Let's Ski.

Brandnerthal, Voralberg, 2016.

I started skiing two years back at the ripe age of seventeen, whereas most people learn to ski as kids.

Let me tell you, it is better that way. At least then you do not remember the pain of constantly falling on your face. :P 

This post is about the things I learned in these two years that are VERY VERY important and should at no cost be ignored. Especially if you are a beginner.

1) NO COUNTING CALORIES: The first time I went skiing, I had absolutely no idea that I would be sweating bricks under my jacket within the first 15 minutes. So eat well. Stop counting the calories and eat all the carbs that you can because your body needs them to generate energy while you ski.

Alpenhotel Zimba, Brand.

2) DO NOT DRESS TO WARM: Also, one of my very first mistakes; I did not regard the fact that skiing too is a sport, which means that you will most probably sweat. Which you will! So don't just pile on layers of clothes because chances are that it will be extremely hot under all those clothes.

3) NEVER WEAR GLOVES MADE OF CLOTH: Always, and I mean ALWAYS, wear those water-proof, special kind-of gloves. I once lent my Dad my gloves and hence had to wear these other gloves which were, as you can guess, not water proof (snow proof?), and believe me you, I thought that I would probably have frost bite by the time we go home. 

4) CARRY A CHOCOLATE / ENERGY BAR: This tip will make all the difference in the world, when you are a few hours in and tired because you have been skiing the entire afternoon. I honestly needed an energy bar so badly last year, when I first learned skiing.

5) STAY HYDRATED: Sports 101- always stay hydrated. The same goes with skiing. The minute you get thirsty, it is over for you. You can take a small bottle of water with you and then keep filling it up, or you could just buy one while stretching your legs at the restaurant there. Most pistons in Europe have one as soon as you ride the very first ski lift up.

6) LEARN YOUR LIMITS: Don't be stupid and try to push through exhaustion like you would do at the gym. The ski piston is not a controlled environment. There is always a possibility that you could fall off the regular course and find yourself alone with a broken leg.

7) PARTNERS: Try skiing with people, who can ski well. You will learn so much just by looking at them. Plus, they will help you up when you fall, which if you are a beginner, you will!

8) ASK: Do not be afraid of asking for help. I have had so much help every time I have skied. I shit you not, once I had to even be helped by the Ski Patrol, since I was stuck and none of us could figure out how to get me down the hill without me falling every two metres.

9) HAVE FAITH: One of the first things that any tutor teaches you is that you have to let go of the fear and trust yourself. You need to have faith that when the time really comes, your body will know what to do.

10) THE VIEW: Don't forget to look around you when take ride that ski lift or when you are at the very top. Just look around you and take in everything that you see. This is not something that you see everyday in life.

This view is everything.