Skiing For Beginners: 10 Things They Don’t Tell You
Heading to the ski slopes for the very first time this winter? Here are 10 useful and not-so-useful ski facts with which to impress your new friends during the après ski (bonus fact: après ski means "socialising after skiing").
1. More gym, less Jim Royle
If you're planning a post-Christmas ski trip, it might be a good idea to avoid too much TV and Quality Street over the festive break. Your quad muscles (thighs) will get a big workout when you get on-piste – so plan some training in before you go. Scheduling in a few cardio-vascular workouts in the weeks before you leave will also put you in good stead.
2. Skiing originated in Asia - or possibly Norway
The Old Norse word for 'bit of wood' is skíð - which is uncannily similar to 'ski'. Basically most people reckon the Norwegians invented skiing – and let's face it they do have access to a lot of wood and a lot of steep hills.
But then there is the other camp - they believe a kind of skiing developed among tribes in the Altai Mountains, Asia, about 8,000 years ago. Part of an ancient ski was found in Russia's Lake Sindor, dating from 6300 BC.
And let's not forget the third camp who reckon it all started in Milton Keynes – but we don't talk about those guys.
3. Expect bruises
Skiing for the first time requires a bit of courage - and a lot of falling over. It's like learning to walk, only you'll get much more interesting coloured bruises in some even more interesting places.
4. Say thanks to Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is credited with popularising the sport among British people, having written passionately about the activity – which he says takes you “as near to flying as any earthbound man can [get]”.
5. Pack plenty of sunscreen
On a bright day the snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, so make sure you slap on plenty of sun-block before you leave your hotel. UV radiation, not heat, is the primary cause of skin cancer. Opt for 30 SPF or higher.
6. Some skiers can outpace the average motor car
Most regular cars can hit a maximum of 120 miles per hour – which itself is highly inadvisable.
However, some skiers can go even faster than this by pitching themselves down extremely steep slopes. The present record is in the hands of one Simone Origone, an Italian skier who reached a preposterous 156.2 mph.
7. Take lessons
Yes, your ski break cost you a lot of money - but don't skimp on the ski lessons. If you don't get a good grounding in the sport early on, you could spend most of your precious holiday, well, on the ground.
8. There's a ski resort in North Korea
If you think glamorous Klosters or Zermatt are a little outside your scope, try getting into Masik Pass in North Korea. You can check out anytime, but you'll never leave...
9. What the piste colours mean
- Green: Nursery runs - where you'll spend most of your holiday.
- Blue: A little steeper - you might try these runs if you progress well.
- Red: Intermediate level runs (maybe next time).
- Black: For advanced skiers. Unless you're the next Eddie the Eagle, these will remain a tantalising mystery to you.
10. One day we'll ski on the moon
Or at least, that's what astronaut Harrison Schmitt reckoned. Having walked on the moon for NASA, the US geologist said skiing would offer an effective way to get from crater to crater, envisioning lunar ski breaks in the distant future. Sign us up!
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