Five things smart skiers do

1.Get fit to ski not ski to get fit.

2.Buy ski equipment at end of season or at end of Summer.

3.Find ski run for their level of competency.Not too easy so that they are constantly "working" to become more proficient

4.Take lessons with same instructor every month.

5.Learn to take care of own equipment

Five more smart things to do...

6. Never ski alone when off-piste or out of bounds.

7. Carry a spare pair of gloves.

8. Stick a small bottle of water in your rucksack.

9. Always know the local avalanche risk.

10. Never blindly follow tracks off-piste (unless you're happy hucking 100ft cliffs).

Be safe, have more fun... 8)

Great Advice......Just started the cross training, so if snow falls high anywhere early December, will be there ready!!!

On the other hand, had a freak accident last year ( with a novice boarder on the wrong slope so agree with your advice on knowing your limits!!) and broke my ankle, and am looking at strengthening the ligaments before I go....anyone know any good exercises for ankles as the cross training has caused some twinges in the joints?? Thanks in advance guys!

One of the worse medical problems to have is ligament tears since they last so long! If you have any symptoms of "pain" while walking I am sure you will get the following advice from any physician;
1. Rest and more rest
2.Swim a great deal
3. Elastic exercises ( low weight high rep)
4. Apply heat between periods of exercises and apply cold at end of session!

Good luck!

Cheers Pav....Have had that advice, and am doing all I can to sort it...break and ligament rupture which was nice!!! Word of warning for people , this was caused by someone who was out of their depth on a black run and took me out from behind, so really important to know your own limits as it may not be you that takes the brunt!!! Lesson over!! Sorry to preach, but don`t want anyone going through what I did..

Thanks again Pav

AND BRING ON THE SNOW!!!

One thing that seems to make my recovering injuries much happier is to apply a heat pad/pack befor even warming up excercises and stretching.

Trencher

Can I add another smart thing

Spend your lift time observing others.

Look for the skiers that make it look easy and natural. They likely have good technique. Look for detail. Stance, timing, angulation (how they bend sideways at the waist), how they rise and lower through the turns. how much they flex/extend thier legs, where are thier arms.

Then do a run trying to copy them and exaggerate thier movements, or at least one aspect.

Just thought of another, related to above...

Never worry about looking a little foolish trying something new.
The good skiers will know you are trying. Only the posers will not understand.

Trencher