Skiing:advice to follow to leave peacefully

Ah finally, ski holidays! You've been waiting for them for a year. Before indulging in safe skiing, it is important to prepare yourself well. Choice of equipment, insurance, physical preparation:follow our advice to ski safely.

1. Get in physical condition

To avoid injuries on the slopes, you must prepare physically a few weeks before the stay, especially if you are not the sporty type. So, we invite the whole family to the garden! On the program:mini-Olympics with hoops, balls and relay sack race. This is a great idea for playing sports while having fun.

To slip in the luggage

Carry a first aid kit in your luggage. It could be useful for the little ailments of everyday life. You will put paracetamol, antispasmodic, some bandages, an antiseptic, a thermometer and arnica.

2. Check your insurance

In winter sports, more than elsewhere, an accident can happen quickly. If you get injured and a disability ensues, beware of the bill if you are not covered by life accident insurance. Before leaving, remember to protect yourself and your loved ones.

3. Choosing the right material

Ski goggles

When we plan a ski vacation, we equip ourselves! First of all, you need good sunglasses. In the mountains, the sun's rays are less filtered by the atmosphere. As for U.V., it increases by 4% every 300 m. Opt for category 3 and 4 goggles to ski without hurting your peepers.

Ski equipment

To ski, you also need good ski boots! Our tips for finding shoes that fit:

• Measure your foot, in length, but also in width. Be careful not to take shoes that are too big:the liner loses between 30 to 40% of its volume in the first 10 days of skiing!
• The volume of your feet also matters:a thin foot in a shoe that is too wide moves and you lose precision.
• Choose natural fiber socks and change them daily.
• Have the bindings adjusted by a professional (at the store or by your ski hire company).
• Keep the shoes on for at least 20 minutes in the store to make sure you've found the perfect pair.
• Choose shoes that are appropriate for your level:If you are a beginner, choose a shoe that is more flexible and offers more mobility. If you are a champion of the slopes, take a harder shoe, more efficient, but which requires control and precision.

Regarding the clothing aspect, we opt for outfits adapted to the cold. Exit the city coat, even if it keeps you warm. When skiing, you need pants and a warm, waterproof jacket. Nothing is more unpleasant than ending the day with your back, hands or buttocks soaked… Finally, it is strongly advised to equip yourself and your children with ski helmets. The helmet protects against head trauma in the event of a fall. Prevention is better than cure!

The little detail not to forget!

Children's ski helmets must meet the NF EN 1077 standard, which takes into account the characteristics of alpine skiing and snowboarding.

4. Be careful on the slopes

That's it ! You are finally there. Be careful, your joy should not make you lower your guard. Some tips to avoid the worst:

• Check the weather forecast for the day before planning your day.
• Choose trails suited to your level. Do not embark on a black run if you are a beginner.
• Follow the safety instructions displayed at the ski lifts and on the slopes.
• Avoid crossing paths of other skiers.
• Remain alert to the behavior of skiers around you.
• Step to the side of the slopes if you want to take a break.
• Don't forget to put on some sunscreen.
• Do not go off-piste if you are not an experienced skier.

5. Getting into skier mode 2.0

New technologies are also making their way onto the slopes. Discover our selection of applications dedicated to skiing:

• OnTheSnow:great for keeping up to date with your resort's weather forecast and sharing your first impressions with other skiers when you arrive on the slopes (snow quality, weather, etc.). This community app also offers a piste map.
• Alpine Replay:it records your performance in the mountains (speed, elevation, etc.) and allows you to compare this data with your friends! Perfect for competitors at heart.
• Mammut Safety App:Perfect if you plan to practice off-piste skiing. The application is responsible for assessing the danger (exposure, slope, overall level of danger, etc.), offers snow reports and even has a call for help function.

Because sliding sports are risky sports, do not go to the resort without a minimum of preparation. Apply these practical tips and you are sure to have a 100% enjoyable ski holiday.