Making a Comeback?

You are a part of this tribe. Go Skiing, Go Snowboarding!

Skiers, snowboarders, bumpers, grinders, jibbers, sliders, huckers, cruisers, sitskiers, carvers, pow-seekers, freeheelers, skaters, athletes able-bodied and adaptive, racers or renegades… whatever you call yourself, whichever way you express yourself on snow, we are part of a tribe. United by the freedom we find in movement, in the moments of thrill and rush and accomplishment, in harnessing our energy to gravity and nature and in the ephemeral amazing medium of snow… If you’ve ever been one of us, you’re still one of us.

Rusty Skier?

Many skiers take a hiatus from skiing for one reason or another.  The beautiful thing about skiing is you never forget.  Rusty maybe, but you won’t forget.  The good news is the longer you have been off skis, the more innovation there has been in equipment that will make your return to skiing fun and much, much easier than you expect.  Here are a few tips on getting back into the groove:

• Don’t borrow or use old equipment.  The innovations in equipment are amazing.  Boots fit more comfortably and are designed to work in conjunction with the new skis.  Skis today are designed to help you turn and add control to your skiing.

• Regardless of your level when you left the sport, start slowly.  Find a green run to start.  There will always be some hesitation when you first start to slide, this is normal.  Start with your skis skidding, feel the weight of your body balanced on the ski closest to the bottom of the hill (your outside ski).  Don’t force the turn; let the skis do some of the work.  Relax and have fun.

• Check in at your local Snowsports School.  There are great programs that will brush up your skills and have you enjoying the mountain in no time.

Content Courtesy of Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance (CSIA)

Rusty Snowboarder?

If you’ve been away from the slopes for a while, welcome back! A few things to be aware of:

• Anyone looking to start (or resume) snowboarding should be in relatively good overall health. Consider working on some early or pre-season fitness (jogging, cycling, weights to increase leg and core strength).
• Start slowly! Work your way back gradually. Don’t go straight to the black diamond runs, or to the XL park. Find some mellow terrain and get re-acquainted with the snow gently.
• Get on some new equipment. Snowboards have advanced a ton since the early days. New equipment will make it easier for you to get back into the swing of things. Boots should be snug but comfortable, and your board should be sized appropriately – not by height or length, but according to your weight and the style of riding you like to do and where you will be doing it (big mountain, park, small local hill).
• Get a technical tune up! Check with your local resort to book a lesson with an instructor. They’ll have you back where you left off in no time.

Content Courtesy of Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors