Black Sheep Ski Tips
As a beginner or very low intermediate skier try to seek a few hours lessons on your local dry ski slope or snow dome as this will save you time and progress your level a lot faster when on real snow.
Remember Skiing is a sport and you will use muscles you did not know you had. Try to gain a reasonable amount of fitness before. This will help with the ability to learn more and be able to participate in the après ski.
If only skiing or Snowboarding for 1 or 2 weeks a year do not buy skis or Snowboards as the technology is rapidly changing every year and for the price you can rent these days it is not worth it remembering also you will always be charged to take them on a plane.
After your second to third time skiing think seriously of buying your own boots. The boots are the most important thing and a good boot can progress your skiing rapidly.
If you own your own skis, service them every week of skiing. This will help with the gliding and the ability to dig in on ice when needed.
Buy your boots in resort. The boots you can buy at home may be similar in price and they feel great when you have them on for 30 mins., but It is a different story when in resort and skiing all day.
Nearly all good boot shops in Austria have a scanning machine for your feet and then software to suggest the best boot for your feet. If boots require adjustment the ski shop will normally do all work for free as long as you have that boot and deal with the same shop.
Remember boots are not slippers (No pain no gain) LOL. They should not be unbearable but you should feel secure and fitted tight and with the feeling of wearing them.
- Always bring goggles and sunglasses (You get what you pay for)
- Always pack adequate clothing as in March, 1 day may feel like 80 degrees and another -20
- Basic ski clothing should consist of thermals, jumper, fleece optional, ski trousers, ski jacket, hat, gloves.
- Always apply a high factor sun cream (sun or no sun)
- A small snug fitting back pack is always a good idea to put excess clothing water and goggles inside.
- A common trend in Austria now is to wear a helmet for skiing. Would you ride a motor bike without a helmet? It is proven they save lives and is also great when it’s cold for keeping the head warm. A lot of people feel more confident as well (shop around as they are expensive in Austria).
- We recommend to leave your skis and boots in a locker under the gondola station for approx €1 a day instead of carrying them to and from the mountain every day.
Communication
We recommend network 3.
3 offer roaming like you are at home thus, contract customers make and receive calls at no extra costs too and from your home country. Pay as you go receive for free and a cheap rate to call back to home country.
3 are also offering free skype service when roaming on a 3 network. Make sure you select 3 on your telephone sometimes it may roam onto another networks so always check. Remember to buy your sim cards in your own country and register them and check they work on your hand set. You cannot buy them in Austria. Check out www.three.co.uk and www.three.ie.
Austria are quite behind the times with internet cafes you will find the odd computer in a bar or restaurant which are approx €1 for 10 mins we suggest if you need to work or are a internet addict you bring a modem and laptop with you from back home on a uk network as the prices will probally be cheaper for you and easier.
In Austria They accept the E111 for doctors consultancy and hospital fees. You may need to be firm to get them to accept it but in the past they have.
Always have travel insurance never chance it
In Austria they accept the E111 for doctors consultancy and hospital fees. You may need to be firm to get them to accept it but in the past they have.
For a non complicated accident requiring a helicopter it is close to £3000 so never chance no insurance.
If you’re a person who brings cash away with them change money in the banks in the resort you will find a better exchange rate then at home.
Thinking of wanting to become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor?
Contact Basi, The British federation of ski instructors. www.basi.org.uk
These are just suggestions and tips from Black sheep ski and will not accept any liability for your actions following these suggestions.
Copyright © 2008 Black Sheep Ski