04/08/2023
Sometimes, due to some force majeure reasons, you need to forget about skiing for a while. And now is the moment for a professional to come back. However, skiing after a long break is not easy since it requires lots of effort and tips.
Actually, you don't need to be worried about the issue as it's not rare among ski lovers. You just need to prepare yourself well before getting back to the slopes with our tips for skiing after a long break.
Let's scroll down for more!
Skiing After a Long Break
Check Your Gear
Since you've not skied for quite a long time, your gear can deteriorate. If you want to conquer the challenges again, ensure you have good quality old equipment to avoid unwanted injuries. Otherwise, you should replace the malfunctioning items.
There is a long list of things you need to inspect visually. It includes skis, boots, bindings, poles, helmets, goggles, and garments.
For example, you should ensure your top sheets have no sign of delamination, as it can bring water inside the core, resulting in broken skis. Other items also need to be tough and without any cracks and rust.
Learn New Technology
It's good if you can use your old garment, yet if your skiing hiatus is quite long, you'd better update your gear.
You may find out the 215 cm shaped skis, and rear-entry boots are pretty out-of-date. Instead of that, people use shorter and wider skis.
Moreover, their profile now includes different variations, requiring more time to study to ensure you master the right skis for the slopes you intended.
Take a Lesson
It's important to take a lesson on how to ski after a long break. It will remind you of the way to go up and downhill safely. Plus, it can help you to overcome the bad skiing habits that you used to have.
You can take a course or watch a video. The level of the lesson will determine where your current skiing abilities lie. If the lesson is difficult to keep up with, slow down and start with more basic ones.
Or, if needed, consider booking a tutor or private instructor to help you with your technique. This way will help you improve much faster.
Prepare Your Body
Skiing is a sport, and you need muscle strength (especially in your lower body) to get ready for it. Even if you train regularly, some specific muscles for skiing can be diminished after years.
That's why you should start getting fit for skiing again, try to focus on your body health and leg strength before starting to conquer again. Training consistently will prepare your body, eliminate soreness and reduce risks of injury.
Adapt to the training schedule gradually and increase the intensity according to your ability. Always ensure an active status for your body will help you come back easier.
Stay Hydrated
Always keep yourself hydrated, especially when you are in the mountains, as the air is drier. It can even cause a little shock to your body since you've not been in high altitudes for a long period.
Thus, you should have a big glug of water every morning. And when you get on the mountain and feel your lips chapping, bring a bottle of water with you. (Sunscreen and lip salve are also recommended).
A marathon bottle is an ideal choice as it's useful for running and sliding and only takes little space when they are empty.
Rest and Recuperate
Skiing after a long break will make your body tired and sore, especially those first days when you've just gone back to the slopes.
You should give yourself time to fully adjust, rest and recuperate. Otherwise, you'll get exhausted, and it's easy to give up.
There are ways to relieve your muscles, including alternating between ice and heat for sore muscles and soaking in a hot tub. Once your body gets enough rest, you're also less likely to get injured on your journey.
Take it Easy and Slow.
The feeling of being behind in something that you used to be good at is not comfortable. But it does not mean you should risk your safety.
Since you're getting knowledge of how to ski after a long break, plus with the experience you had, it does not require a long time for you to improve.
Therefore, there's no need to be rushed in any step of the process. Sooner or later, you will find back your feeling of standing and sliding on the skis. So, be patient!
Choose the Proper Slopes
The level you choose now is not necessary to be the one you used to ski before. There's nothing wrong with choosing something lower than that. You need to make sure you will not throw yourself in at the deep end.
The beginner area is helpful, providing you with a chance to practice your long-lost skills before continuing to the next level. Plus, it will give you the feeling of achievement and success after a long time. So, opt for skiing resorts that are beginner friendly.
If you don't know where to start, consult with your instructor. They can give your appropriate advice in choosing the slopes as well as pointing out what you need to improve.
You can choose the skiing resorts in Courchevel which offer professional ski instructors for all levels, such as L'Apogée Courchevel, so it's easier and more convenient for you. Besides, there are many resorts for your preference, such as Les 3 Vallées, Les Airelles, or Hotel Barriere des Neiges, where you can find the appropriate pistes for your level (and, of course, have a nice time relaxing).
Remember Having Fun is More Important
You may feel struggling and disappointed when you can't do the thing you used to be good at before. But when you come to the mountain, it's not only about achieving but relaxing and enjoying the beautiful snowscape.
If you fall, it's not a big deal. Laugh it off and try again. There's no need to be shy about it.
Make some changes if needed to have fun skiing again. For example, change your boots, change the piste, or change your accompanies.
Conclusion
Skiing after a long break can be a struggle as your body and muscles have already forgotten how to perform their best way. Recalling what you did well before requires some time, including donating your time to training, watching tutorials and lessons, learning new technology, etc.
In addition, you should prepare your gear in good condition before starting. You also should choose the proper piste for yourself, give your body enough rest, and don't push yourself too hard. Having fun and relaxing are the actual purposes of your journey to the mountains.