Heading on a ski holiday is something to look forward to during winter break. Whether you’re a beginner skiier, or a more experienced one, the thrill of hitting the slopes would keep you on edge. Yet as a beginner, the thought of taking on the sport for the first time without any knowledge of it may feel intimidating.

How can you be adequately prepared for this active sport so you wouldn't have to experience sore legs from skiing for days after your vacation? This beginner’s guide to skiing has all the essential skiing tips you need to make the most of your holiday. 

How do you prepare for a day of skiing?

While you can dive in and take the plunge on the slopes and see how it goes, it is best to have a bit of preparation if you want to make it a memorable experience. Knowing what to take with you, being physically ready, and choosing the right equipment will help you plan ahead and set you up for success.

Plan to enroll in a few ski lessons and ensure your body is ready to take on some strenuous workouts before your trip. Be aware that it is common to experience some sore calves after skiing. As skiing is a sport that puts strain on your muscles, be ready to experience a degree of DOMS after skiing.  Yet, you can minimize your skiing recovery time with the right techniques and preparations. Using a recovery tool can help you get rid of muscle soreness post skiing. For more information on how to get rid of muscle soreness, visit here.

What to wear for skiing?

Given that you're going to spend a substantial amount of time out in the cold make sure you get the right gear. Having cold and wet fingers and toes would indeed be an uncomfortable occasion, so make sure you're wearing protective gloves and properly fitted footwear and snow ready footwear.

Carry some extra clothes with you in case you need a change and a few warm layers to keep you cosy after a long day out in the snow. Make sure that what you wear on the slopes are made of materials that do not soak up moisture. Adorn some insulating layers that will keep you warm as you sit out in the cold or wait on the chairlift with the cool breeze blowing through.

How to improve your skiing?

If you're a beginner on a ski holiday and wondering how to improve your ski technique, it is highly recommended that you sign up for a ski lesson that will save you a tonne of time on figuring it out on your own.

Enroll in private lessons or an introductory group lesson so you can learn the basics and get used to wearing the skis while balancing yourself. From putting on your skis to learning how to upslope, slide slip and snowplough, are some of the initial techniques you need to grasp.

Having an expert guide you on the fundamentals can ensure you grasp the proper technique that will allow you to ski better and prevent any injuries. Using the appropriate techniques can help you avoid significant calf pains after skiing.

Not only can your ski instructor guide you on what techniques you should work on, but they can also pick out the most suitable terrain for you to explore on your skis. Even if you have dabbled with skiing in the past, working with a coach can be helpful to learn your way around the mountain so you know what you should take on and what you should avoid.

How to select your ski gear?

As a beginner skier, it would be helpful to rent out your ski gear from the rental shop. The experts at the ski centre should guide you through sizing so you can find appropriately fitted skis and boots.

Overall, your ski boots should have a snug fit, while they may feel tight and stiff at the beginning and requires a bit of getting used to. When you're standing up, the end of the ski boot should be touching your toes. Once you have them on, bend your knees and lean forward in the skiing position to check if the end of the boots remains closely fitted. This is essential to prevent your feet from getting cold and wet.

The length of your skis are determined by your height, weight, ability and terrain. As a general rule of thumb, beginners' skis should reach up to their chin level. While lengthier skis add stability and speed, shorter ones are preferred for beginners as they are easier to manoeuvre.

When selecting your ski pole length, keep in mind that when you plant the pole against the floor with your elbow at a right angle, it should place your forearm in a level position.

How to recover from skiing?

Skiing is an intensive sport that puts every single muscle group in your body to work. So you need to engage in some physical fitness to strengthen your muscles. The stronger you are, the easier it is to grasp the techniques.

The main muscle groups used in skiing are your calf and thigh muscles, along with your core. Engage in squats, sit-ups and planks to get your muscles conditioned for the upcoming activity. Make sure to stretch well and stay hydrated to prevent muscle cramping and reduce the risk of injury. Add in proper warm-ups and cool-down sessions to maintain muscle flexibility which will help to avoid sore calves from skiing.

If you still experience leg pain and stiffness the following day, utilize a muscle recovery tool such as the SPRYNG calf compression wrap that can help improve blood circulation in your legs and help them recover faster. It is the ideal home remedy for swelling in your legs as these compression sleeves are portable and offer a quick fix within 15 minutes for sore and achy leg muscles. You can take them on your ski trip and wear them on your drive back and have them ease the pain in your legs from skiing.