tips for outdoor skiing season

As the weather gets colder, temperatures are dropping across the country, and the northern regions have already started to see snow. This provides excellent conditions for many outdoor skiing enthusiasts.

Especially in today's fast-paced, high-pressure environment, many people are overwhelmed by the heavy burdens of life and work. Depression, fatigue, lack of focus, and decreased work efficiency have become commonplace. Skiing, an exhilarating sport, can effectively lift people's spirits.

Sliding rapidly down a high slope brings an instant rush of excitement, and the pressure is easily released. It's the weekend, don't stay cooped up at home. Head to a nearby ski resort to relax and rediscover the joy and passion you've been missing! Today, let's talk about what to pay attention to when skiing outdoors.What should you pay attention to when skiing?

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What are the benefits of outdoor skiing in winter?

Enhances cardiovascular function

Skiing is an aerobic exercise. Skiing in winter, in the cold outdoor air, puts a greater test on the body's oxygen transport system, which can invisibly train the cardiovascular system and enhance heart and lung function.

Effectively relieves emotions

Some people become depressed, fatigued, and lose focus in winter, a condition experts call 'winter depression.' This is especially true for those who work indoors year-round, particularly those with poor physical fitness or who rarely engage in physical exercise. The most basic way to improve low spirits is to go out and exercise, and outdoor skiing is a perfect choice.

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What essential equipment is needed for outdoor skiing?

Skiing equipment mainly consists of skis, poles, boots, various bindings, ski wax, ski clothing, helmets, tinted goggles, and windproof goggles. Most ski resorts offer equipment rentals. Let's get to know them one by one.

Skis

Skis are generally made of wood, fiberglass, or metal. Wooden skis are light and inexpensive but easily warp when wet, so they should be coated with special grease before use to prevent snow from sticking and water from seeping in. Fiberglass skis are suitable for any type of snow but are more expensive. Aluminum alloy skis are light and easy to turn on deep snow and ice but are also more expensive. Currently, skis made from a combination of these three materials are the most popular among skiing enthusiasts.

Ski poles

Ski poles help with gliding and maintaining balance. They should be no longer than shoulder height and no shorter than underarm height. The poles should pass through leather wrist straps and be comfortable to hold and swing.

Bindings

All skis have devices that secure ski boots to them. These bindings quickly release when the skier falls, making them an important safety feature to prevent skiing injuries.

Ski clothing

Ski clothing should be warm, windproof, comfortable, and not hinder movement while minimizing wind resistance. Professional ski clothing is of high quality but expensive, so generally, practical and ordinary clothing will suffice.

Ski boots

Beginners and amateurs should choose warm, well-fitting, and waterproof ski boots. It's best to choose short boots with lower shafts to avoid restricting ankle movement.

Ski goggles

Due to the strong reflection of sunlight on the snow, it is necessary to wear tinted goggles to protect your eyes. Plastic frames are safer, and yellow or brown lenses are preferable.

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What should beginners know before hitting the slopes?

Beginners should first practice on short, gentle slopes. After improving through repeated practice, they can gradually move to longer, steeper, and faster slopes.

1. Carefully understand the height, width, length, slope, and direction of the ski trail. Since alpine skiing is a high-speed sport, distant places can appear suddenly close. Skiers who do not understand the trail conditions in advance may not have time to react to unexpected situations, which is especially important for beginners.

2. Choose a ski trail that matches your skill level. Do not overestimate your abilities and act rashly. Progress gradually, and it's best to hire a ski instructor.

3. If you are unsure about the conditions ahead or feel that your equipment is malfunctioning, stop and check. Do not take risks.

4. When skiing with others, maintain a safe distance from each other. Do not speed up to catch up with companions, as this can easily lead to falls or collisions, which are common accidents for beginners.

5. If you find yourself unable to control your speed and are likely to collide, fall down in advance to protect yourself and others. The correct way to fall is to fall to the side, leaning towards the uphill side of the slope. Never fall towards the downhill side.

6. If you lose control and fall, quickly lower your center of gravity and sit back. Do not struggle randomly. You can lift your limbs and curl up, letting yourself slide down.

7. Avoid falling headfirst and absolutely avoid rolling. Skiers with poor vision should not wear contact lenses while skiing. If you fall and lose a contact lens, it is almost impossible to find it.

8. After falling anywhere on the ski slope, be sure to pick up your skis and poles and move to a safe area on the side of the slope to avoid injuring yourself or others.

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Conclusion

After reading the above precautions for outdoor skiing, do you feel more informed about the sport? If you don't want to run in the winter, outdoor skiing is definitely a great alternative. It can be a form of cross-training to exercise your body. However, be sure to remember the above precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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