Getting Back into the Sport

SO, IT’S BEEN AWHILE FOR YOU. WE HAVE GREAT NEWS.

You’re in for a big surprise. Getting back on the slopes is like riding a bike – it does come back. With the new changes in equipment you might be a bit overwhelmed but don’t let that keep you off the slopes. The new shaped skis may be shorter but so is the learning curve! Soon your anxiety will be replaced by smiles and a sense of accomplishment.

TIPS FOR THE FOLKS WHO HAVEN’T SKIED IN AWHILE

• Get set up on relatively new and professionally fitted gear.
• Ski areas have rentals that will suit your needs.
• A lesson is critical to developing good skills from the beginning. Learning from a friend or skimping on lessons could be costly. Washington Ski Resorts have professional certified instructors that can get you started off on the right path.
• Dress in layers and wear clothing with wicking properties. Be prepared for anything and any type of weather.
• Enjoy the Apres ski scene – reward yourself after a day of fun with a beverage and bragging rights.

SHAPED SKIS

The new shaped skis have revolutionized skiing. Shaped refers to the hourglass profile of a ski. Everyone can benefit from shaped skis. The hourglass profile draws the ski into an arc, making it easy to carve a turn even at low speeds. The straight skis of the past required more ability to bend and steer the ski and more speed to carve. Buy, borrow or rent but get yourself on new gear.

Things you should know about shaped skis:

• they are shorter
• they give you more feedback
• let them steer themselves
• you use more edge and less steering
• the shape of the ski does more of the turning for you
• they carve turns at slower speeds and shorter distances

LESSONS

All of Washington State’s ski resorts offer
lessons for skiers of all ages and abilities. We have rental and lesson packages that will get you up on the slopes in no time.

JANUARY IS LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD MONTH

Click here to find a learn-to-ski program near you!