Weather
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the very few activities that rely on what many will call bad weather. The more snow that falls the better the slopes are going to be. Cold isn’t necessarily good though, so when you are riding the lifts you better bundle up. In the mountains the weather can change from sun to blizzard conditions in a matter of minutes. Most ski resorts will close lifts when conditions change for the worst, but there are occasions when people still get lost on a mountain or hit the wrong trail and disappear. Search and rescue teams are readily available all over ski areas. They can take injured people via sleds and snowmobiles to the base of the mountain or they can begin a wide scale search operation in a matter of minutes.
Many ski resorts that don’t receive enough annual snowfall rely on manufactured snow that is shot into the air via snowmaking machines. This snow is generally the same as what falls from the sky, although many think otherwise. Manufactured snow allows the ski season to run just a bit longer and a few more runs to stay open.
Sun Protection
The reflection of the sun off of the snow is a surprise to many. Many first time skiers walk away with a sun burnt face and aching eyes. Goggles or sunglasses should always be worn to protect your eyes
Safety
While many beginning skiers think that the soft snow will break their fall, they quickly learn that that just is rarely the case. Most ski slopes are so overrun with skiers and snowboarders that the terrain turns to ice, which leads to many bumps and bruises. While thick clothing helps with both the cold and the hard ice, pads are not necessary. Concussions are a common ailment for skiers, therefore helmets are a good idea if you are a snow boarder or ski and that frequents ramps and half pipes. The best things you can do to be a safe skier are to learn how to fall correctly and learn how to stop. These two seemingly simple skills save lives and serious injuries. A day or even just a few hours with an instructor will save lots of frustration and sore muscles when trying to learn these basic safety skills.
Communication
Many are overwhelmed at the size of many ski resorts and lose their friends and family in the crowds. A good idea is to designate meeting times and locations. If your children go off on their own it is wise to give them to keep in communication via walkie-talkies or cell phones. Bulletin boards on lifts and at the base of the mountain are good to leave a message as well.
Food and Water
Skiing takes a lot of energy out of you. Eat a well balanced breakfast and take a break during the middle of the day to eat a good meal and drink a lot of water. Most resorts have several restaurants and snack bars where you cans stop quickly for a drink and bit of food. Also, keep an energy bar in your pocket for rides up the lift.