SKIING & BOARDING 101

Welcome to the mountains and snow sports! Skiing and snowboarding are activities that will reward you in ways you never imagined. With a desire to learn and a minimal investment you will soon discover a winter wonderland that only skiers and riders know.

What to Expect

What to Wear

Take Lessons

Be Safe

What to Expect
Like anything new, skiing or snowboarding is strange for the first-timer. But with practice it will become very natural.

The two things new skiers and riders need the most are patience and a sense of humor. It helps if you are active in other sports. But at the start you'll be learning a foreign set of skills. You'll get it, just be patient and willing to learn. Even the best skiers shared your aggravations on their first day.

Today's ski and snowboard equipment is designed to make our sports easier and more fun. Rent your gear the first few times. If you're not sure how something works, ask the rental shop guys or your ski instructor (see "Take Lessons" below). Patience and practice will help flatten out the learning curve.

Anticipate being short of breath your first time at the ski area: most are 8,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level. Pace yourself. Drink lots of water. It's easy to become dehydrated in the thin mountain air. Use alcohol with moderation. In a day or so your body will adapt.

Finally, expect to have fun. Folks have enjoyed sliding on snow for millennia. Skis and snowboards take you to places that are simply inaccessible otherwise. The more skill you have, the more places you can go. You never stop improving! The feeling of accomplishment and the exhilaration are the rewards. The fact that you're surrounded with breath-taking mountain views and sharing the fun with friends or family are wonderful bonuses.

What to Wear
"What do I wear?" We suggest dressing in layers. More layers of clothes means more trapped air resulting in a warmer you. Start with long underwear tops and bottoms of a wicking synthetic material. Over that add a layer of loose fitting synthetic fleece or wool. Top it off with jacket and pants that provide an insulated, waterproof barrier from Mother Nature's elements. Add a warm hat and waterproof gloves, maybe a scarf for your neck and face and you're ready. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses or goggles.

Take Lessons
There is a right way and a wrong way to learn to ski or snowboard. The wrong way is to take Uncle Fred up on his offer to "show you everything you need to know". His heart may be in the right place but he may not be the very best person to get you started enjoying the spot. The right way is to enroll in ski school at the resort you are visiting.

Every ski area offers first time skier packages that include equipment rental, lessons and lift tickets at a value price. Professional ski instructors make learning to ski or ride safe and fun. That's their job. You'll learn the fundamental skills that allow you to get around the mountain confidently and form the foundation for improvment as you continue to ski and take more lessons. Ski school isn't just for beginners. Everyone benefits from taking a regular lesson to improve their skills.

Be Safe
Skiing and snowboarding are all about having fun, exercise, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Make sure your trip to the mountains is a safe one by following some common-sense rules and understanding "Your Responsibility Code."

Stay within your ability level when on the mountain by sticking to terrain on which you can challenge yourself and still remain in control. Show courtesy to those around you and be aware of changing snow and weather conditions. Rest throughout the day as you feel tired and don't make "one last run" if you really don't have the energy for it. Don't hesitate to ask the Ski Patrol for assistance, they are there to help.

Know the Code. The National Ski Areas Association established "Your Responsibility Code" as a way to keep you having fun on the mountain by knowing the etiquette of the sport:

- Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
- You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
- Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Share with other skiers and boarders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

We look forward to introducing you to one of our alpine playgrounds. If you need further assistance getting started, call Ski New Mexico at 800-755-7669 or email us at info@skinewmexico.com.