I was talking to a young lady who I met on Nantucket and she wants to learn to ski. BUT, she really wants to make sure avoids some of the pitfalls that most newbies inevitably fall into. I promised her that if she would join, I would start this thread....

So, MJ this one is for you!

Without further ado....let's give it to her gals! One hundred and one ways to avoid looking like a gaper!

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Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take
But by the number of moments that take your breath away~

1. Do not wear pants tucked above your boots.
2. Do not wear jeans.

Sorry, I HAD to do two at once...they kinda went together!

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I'm not a native, but I got here as fast as I could

3. Do NOT have a furry hood. (my little pet peeve!)

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Kelly
"Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been." ~ Jimmy Buffett

This has less to do with how you look than how safe you are:
4. DO NOT borrow dated equipment from anyone!!
(If you aren't sure, look online to see what "modern" skis look like)

It's not so much the skis, which might well be very functional, if not necessarily matched to your ability -- it's the BINDINGS!!

Binding technology has really advanced in recent years. This is your "critical link" between boot and ski - and its adjustment and performance need to be set for your height, weight and ability.

After a certain age, bindings cannot be worked on by shop technicians, as the release spring is past its usable life. Plastics can get brittle and shatter.

Rent new, high quality equipment from and on or off-site rental facility!!

This is really great advice. I've seen too many injuries from people not taking care to use good modern equipment.

5. Helmet & Goggles

When you go to buy a helmet, or goggles, or both, make sure they fit well together. Some shapes just don't quite fit well together & you need them both to compliment safety of each. If you don't buy them at the same store same time, whichever you buy first, take with you when you buy the other to make sure they are compatible.

I tried on many helmets at 5 different stores to find one to fit my head correctly. My kid now has the Oakley goggles because the goggle model just wasn't fitting my face right with the helmet. Helmet first, then goggles would be my recommendation.

6. Socks - no one will see them but warm dry feet are important to your comfort & resulting smile (smiles always look good!).

Get a pair of SKI Specific wool socks. They are not thick like warm fuzzy winter socks, but they are warm & shouldn't bunch or fall down.

7. No Starter jackets (the puffy jackets with sport team names on them) I appreicate that you love the Broncos, Raiders, Red Sox, Celtics...but save those jackets for game day!

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I'm not a native, but I got here as fast as I could

8. Have a good read of the "skier's responsibility code" (printed on many lift tickets and most resort trail maps)----these are the "rules of the road," as it were.
It's especially important to be cognizant of where you stop (unless an unintended fall). Make sure that you can be seen from uphill. All of the code rules are equally important, though. If you don't understand any of them, ask. Ask here. Please! We want you to be SAFE.

9. Never tuck anything into your boots. Your baselayers should be neatly folded up and clear of your boot tops.

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Shoot me up the hill and I'll come off the mountain at my own place.

10. (This really should be #1, imo) Take a lesson. A group lesson is fine - a private lesson is better. Get those basics under your belt and have something to work on all day.

11. Dress in light layers. Unless it's less than +10 or extremely windy, you're really not going to feel the cold, so don't dress like you would for, say, snowmobiling. Skiing generates a lot of body heat, especially when you're learning.

12. Learn how to carry your skis. It's really not that hard. There is an efficient way and some very inefficient ways. When you have learned the efficient way, remember that you have a projectile behind you. Be careful about turning around in tight spaces. Learn how to carry them more vertically in tight situations.

13. Stay hydrated. You WILL work up a sweat and need water.