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Learn to Ski: Five Common Mistakes of First Time Skiers

Breckenridge Colorado

According to the Breckenridge Ski Patrol “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear”. Make sure you have the right gear for your ski adventure. (Photo Credit: gobreck.com)

If you’d like to learn to ski, there’s more to it than just figuring out how to walk in boots, use your poles or make a pizza to stop. We asked the ski patrol at Breckenridge Resort what are some of the most common mistakes for first time skiers. First, be prepared for the altitude change. Altitude sickness is due to the lower amounts of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can manifest itself in breathlessness, throbbing headaches and fatigue to name a few. To avoid the effects of altitude sickness, especially if you are coming to Breckenridge (or any mountain town) from sea level, is to gradually increase the altitude. If you are visiting Breck, spend one night in Denver first. This will give your body an adjustment period at 5,000 ft. prior to going up to 10,000 ft.

What else do you need to know? Here’s what else the Breck Ski Patrol had to say about common mistakes of first time skiers.

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Ski North Carolina: Comparing High Country Ski Resorts

Beech Mtn Resort

Beech Mountain has the only quad chair lift to get skiers up the mountain fast.

What: Ski North Carolina, Compare High Country Ski Resorts
Where: Appalacian Ski Mtn., Sugar Mtn. and Beech Mtn.
When: November – March
Cost: Ranges for youth and adult Lift Tickets $20 – $68

Recently I was invited by the North Carolina High Country on a press tour of the ski resorts located in the area. Each has its own unique qualities and offer skiers a little something different. All the resorts have invested in large snow guns, so as long as nights are below 32 degrees, they can create a winter wonderland on the slopes. Here’s what you can expect at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort.

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How to Walk in Ski Boots: A Beginner’s Guide to Ski Rental and Gear

Beech Mountain

The proper way for kids to carry skis is in front of them. Adults put them over their shoulder with tips down (so you don’t wallop someone behind you). (Photo Credit: Bill Russ at Beech Mtn., NC)

According to Talia Freeman, marketing manager at Beech Mountain Resort, a lot of would be skiers decide they don’t like the sport before they even get on the mountain because they find the process of getting the gear and getting around intimidating. Don’t let ski equipment keep you off the slopes, you’d be missing so much. It’s not as hard as it sounds and once you get used to it, you’ll be walking in those ski boots like a pro. Here is a Beginner’s Guide to Ski Rental and Gear and what you need to know to look like a pro.

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What to Wear Skiing: A Beginners Guide

Beech Mountain

To stay warm in the snow, dress in layers.

A ski vacation takes a bit more preparation than just throwing a bathing suit in a bag and heading out. For first time skiers, the most important rule of thumb is stay warm and dry. Otherwise, you’ll be miserable and won’t be able to enjoy the experience. This post is a beginners guide to What to Wear Skiing. We’ve outlined eight things to consider before leaving for the slopes. In addition, we give you some alternatives to purchasing expensive ski clothing. Continue reading What to Wear Skiing: A Beginners Guide

Five Tips to Ensure a Memorable Outing with Kids

I have been asked several times recently about tips for taking kids on field trips. It got me thinking, so I thought I’d share with you five tips to get the most out of your field trips.

Set realistic expectations. If you’re going to the Zoo on a free or cheap day, it’s going [...]