2015 is officially here! If you’re still flip-flopping between resolutions or finding that some are way too hard to stick to, go ahead and trade out those boring New Year’s resolutions for something a little more fun!
Here’s a list of seven skiing and snowboarding resolutions that promise to add fun and good vibes to your season. What would you add?
1. Take a lesson
Beginners and advanced skiers can both benefit from lessons. It’s not simply about learning to ski, but learning to ski better, steeper, or on more terrain than ever before. This new year, stretch yourself with some professional instruction and new skills. It’s a great way to mix up the season!
2. Wear a helmet
Common, all the cool kids are doing it. Why be an organ donor before your time? It doesn’t matter how good you are, there’s always a dunce out there who might lose it and send you spinning into a tree. Helmets reduce the incidence of any head injury by 30-50% according to Jasper Shealy, professor emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y. So be smart and wear a helmet in 2015 and beyond.
3. Get (and stay) fit
The stronger I get, the better I ski. Why? A solid fitness plan pays off on the slopes by improving your technique and preventing injury. It also makes every day more fun when tired muscles aren’t screaming at you to quit early. So make the most of a powder day by hitting the gym. Here is a video from University of Utah Health Care to get you going: Prepare for Ski Season
4. Have your boots professionally fitted
Boots can make or break your skiing, because they are the link between your body and the ski. If you haven’t yet, go get yours properly fitted, and replaced if necessary. Also consider a pair of custom insoles. “Insoles build response and feedback giving you confidence,” explains Chris O’Connor, an experienced boot fitter and owner of Inkline Foot Science in Salt Lake City.
5. Try something new
There are so many facets to skiing and snowboarding why try only one? Switch up sports, visit a new location you’ve been dreaming about, try telemark, go cross country, race to the finish line, learn to jump, or venture into the backcountry (start with a guide and learn basic safety skills). I could go on. There’s so much fun to be had, try something new this year.
6. Bring a friend
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month and the perfect time to introduce a friend or loved on to the sport. Lot’s of resorts offer special deals for first time skiers. Here’s a list of locations: Learn to Ski and Snowboard Deals.
7. Take an avalanche safety course
Gain the knowledge you need to stay safe wherever you ski or ride. “Avalanche centers reach out to the public with top-notch entry level avalanche awareness education. To stay on top of, or better, out of avalanches, check your local avalanche center for classes from introductory level to advanced,” encourages Keith Stebbings, director of the Wallowa Avalanche Center. You can also visit avalanche.org for classes and information.
BONUS: Take a stand for snow
In 2015, consider taking a stand to protect our beautiful ski areas by supporting causes like Protect Our Winters. It’s easy to take these areas for granted, but they are threatened and could use your support. Did I mention it’s a good way to earn positive snow karma?
Use this as a start and build your own snow resolutions for 2015. What will you add? Comment below and let me know!
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