream and sunglasses onto the slopes
• A warm hat / helmet
• Long woolly ski socks
• For the cold creatures amongst you, pack thermal undergarments (long johns and vest)  to keep you warm from head to toe
• Plenty of warm clothing to keep you warm and cosy throughout your ski holiday.
• Avoid borrowing skis or snowboards from others since they are typically designed based on someone's height and weight. Also avoid buying skis for your first trip. All good ski shops rent skis and your tour operator will likely offer ski packs which are tailored to exactly what each guest requires
• Don’t forget your swimsuit for your chalet hot tub

Physical preparation ahead of your holiday: It is advisable to start preparing physically ahead of your trip so that you maximise your time on the slopes. Skiing & snowboarding can be demanding so the fitter you are, the better you will do and the lower your risk of injury; Skiing Exercises •      Knee bends - Flex down through 45 degrees, then push back to standing. Keep your heels on the floor. Try 20 times. •      Abdominal raises - Lie on your back with slightly bent legs, and your hands clasped behind your head. Lift your shoulders, keeping your lower back on the floor. Try 20 times. If you find this hard, cross your arms on your chest or let them rest on your thighs. •      Leg raises - Kneeling on all fours, bring one knee in toward your chest, then push the leg back behind you, toe pointed. Raise the extended leg. After 20, repeat with the other leg. •      Triceps raises - Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your palms on the floor behind your hips, fingers facing forward. Relax your stomach muscles and lower your body towards the floor, keeping your back straight. Bring your body up again by straightening your arms. Try 20 times. •      Lunges - Lunge forwards onto one leg, flexing the knee through 45 degrees. Make sure your knee doesn't go in front of your foot and stays in line with the middle two toes. Push back upright and lunge forwards onto the other leg. Try 20 times. Ski Safety - protect yourself on the slopes

• Always stay in control to ensure you are able to stop and avoid other people or objects
• People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them
• Look uphill and yield to others whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail
• Do not stop where you may cause obstruction to a trail or if you are not visible to people above
• Observe all posted signs and warnings and do not enter closed trails
• Take a break – don’t push yourself too hard and stop to have a hot chocolate and enjoy the views!

  For more information on planning your perfect ski break or to book, visit Highlife.ie