frostbite or even worse.
Skis
When buying skis check that they are not damaged in any way and that the
running base is smooth and flat. The shovel plays a big part in turning, it
flexes and leads the skier around. The narrowest part of the ski is the waist.
The waist is where you place your boot. The ski is arched, or has a Camber to
support the waist and to control different forces you might put on it. Without
a skier the ski would only touch the snow at two points – the shovel and the
tail. The tail is tipped up to reduce possible damage.
It is really simple to find out how long you want your ski to be. You
want your ski to be about the same height as you are.
Boots
Aside from their part in attaching the skier to the ski and inducing the
right forward lean, ski boots must feel comfortable. Ski boots need adjustment
to keep the right fit throughout the day. Make sure your toes are not pushed
tightly against the front of your boot and that the heel of the foot is not kept
down. When strapping your boot on keep your heel down. Your ankle must be
free to bend, allowing you to go into the forward lean position.
Bindings
Ski binding are probably the most complicated item of your ski
equipment. If they are not perfectly adjusted you will find out that your skis
will be coming off all the time, or will fail to come off when they should,
which could lead to a bad accident.
The bindings have two main parts: a toe piece and a heel piece.
Although it can vary , the toe piece normally releases under sideways pressure
and the heel piece under forward and upward pressure. Some bindings have a heel
pivot so the whole heel binding swivels to release the boot. The toe piece is a
spring-loaded gadget made to release your boot when the forces on your leg build
up to a dangerous level.
Poles
Built as much for balance as for turning skis, ski poles must be the
correct length. When you are holding your poles they should be at elbow length.
Plastic baskets are at the end of your poles. The baskets normally have at
least one hole in them so that you can stick the other pole’s tip threw it to
have an easier way to carry your poles. Lost baskets should be replaced as soon
as possible.
Clothing
Whatever type of ski gear you use, remember to wear ski clothing in
layers. Make sure your gear is warm, windproof, and waterproof.
The ski jacket should be wind and waterproof. Look for strong zippers
covered with flaps and drawstrings for durability. Gloves should be large
enough to let the fingers move and thick enough to keep the fingers warm. Make
sure the cuffs go over the wrists and the palms have extra padding.
Goggles give protection to the eyes against the cold, the snow, or
sunlight. Keep them in your jacket when you are not using them to avoid getting
them scratched or lost.
Ski pants or ?bibs? should have straps that feel comfortable over your
shoulders. They should also feel snug but not too tight around your waist. They
should have pockets and also be waterproof and windproof.
Bibliography
Weber, Robert E. The Greatest Ski Resorts in America, Dallas, Texas; Guide
Book Publishing Co., 1988.
Walter, Claire The Best Ski Resorts in America, New York, New York; Randt
and Company, Inc., 1988.
Bartelski, Konrad + Neilands, Robin Learn Downhill Skiing in a Weekend,
Toronto; Daring Kindersley Limited, 1991.
Markels, Alex ?Travel Watch,? Snow Country, March/April,? page 37.
Skiing.? Comton’s, 1992 page 311-314.
Barritt, Norman Snow Sports, New York, New York; Franklin Watts, 1987.
Skiing By: Bryan Colter