WINTER FEELS GOOD!A GUIDE TO SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

WINTER FEELS GOOD in so many ways. It’s good for the heart, the head and the soul. But before you head for the hills—or even your own backyard—there are things you should know. In this guide, we’ll briefl y introduce you to gear and clothing, and steer you towards great resources for complete information, including the Winter Feels Good web site, winterfeelsgood.com.

www.winter feelsgood.com

How to dress for winter fun

1. FIRST LAYER. Worn next to the skin, usually long underwear. Look for a synthetic fi ber—usually polyester—that can “wick,” or move, sweat away from your skin.

2. MIDDLE LAYER. Your insulation layer, including turtlenecks, sweatshirts, sweaters and pullovers. Popular materials include fl eece and wool.

3. OUTER LAYER. Usually pants and a jacket, which should block the wind and repel snow and sleet. Most genuine outerwear is waterproof and “breathable,” meaning it keeps moisture on the outside but allows moisture from the inside—your sweat—to escape, so you stay dry and comfortable.

Easy as 1-2-3 Layers

Wearing the right clothing is the fi rst step in getting ready to play outside in the snow. You want to stay warm and dry. The best way to dress for winter fun is to wear layers of clothing. This allows you to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity.

DON’T FORGET: Hat, headband or helmet • Goggles • Sunglasses • Waterproof gloves/mittens • Sunscreen with SPF 30

SKIS: Virtually all skis now are “shaped,” with narrow waists and wide tips and tails. These skis turn easier and can be used in shorter lengths—the top of the skis should be between your chest and nose.

BOOTS: Come in traditional sizes and also “mondo point,” which is the boot length in centimeters.

BINDINGS: A ski shop employee will set your retention setting, based on weight and skiing ability.

POLES: Are the right length when, with pole grips in your hands and pointed ends touching the fl oor, your forearms are parallel to the ground.

TAKE A LESSON: First-time skiers should always take a lesson from a qualifi ed instructor. Call your local ski areas and sign up for a learn-to-ski class or, if you have skied before, a refresher course.

ALPINE SKIINGALPINE SKIINGALPINE SKIING

YOUR STYLE: Choose Freeriding if you want to ride any terrain in any snow conditions and Freestyle if you’re more interested in jumping and doing tricks in half-pipes and terrain parks.

YOUR STANCE: “Regular Foot” riders stand with their left foot forward on the board; “Goofy Foot” riders stand with right foot forward. If you don’t know your stance, have someone push you gently from behind; whichever foot you put out fi rst for balance is probably the foot you should have in front.

YOUR ANGLES: For Freeriding, beginners should ask that their bindings be set shoulder-width apart, with a stance angle of 15 degrees for front foot and 3 degrees for back foot. For Freestyle riding, widen your stance and reduce the angle of your front foot below 10 degrees.

YOUR LESSON: Always, always take a lesson from a qualifi ed instructor your fi rst time snowboarding. Be prepared to fall. But get through your fi rst day and be on your way to a lifetime of fun.

Snowboarding Snowboarding Snowboarding

www.winterfeelsgood.com• Info on gear, apparel & getting started • Health & nutrition tips • Ski, snowboard shops near you • Ski, snowboard areas near you • Affordable learn-to programs • Ski clubs in your area

Alpine skiers improve balance and fl exibility, strengthen quadricep and hamstring muscles, and can burn more than 400 calories per hour in this anaerobic and aerobic activity.

Snowboarders increase coordination, fl exibility and balance, strengthen leg muscles and can burn more than 400 calories per hour in this anaerobic and aerobic activity.

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