Skiiing in a massively popular sport and pastime across the world. Europe in particular sees millions of skiers hitting the slopes every winter, eager to soak in the stunning landscapes, the resort atmosphere, and get some much-needed exercise. 

If you’ve got a ski trip planned for this winter, you’ll be brimming with excitement. However, to make the most out of your snowy getaway and ensure you have fun and stay safe, you will need to prepare properly. We’ve put together a guide to help you prepare for your upcoming ski trip, for both new and experienced skiers alike. Keep reading to find out more. 

Check the Weather

Snow sports like skiing and snowboarding are, obviously, highly dependent on the weather. Without the cold of winter bringing snow to the mountainsides, the sport couldn’t exist. While skiers rely on and hope for lots of snow fall each winter, the weather is a powerful, often dangerous force that should be respected at all times. 

Before your trip, look at weather forecasts for the destination you’re heading to. For example, if you’re heading to the Morzine area in the French Alps, check out Piste Pro, there you’ll find detailed forecasts and weather information for that location and for a comprehensive list of other popular global skiing spots, with weather projections for up to 15 days in advance. 

Keeping an eye on current and future weather conditions will give you a good idea of what to expect when you arrive, which can help you prepare properly and avoid any nasty surprises. 

Train your Body

Skiing is a physically demanding and challenging activity. While, to some, it may seem easy, cruising down the slopes and letting gravity do all work, the reality is that skiing is a fantastic workout for both the mind and body, utilising several muscle groups and requiring you to think quickly and be constantly aware of your surroundings. 

This means that you’ll need to be physically and mentally sharp ahead of your trip to ensure you’ve got what it takes to handle yourself on the slopes. Working on your cardio should be a top priority, activities like swimming, running, and cycling are all perfect ways to increase your fitness and endurance. When you’re taking those sharp twists and bends, you’ll need to be flexible too, work on this through things like stretches, yoga, and Pilates. 

Get Equipped 

For a skiing trip, you’re going to need skis. If you’ve got your own, great. If not, you can rent them from most ski resorts and locations. This can be pricey, but so can bringing your skis with you, especially if you’re flying. Draw up some price comparisons to make sure you’re making the most cost-effective choice. 

Your equipment list doesn’t end at skis, however. It’s cold up in those mountains, so you’ll need to be dressed for the occasion. Gloves, heated jackets, a hat, and a scarf can all be essential, and so are goggles to protect your eyes from both debris and glare from the sun. The sun can reflect off the snow and cause something called snow blindness, which can seriously impair your vision and lead to dangerous situations on the slopes. 

Conclusion

Properly preparing for your ski trip is the only way to make sure you have the best time you possibly can, while it will also guarantee that you stay safe taking part in what can often be a perilous activity. Check the weather ahead of time so you know what could be coming your way, train yourself to reach the required levels of fitness, flexibility, and strength, and double check that you’ve got all the necessary equipment and gear you’ll need.