Well said, ‘where there is snow, there is skiing’. Skiing – an extreme sport for all the tough guys out there! Considered as one of the adrenaline and action sports, ski lovers have always overlooked the risk involved in this adventure game. The arrival of midsummer gives the chime for a long-awaited vacation in the snowy region. Nothing could be more fascinating than having fun in the Alps mountain range. So pack your bags this summer and move on to ‘The Great Alps’, a great chain of mountain system in Europe, stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east, through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany to France in the west.
Due to its geographical location, skiing in the Alpine region during the summers requires extra precautions. The Alps witness a pleasant climate but with frequent rain and snowfall. The beautiful combination of the warmth of summer and the cold and icy region of the Alps will enliven your entire skiing experience. However, this high-speed, fun-filled adventure sport exposes you to various dangers and without even uttering a word, the safety measure must be taken into account. The snowy mountainous area of the Alps has not just one danger, but many, a large number of skiers are seriously injured every year and many are even in danger of death. Before you set off for this deadly sport, make sure you are well versed in the basics. Knowledge about managing ski injuries is a must for all skiers; You should also have backup help available during emergency situations, if any.
Preparation for alpine skiing actually begins long before you leave for the trip. It is medically recommended to accustom your body with regular light exercises at least one to two months before starting your ski vacation. Skiing involves vigorous bodily activity, so it must be taken into account that the muscles of the body are toned, flexible and correctly stretched. It is important to pay attention to strengthening the muscles of the thighs and legs. Exercises like bicycling, jogging, swimming, rowing, and squats are quite useful in the series. Physical well-being is essential when we talk about this extreme sport.
ski equipment
Having the correct equipment and clothing essentials on hand should be a primary concern for all skiers. You can also take the help of a professional if you are not satisfied with your selection of equipment and accessories. Here are some essential gear before heading out for alpine skiing:
UV rated glasses or sunglasses: The sun shines brightly in a snowy region of the Alps, the light reflecting off a snowy mountain can really damage your eyes. These sunglasses or goggles with 100% UV protection protect the eyes from harm from simple sun blindness to major cataract problems.
Hat: More than 60% of body heat escapes through the head, so it is important to stay warm in the heights of the Alps. A quality ski hat or cap will keep you warm even when the temperature drops below freezing. It is advisable to get a good hat that can even protect your ears.
Sunscreen: Being on the slopes all day can leave your skin dry and rough. Protect your skin from sunburn on the bright and sunny summer day! A good sunscreen lotion can protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays and other radiation.
Gloves or Mittens: Ski gloves are required to keep your hands warm. Waterproof gloves will be a sensible choice, although mittens are usually warmer than gloves, but they are not stylish. Plus, skiing is not just a fun sport, it’s also about looking stylish and contemporary.
Jacket and pants: To protect against hypothermia and keep the body warm, a waterproof jacket and pants are essential. These stylish garments are made from a polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE membrane, often laminated with nylon and polyester to improve protection against water.
Caution on the track or slopes
Always remember to warm up and do some stretching exercises before you start. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea as it can protect you against dehydration. Few skiers tend to consume alcohol to keep warm, but it is an absolutely bad practice and needs to be curbed. Skiing requires complete presence of mind and mental stability. Make sure you take the first one or two races a little slower, it will help you build momentum for more races.
Skiing in a group is preferable to minimize the chances of injury or other potential hazards. While skiing, if you or any member of your party is injured, make sure you get them off the slope as soon as possible to avoid being hit by other skiers. In accordance with the International Ski Federation Safety Code, plant a pair of skies a short distance from the slopes in an X formation. Make sure you never leave the injured person alone, also make sure the victim is warm and comfortable. Contact the ski patrol for emergency help.
One of the great problems of alpine skiing is that of avalanches. Don’t forget to carry an avalanche beacon and know how to use it. These beacons are available with specific devices that can be extremely helpful in locating the buried skier. These devices are best used with a shovel. Time is of the essence in avalanche rescue, it is believed that the average victim has less than 30 minutes to be recovered alive. Never ski in a lonely place. Always carry a map and compass along with some extra food, water, and some medication as precautionary measures. It is always better to avoid avalanches, so before you go skiing, pay attention to the weather forecast for the day, as well as carefully check the snowy surroundings before you hit the slopes.
Don’t get too dehydrated and take regular breaks, always take extra precautions on the last run of the day. Due to poor light conditions and tiredness, you tend to make more mistakes and hurt yourself. Last but not least, don’t forget to read the International Ski Federation’s safety code to ski safely.