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GETTING READY TO GO SNOW SKIING

PLAN THE TRIP CAREFULY

It is amazing how many people just jump in the car and go! BAD IDEA!

Travelling to the Alpine areas in Australian can be a hazard waiting to happen.

Even the seasoned snow visitor to the National Parks can make errors and they have a good understanding of the issues that can confront them on the journey so they are normally well prepared.

The newbie's, novices or beginners have been known to have been turned away at the entrance to some of the parks by rangers because they do not have the appropriate equipment on board to enter the park and be assured you and your vehicle will be checked.

Even if you are only travelling to the snow for a weekend or a few days skiing it is very important to have an understanding the type of environment and nature of the alpine environment you are going to. Plus what equipment you are required and need to carry.

Most people do organise a trip to the alpine areas by car well in advance this will give you time to plan ahead. Select a resort that caters for you, your family or group's needs and has all the facilities that you require. The Alpine National Parks and resorts do differ with access, skiing levels, experience or abilities, lifts, accommodation, distance to the slops all need to be taken into consideration.

As well as organising the appropriate clothing and ski equipment it is also very important to prepare your vehicle for a trip to the snow.

It is TRUE! The better you plan a trip to the snow means you will have a more enjoyable time.

BE PREPARED

SNOW CHAINS AND ROAD RULES

DRIVING IN THE SNOW

GO TO WINTER CLOTHING SKI CLOTHING

GO TO ACCOMMODATION

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF Australian UGG Boots

RENT-A-CAR, CAMPERVAN OR DIAL A DRIVER

Dial a Driver

Avis Four

Budget Hire

Discovery

SNOW PREPARATION VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS

Ensure the vehicle is prepared, serviced and ready for action

• Check all the levels - Nothing worse than breaking down in the cold

• Tyre wear and pressures - Including the spare

• No cracks or stone chips in the windscreen

• Water levels are correct and anti-freeze is in the system

• Check the fog lights are working if you have them

• It is a good idea to carry a few tools

• Take the time to practice fitting wheel chains to your vehicle

• Ensure the roof racks are secure

• Once the car is loaded ensure everything is tied and water proof covered

• Make sure the heater works

SNOW PREPARATION GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Take care in your planning your trip to the snow

• Pack the correct clothes for the slops and off

• Do not go to the snow and ski if you are NOT fit

• Advise someone that you are going to the snow and your destination

• Prepare your Ski equipment before you leave to ensure it is all in good order

• Carry a mobile phone and be sure to have all the local area emergency contact numbers

• Be sure to pack sun screen and wear it when on the snow

• Take the time to learn a little about hypothermia

• Check the weather regularly to ensure your journey will be a safe one

• Once you reach the snowfields or National Parks READ all the signs and follow directions from the rangers

• Drive with curtsey to others, be cautiously and careful roads can ice up - See BLACK ICE BELOW!

WHEN ON THE SNOW - GENERAL TIPS

• It is a good idea to eat before you go and carry a snack during ski activities

• Do NOT litter, take care of the environment around you

• Take extra care to check your equipment before skiing

• Always wear the appropriate wind and waterproof clothing - Denim Jeans are NOT GOOD!

• A hat or benny, snow gloves, eye protection and depending on the conditions face covering the protect from wind burn

• Before you go onto the snow check the weather, snow and skiing conditions

• Keep a keen eye on any forecasted changes in weather conditions

• IMPORTANT - Never ski alone

• If you have not skied before TAKE SKI LESSONS!

• Because others take risks does not mean you should, please Ski within your capabilities

• Do Not remove your skis when conditions are icy, particularly on steeper slopes. Think about it?

• Should every find yourself lost, stop immediately, seek shelter, phone or wait for help

FITNESS

Regular skiers know and understand that fitness is very important and the earlier you start to get into shape the better. Those going to the alpine areas to enjoy the skiing and boarding need to have an action plan in place to ensure fitness levels are right.

Spending time in the snow skiing, boarding and tobogganing can be very high aerobic activities, even falling over and getting up again and again can burn energy quickly especially when you are wearing bulky warm clothing.

A pre-season fitness program will enhance your physical condition, improve strength, prolong endurance and generally assist with speed and improve reflexes enabling you to spend longer on the snow. Prolonged endurance also allows for more time on the more difficult slopes and trails. It is a known fact that when fitness levers are right you greatly reduce the chance of injury.

CHAIR LIFTS

When taking the lifts down, for whatever reason, be very careful when hopping off at the bottom it is normally very wet and slippery, many injuries have be caused when the novice or unwary skier carrying skis and poles jumps off the lift, especially early in the season.