The 5 Most Common Mistakes Skiers/Boarders Make And How To Avoid them

Mar 11

There are safety measures that will keep you safe and then there are things to avoid that can make you end up looking like a beginner - even if you are one, you don’t have to look like one.

We have put together a list of the 5 most common mistakes that snowboarding and skiing beginners make on the slopes. Read on to see if you are making any of these mistakes and how to get around each and every one of them making you look and feel like a pro!

Having a Gaper Gap
Gaper gap is the space between your helmet and the top of your goggles. If your forehead is showing at all, you have a gaper gap. Not only does this expose your forehead to an injury from a possible accident, but it also give you a very silly looking tan line.
How to avoid it: Pull forward your helmet to cover the forehead and push your goggles up. If there is still some space left, consider wearing a headband.
Forgetting Sunscreen and/or eye protection
It is kind of easy to forget about the sun entirely when it is so cold outside. But that can lead to sunburned and red face, noses and eyes on your trip.
How to avoid it: Remember to wear plenty of sunscreen and pull down your helmet over your forehead. And, always protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or goggles.
Losing Control
Just because a run looks easy at first glance, do not head for it without “ego-checking” yourself. It is your responsibility to take runs that are appropriate for your level and to always stay in control. Skiing or snowboarding wildly will endanger you and anyone coming in your way.
How to avoid it: Ski at a manageable pace, pay attention to the signs on the mountain indicating the “level” of run and look out for objects or people on your way.
Failing to Look Both Ways at Cross-Pistes
In all that excitement of the sport, it is easy to forget that pistes are not a single lane of traffic. Not everyone is skiing in the same direction. In fact, it’s often more like a constant merge where people are going different speeds. Collisions are quite common at points where two pistes merge into one or cross over each other.
How to avoid it: Keep an eye on the out-coming traffic and slow down when you have to. Follow the signs on the mountain that will tell you to “slow down” at merges.
Stopping in the Middle of the Trail
Stopping and standing in the middle of the trail for whatever reason is a near guaranteed welcome to collision.
How to avoid it: Move to the side of the trail to keep yourself and others out of danger’s way. If you have fallen down, want to check your map, are waiting for a friend to catch up, taking photos or simply taking a breather - you know exactly what to do!