February 11, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Just the facts

by Tony Chamberlain/

Begin and end your ski day on easier runs, saving the tough stuff for the middle of the day. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

Begin and end your ski day on easier runs, saving the tough stuff for the middle of the day. (photo: Tony Chamberlain)

Some random bullets from a variety of sources who should know:

• “Don’t rely on anyone else who say they’re making the travel plans. Long before you begin the trip, check out the details.” — Snowboarder Don Hall, whose vacation group recently met at Big Sky Montana only to find it had booked a house more than 500 miles away.

• “Before you ski or snowboard, get in shape. Two best ways: yoga and biking. Forget the treadmill and the elliptical. They do nothing for you on the slopes.” — Ben Williams, fitness instructor who skis more than 100 days a year

• “If you’re renting a car, call ahead to reserve a four-wheel drive and snow tires. Do not opt for chains. There’s no worse nightmare than dealing with chains.” — Phil McNichol, former U.S. Ski Team men’s coach

• “If you’re still skiing or riding stupid, get the helmet. Skiing isn’t a glorified walk in the woods anymore. Take a clue from hockey and bicycling. Get the helmet. Stop looking stupid.” — Ken Daley, orthopedic doctor, Partners Health Care, Boston; 30-plus-day skier

• “When changing your altitude more than a mile — say East Coast to the Rockies — plan to get into town midday, and spend a few hours walking around, acclimatizing. Walk up a few flights of stairs. Don’t try to ski the first day, and drink tons of water.” — Dot Simmons, college ski coach, Denver

• On selecting skis: “Call a shop near the resort and reserve demos. They’re high-end skis that won’t make you look like a gaper, the way most rentals do.” — Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley.

• “Many skiers start with easy warmups and build their day to the most difficult runs. But the ski day is an arc that peaks somewhere after the third run and begins to decline especially in the last part of the day. Plan your day to finish with easy runs to lower the chances of pilot error.” — Blake Merrill, ski instructor, Aspen, Colorado

• “Eat light at lunch. A piece of fruit, chocolate bar and a hot drink will get you through the day, and you’ll be a much better skier after the lunch break.” — Leslie Sneyd, boarder and nurse/dietician, Joslin Center, Boston

• “Ski socks are way better than standard cotton socks. They allow more blood flow, have cushioning where the boots can accommodate it, and are warmer. Before you put them on, spray your feet with antiperspirant. Your feet will be drier and warmer.” — Dee Byrne, director, Vail Snowsports School

• “When you’re at a new mountain, make a reservation for the morning resort tour geared to your ability level. This is the best way to get acquainted with the mountain before you have to commit to where you want to ski.” — Holly Wilkinson, former sports tour director, Providence

• “Before committing to an airline, check the bag policy, which has been changing this winter. Some charge for ski and boot bags, while many are dropping the policy. If you load up a ski bag with clothes, remember that some airlines charge for overweight bags. Expedia does not explain this.” — Tony Chamberlain, after three flying ski trips this winter

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