PE in the Outdoors - Ski Trip

As you may, or may not be aware, a number of students will be embarking on a ski trip in March (24th - 29th) of this year. The trip will be to Andorra; a beautiful area with around 303km of ski terrain. Some of you may have skid before, and some of you may not have ever even seen a chairlift. If you befit the later description you may need to pay attention to what I'm about to tell you. In order to have the most fun possible, there is first a few things that you have to bring along with you so that you can be safe and warm while learning to ski.

Here you will find all the items necessary to be safe, warm and comfortable while on a ski trip. Remember, these are only suggestions, therefore you won´t need everything I list here, but it will all help.

Equipment

If this is your first time on a skiing holiday, you may wish to rent your equipment while you are out there. Ski hire shops will recommend what is required for you to get the best out of your first ski experience. Experienced skiers will usually have their own boots (tried, tested and they know they are comfortable) and often their own skis, but this is certainly not recommended if you are starting out. It is far more economical to hire your boots, so that you have the ability to change them if they are not comfortable. Once happy with the comfort of a boot, and you are loving your skiing, then it is well worth purchasing them.

The biggest complaint of the complete novice is cold feet. Or sore feet. Or cut off circulation. This is because the boots you are using don't fit. Boots should allow you to wiggle your toes. If you can't wiggle your toes, then your feet will be cold. But, boots should not allow you to turn your foot side-to-side within the boot. If you can turn your foot inside the boot, you won't have a chance to control your skis. Don't be rushed in the ski hire shop and try as many boots as you need before you find the right ones.

Even if you have a pair of old skis or boots, learning to ski on a modern pair of skis is not only safer than skiing on old skis, but, it will help you progress faster. Skis come in all shapes and sizes and the ski hire shop staff will advise on the best ski and boot for your height, weight and ability.

Equipment Checklist

1. Day rucksack - Many people simply load their pockets, but the greater capacity of a small rucksack can be useful on the slopes
2. Helmet - A personal preference, but highly recommended, particularly for children. It also has the added advantage of keeping you warm.
3. Wrist guards (for beginner snowboarders) – Your wrists can come under strain if you take a tumble, so wear wrist guards to protect them against injury
4. Water bottle

Ski/Snowboard Checklist

1. Waterproof ski/board jacket - ensure it's one designed for the slopes and has snow specific features such as a snow skirt
2. Waterproof ski/board trousers - also known as salopettes. Make sure they allow you full unrestricted movement
3. Waterproof Ski/board gloves
4. Goggles and sunglasses - Take both: goggles are essential for when it's snowing and poor visibility on the mountain, but sunglasses are more comfortable if it's sunny and warm, especially at lunch stops
5. Warm hat - Essential for covering your ears
6. Scarf or neck warmer - Neck warmer tube style scarves are less likely to unravel and fall in the snow
7. Thermal and long sleeved tops for base layers - This will be in contact with your skin all day, so make sure it's sweat wicking
8. Thermal bottoms to wear under your salopettes; leggings, long john, tights
9. Breathable fleece top for cold weather - This will be the mid layer of your clothes layering system
10. Long ski/boarding socks. These specialist socks are worth the extra money, especially for skiers as they have extra padding on the shins

Resort Wear Checklist

1. Walking boots or snow shoes
2. Swim suit for sauna, hot tub or pool
3. Casual clothes for the evening, layers are key as hotels and chalets can be warm.
4. Over the shoulder bag. You don’t want to be clutch a bag in busy bars and clubs.

Mountain Specific Toiletries

1. High factor sunscreen - The sun can be unforgiving up on the mountain, reflecting off the snow. Apply to all exposed skin and re-apply often.
2. Lip protection with high SPF - Lips can get cracked up in the cold dry air so lip protection is a must.

Day Checklist

There’s nothing more annoying than getting to the first lift and realising you have forgotten your lift pass, so here’s our mountainside checklist:

1. Day rucksack
2. Cash - For when you fancy lunch, or a drink on the mountain.
3. Lip salve and sun screen - If you're in a group, you can always borrow this off someone else, but having your own is more convenient.
4. Snack - Being on the slopes all days uses a lot of energy. Something small and high energy like a cereal bar or flapjack is perfect
5. Water - Just because it's cold, don't forget to drink!
6. Lift pass - Put it in your ski/boarding jacket pocket (preferably one designed for lift passes) and don't take it out during your holiday.
7. Piste map - Essential for planning your route across the resort
8. Insurance details