Tips for beginner skiers
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You have long wanted to learn how to ski and you have finally decided to make your first attempts at this beautiful and exciting sport.
We congratulate you on the decision and to be useful we offer you some tips for beginner skiers that will protect you from mistakes and will make your descent on the white slopes unforgettable.
Choose your destination carefully
If you really want to learn to ski, the destination you choose is very important. So let that choice be the first thing you do before you start preparing your ski equipment.
Take a close look at the ski resorts and head to the one that has good slopes for beginner skiers. One such ski resort, for example, is Bansko. This is not only our most popular winter resort, but a destination that can offer you both great and well-maintained slopes for beginners and numerous places to stay.
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Prepare your ski equipment
Until you start the lessons, you will not be sure if this sport is really for you. Therefore, our advice is not to rush to buy skis, when you can rent them from the hotel where you are staying.
Almost all hotels in Bansko, such as Lucky Bansko, have ski lockers, where you can rent skis, poles and helmets, as well as everything else you need to take your first steps in skiing.
In addition to ski equipment, however, you will also need warm clothing, which is good to get in advance.
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Ski boots
You can also rent shoes at the hotel, but it is not recommended to do so, as the ski boots should be comfortable and fit well on your feet. Unfortunately, it is very rare to find shoes for rent that are really comfortable. That is why it is good to buy ski boots in advance.
Ski jacket and ski pants
While you are in the mountains, the weather can change in minutes, so you should wear warm and waterproof outerwear. To be prepared for any situation in the mountains, it is good to get a warm jacket and pants in advance.
Make sure your outerwear is waterproof, windproof and can keep your body dry and warm regardless of the conditions on the track.
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Basic and middle layer of clothes
The clothes you wear under your ski equipment should be made of either synthetics or wool, as these materials retain heat. Avoid wearing cotton clothes, as they neither retain body heat nor are waterproof.
Gloves
Gloves are a very important part of your outfit as they protect your hands from frostbite. When choosing this ski item, make sure that you can fold your fingers without any problem.
Socks
Along with your hands, keeping your feet dry is essential for having a great day on the track. The socks you buy should be made of wool or synthetic materials so that they can keep your feet warm and dry.
Buy at least a few pairs, as you never know when you may need to change them.
Glasses
Glasses can be rented with the helmet from the hotel’s wardrobe.
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Follow safety rules
We are sure that once you start the ski lessons your instructor will introduce you to the rules of piste safety.
But we will also allow ourselves to advise you something:
- Always look around before going down the track
- Do not stop in the middle of the track
- Consider other skiers
- Do not try to drive beyond your means
Show respect for the mountain
Never forget that a mountain is as beautiful as it can be dangerous. Therefore, always check the weather forecast before heading to the track and if a change is expected, stay at the hotel or take a pleasant walk to one of the many sights around Bansko.
Do not ignore the recommendations of experienced skiers and do not try to do what you have learned off-piste or on slopes that are designed for advanced skiers.
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Have fun
Do not make the mistake that many beginner skiers make, who in their desire to learn faster riding techniques overload their body extremely much.
Skiing is something you don’t learn with one or two lessons. Therefore, instead of trying all day to learn the correct riding technique, give yourself an occasional break with a cup of hot tea, relax in the spa area of the hotel and a walk around Bansko.