Beacon Watch

boats, safety, sports

Winter Sport

Skiing: How to Get Started

For a lucky few, skiing is a sport that they have enjoyed since early childhood.  For those lifelong skiers, many of the skiing basics come as second nature, and the practical and logistical elements of skiing seem like common sense.  For many, however, skiing is a sport that is picked up later in life.  Because of that, there are lots of adults who are still learning the basics.  This article will cover a few of those bases and offer some practical advice for people who wish to begin skiing.  A healthy and fulfilling hobby awaits you!

#1. Invest in Lessons

In many sports (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) our first experience of that sport tends to be with our families or with our childhood friends.  We “learn by doing,” and lessons are generally pursued later by those who are very serious about their game.  In skiing, this is not the case.  A few skiing lessons will do you an enormous amount of good in terms of teaching you how to truly enjoy the sport in a manner that is both fun and safe.

#2. Purchase clothes, rent gear.

Unless you are absolutely certain that you intend to ski frequently from the very start, it is highly recommendable that you rent rather than buy your gear.  Not only will this give you time to make sure that skiing is the sport for you, it will also give you time to learn about how equipment works so that you can be certain what you want to buy.  That being said, don’t skimp on buying a few basic clothing items!  That includes snow pants, a water-resistant underlayer, a mask, goggles, a hat, and gloves.  This will make your skiing experience infinitely more comfortable, plus it’s just a good idea to own most of those items anyway!

#3. Have fun!

Last but not least, be sure to enjoy every second of your new hobby!  If you are brand new to skiing, you may have to start out on a “bunny slope” which will seem very small–but with hard work and dedication you’ll get to move up to the larger hills in no time.

 

Check out the Beacon Watch blog for more information on skiing for people of all levels!

Four Reasons to Take Up a New Hobby that Could Turn into a New Passion

Many people begin playing traditional sports such as soccer, baseball, football, and basketball from a very young age.  Skiing, on the other hand, is a bit different.  Though there are certainly a fair number of children and young people who enjoy skiing (and who also enjoy the benefits that will be discussed below) the overall trend is that people tend to begin skiing a bit later in life.  Why do they do it?  Take a look at our top four reasons to take up skiing!

#1. Look Great

Skiing works nearly every muscle in the body in unique and challenging ways.  Because of this, it can help you lose weight, tone your form, and be the best you you can be!

#2. Feel Great

Of course, fitness is about much more than just looking great.  On top of looking great, skiing can help you feel better. The health benefits of skiing make it a great investment that can help keep you feeling fit for years!

#3: Find a New Passion

Skiing is far more than just a workout.  It’s also a blast!  The challenging yet rewarding process of developing your abilities, plus the thrill and excitement of hitting the slopes makes skiing one of the most popular cold-weather sports in the world.  

#4 Make New Friends

What’s the one thing that’s better than hitting the slopes on a bright, crisp morning?  Doing it with friends!  Skiing is a great way to make new friends and acquaintances who share the same passion.

Beacon Watch

As you begin your new hobby, it’s important to stress the importance of safety.  That’s why we encourage you to check out the Beacon Watch online store.  We offer a sophisticated line of sporting safety gear for enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Ski Safety in Cold Weather

Whenever a skier hits the slopes there is some basic knowledge– some universal rules and guidelines — that every winter athlete is expected to know: properly yield to other skiers, know how to use a chairlift, obey all the signs, know how to fall, stay in control of yourself based on your ability, and so on. Since skiing is a winter sport, it is especially incumbent upon a skier to respect the weather and follow some basic cold weather advice.  

First, you should be properly prepared for an outing in the cold. Eat, stretch and be hydrated before you begin to ski, and allow for breaks during your day so you can get a snack and a drink of water. The emphasis on food is important not only for your comfort, but primarily because the body needs calories to stay warm. Skiing is an intense activity that burns a lot of fuel, so don’t underestimate the amount of calories you may need to stay warm.

You should wear sunscreen to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, and be properly dressed for cold weather. Avoid cotton clothing which tends to stay damp and wet, and choose fabrics that are water-resistant and that wick moisture away from the body. If children are in your group you should check on them regularly to make sure their clothing is dry and their noses are not too red.  One great way to keep track of their location is with a GPS system like the kind offered by BeaconWatch. Their SeaMe monitor can help you locate anyone on the slopes in no time.

Finally, you should be familiar with the park terrain. If the weather turns bad, you don’t want to be lost on the slopes or not know where a shelter is. Look at a trail map before skiing so you will have your bearings no matter where you are located. Following these common sense winter weather precautions will make your outing both safer and more enjoyable.

Backcountry Skiing: Have A Solid Pre-Plan

For the experienced skier, backcountry skiing can provide some of the most fun and satisfying adventures of a lifetime; however, skiing “off the beaten path” is also inherently dangerous. Perhaps the best way to make your outings as safe as possible is to have a solid pre-plan that everyone in the group is aware of and that provides a course of action just in case any mishaps occur along the way. Here is a brief list of some of the things that should be taken into account as you plan your next expedition.

  • Most importantly you need to designate a “responsible person” or “RP.” Your RP is someone who is NOT going on the trip with the group but who is aware of where you are going, when you are leaving, and when you are expected to return. They should have not only your phone numbers but also any emergency numbers they need. If anything goes wrong, or your group doesn’t return by a preset time, this person is responsible for getting help.
  • Also, before your outing you need to check the weather, check any available avalanche bulletins, and talk with locals like the ski patrol about your trip.
  • Everyone in the group should have first aid training and avalanche safety training.
  • Your group should consider hiring a guide, especially if you are new to the area or unfamiliar with the backcountry.
  • Finally, you should seriously consider purchasing a GPS locating device like the SeaMe monitor from BeaconWatch.  This little monitor inconspicuously attaches to your clothing and allows others to easily locate you if you’re lost or injured. It’s great to have both for the sake of convenience and especially for the sake of safety.

Backcountry skiing can truly provide an experience on the slopes that is unlike any other. Just remember to be properly prepared for the unexpected  — having a great pre-plan and the affordable SeaMe monitor will help you to stay safe during all your fun adventures in the backcountry.