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Ski & Snowboading Tips & Tricks

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.

10 Fis rules

Respect for others
A skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he does not endanger or prejudice others.
Control of speed and skiing or snowboarding
A skier or snowboarder must move in control. He must adapt his speed and manner of skiing or snowboarding to his personal ability and to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow and weather as well as to the density of traffic.
Choice of route
A skier or snowboarder coming from behind must choose his route in such a way that he does not endanger skiers or snowboarders ahead.
Overtaking
A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder above or below and to the right or to the left provided that he leaves enough space for the overtaken skier or snowboarder to make any voluntary or involuntary movement.
Entering, starting and moving upwards
A skier or snowboarder entering a marked run, starting again after stopping or moving upwards on the slopes must look up and down the slopes that he can do so without endangering himself or others.
Stopping on the piste
Unless absolutely necessary, a skier or snowboarder must avoid stopping on the piste in narrow places or where visibility is restricted. After a fall in such a place, a skier or snowboarder must move clear of the piste as soon as possible.
Climbing and descending on foot
A skier or snowboarder either climbing or descending on foot must keep to the side of the piste.
Respect for signs and markings
A skier or snowboarder must respect all signs and markings.
Assistance
At accidents, every skier or snowboarder is duty bound to assist.
Identification
Every skier or snowboarder and witness, whether a responsible party or not, must exchange names and addresses following an accident.

Communication

We recommend network 3 for Irish Guests
We recommend www.0044.co.uk for UK Guests

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.ie

0044 sim cards offer free roaming in many countries thus meaning you will not pay to receive a call from back home.

You may call any ware in the world and use a data allowance for a reasonable fee. Check out www.0044.co.uk

Always have travel insurance never chance it!

In Austria they accept the EHIC card (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 association of snowsports 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.