Quick tips for first time skiiers/boarders...

My friend, Sandy, e-mailed me to ask if I had any skiing or snowboarding tips for a beginner. Just in case any of you, my loyal readers, are planning to hit the snow for the first time, here was my reply:

1. Don’t engage in both skiing and snowboarding. Just choose one mode of getting down the mountain and stick with it. Assuming you ski or board more than one day, you’ll get the hang of whatever you’re doing and it should become much easier. If you mix and match, you’re, potentially, setting yourself up for “a fall”. [Get it…? Thought that was funny…]

2. Snowboarding is much easier to pick up than skiing, but once you get comfortable on skis, there isn’t one inch of the mountain you’ll have trouble accessing. On a snowboard, there are several rough areas (mainly those areas that are flat).

3. Whatever you do – ski or snowboard – lean forward! This goes against what your body will want to do once on the mountain, but by leaning forward, you’ll be much more in control than if you stay back on your heels (which most newbies will do). You will fall at first… this is a definite. But once you get the hang of leaning forward and going down the mountain, you’ll pick things up much quicker.

4. Don’t freak out if your friends or companion zoom down the hill while you’re still attempting your first turn. Screw ‘em. Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.

5. The most important piece of clothing – gloves! Make sure they’re warm and water proof. Otherwise you’ll be miserable.

6. While the first chair lifts typically lead to the easiest terrain, skip the first chair and go farther up the mountain. There’s less skier traffic, more open space, and more groomed trails. Practice on these runs rather than those near the bottom of the mountain.

7. Make sure your first drink off the mountain is a cold beer… there is nothing better after a long, satisfying day of skiing (and I’m a vodka guy).

8. Have “911” pre-dialed on your cell phone, just in case…