In general, snow sports are fabulously enjoyable activities, though the reality is that they place tremendous physical demands on our bodies as well. Without exception, snowboarding and skiing professionals are individuals that have achieved a remarkable level of physical fitness; while you may not have the slightest interest in matching their talent on the slopes, it is nonetheless important that you be in somewhat decent shape before packing up your gear and heading for the mountain.
Whether you plan on skiing or snowboarding, you simply need to meet a minimal level of physical conditioning to be able to engage in such sports (much less enjoy them). In knowledge of that, it is also true that the particular snow conditions present on the mountain will determine just how physically demanding your day of skiing or snowboarding will be. Hence, it's important to always be aware of just what the conditions are in the area you plan to hit for action, and what the implications are of each kind of condition.
Most snow sports fanatics will agree (though not all of them necessarily) that their favorite kind of snow is virgin powder?or ?white gold? as some have been known to call it. Powder skiing or boarding demands that you be very agile from the hip down, more so than with other snow conditions. As it is difficult to detect bumps and gulleys beneath the snow, you need to become one big shock absorber. Quite the challenge indeed, but also perfectly addictive!
Man-made snow has its own tact and will feel much ?harder? than natural snow, especially light fluffy powder. It is common for man-made snow to compact down rather quickly, so beware of slipping and sliding on such stretches of the slopes.
A major risk is presented where the snow (man-made or not) has become iced over. These areas are perfect for creating accidents, as people lose control and gain speed very rapidly. It?s important to remember not to panic on ice patches and to employ maneuvers that will help you reduce speed quickly.
Spring snow conditions, commonly referred to as ?soup? or ?sludge? by avid skiers, present their own challenges and physical demands. You will feel a lot heavier in your boots, and pretty much every movement will require a greater deal of effort than would otherwise be the case. The upside to all this is that you can get some spring skiing in while in your t-shirt and shorts!
A major concern arises when people choose to leave the designated trail areas and venture out into untended snow fields, beyond the flag markers put in place by resort staff. The snow itself may be much deeper and therefore treacherous, and there is a very real risk of people losing themselves or provoking avalanches.
Finally, if you are going to be doing some tree skiing, be sure that you have practiced your braking skills over and over again to perfection! Tree skiing is relatively more dangerous than regular trail skiing and you may need to come to abrupt stops without warning. Tree skiing is therefore very physically demanding, and requires you to control your speed and take it easier than you would otherwise do on an open, long trail.
Remember that if you bring children with you, you should make sure that they get a training session or two in before taking them out on the courses. Finally, keep in mind that you should always assume that other people out on the slopes are beginners and have little control?just as with driving, you can?t afford to give anybody the benefit of the doubt!
Whether you plan on skiing or snowboarding, you simply need to meet a minimal level of physical conditioning to be able to engage in such sports (much less enjoy them). In knowledge of that, it is also true that the particular snow conditions present on the mountain will determine just how physically demanding your day of skiing or snowboarding will be. Hence, it's important to always be aware of just what the conditions are in the area you plan to hit for action, and what the implications are of each kind of condition.
Most snow sports fanatics will agree (though not all of them necessarily) that their favorite kind of snow is virgin powder?or ?white gold? as some have been known to call it. Powder skiing or boarding demands that you be very agile from the hip down, more so than with other snow conditions. As it is difficult to detect bumps and gulleys beneath the snow, you need to become one big shock absorber. Quite the challenge indeed, but also perfectly addictive!
Man-made snow has its own tact and will feel much ?harder? than natural snow, especially light fluffy powder. It is common for man-made snow to compact down rather quickly, so beware of slipping and sliding on such stretches of the slopes.
A major risk is presented where the snow (man-made or not) has become iced over. These areas are perfect for creating accidents, as people lose control and gain speed very rapidly. It?s important to remember not to panic on ice patches and to employ maneuvers that will help you reduce speed quickly.
Spring snow conditions, commonly referred to as ?soup? or ?sludge? by avid skiers, present their own challenges and physical demands. You will feel a lot heavier in your boots, and pretty much every movement will require a greater deal of effort than would otherwise be the case. The upside to all this is that you can get some spring skiing in while in your t-shirt and shorts!
A major concern arises when people choose to leave the designated trail areas and venture out into untended snow fields, beyond the flag markers put in place by resort staff. The snow itself may be much deeper and therefore treacherous, and there is a very real risk of people losing themselves or provoking avalanches.
Finally, if you are going to be doing some tree skiing, be sure that you have practiced your braking skills over and over again to perfection! Tree skiing is relatively more dangerous than regular trail skiing and you may need to come to abrupt stops without warning. Tree skiing is therefore very physically demanding, and requires you to control your speed and take it easier than you would otherwise do on an open, long trail.
Remember that if you bring children with you, you should make sure that they get a training session or two in before taking them out on the courses. Finally, keep in mind that you should always assume that other people out on the slopes are beginners and have little control?just as with driving, you can?t afford to give anybody the benefit of the doubt!
About the Author:
Whenever Byron Jonas enjoys skiing Japan, he enjoys a lodge which he always uses for snow accommodation Japan Its called The Hooting Owl Lodge.
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