Skiing tips for beginners

Embarking on your first skiing adventure can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or looking to improve your skills, this guide will provide you with essential knowledge and gear recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the mountain.

First things first, you’ll need the proper ski gear. If you’re just starting, there’s no need to shell out for top-of-the-line equipment right away. Many ski resorts offer rental packages that include skis, boots, and poles, allowing you to try before you buy.

When selecting skis, consider your height and skiing style. As a beginner, you’ll likely want skis that are shorter and more flexible, making them easier to control.

Ski boots are equally crucial, as they are your direct connection to your skis. Look for boots that fit snugly but comfortably, providing support without being too tight. It’s a good idea to try on several pairs and walk around the shop to ensure a good fit.

Remember: your boots should feel comfortable from the start; don’t expect them to “break in” over time.

Staying warm and comfortable on the slopes is essential for an enjoyable ski experience. Layering your clothing is key to regulating your body temperature and staying dry. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that will draw sweat away from your skin.

Next, add an insulating mid-layer, such as a fleece jacket or wool sweater. This layer will sit underneath your outer layer, trapping warm air and provide additional comfort.

Two Bare Feet offers a variety of thermals and base layers for adults and children, with options for both short and long-sleeved tops and bottoms. They’re designed to provide optimal insulation and comfort for winter sports enthusiasts, including snowboarders and skiers.

All our thermal base layers are crafted with moisture-wicking properties, helping to keep your skin dry by drawing sweat away from the body. This is crucial for maintaining a comfortable body temperature during high-intensity activities on the slopes.

Our men’s selection includes fleece-lined options that offer extra insulation without adding bulk. Women can choose from a range of thermal base layers specifically designed to fit comfortably and provide excellent heat retention.

A standout choice is the Two Bare Feet Unisex Long Sleeve Thermal Rash Vest, which features a fleece lining to ensure body heat doesn’t escape, keeping you warm both on and off the slopes.

For those who prefer short-sleeved options, the Two Bare Feet Unisex Short Sleeve Thermal Rash Vest offers similar benefits with its fleece lining and comfortable, flexible fit. This can be an excellent choice for layering under a long-sleeved mid-layer on milder days or for those who tend to overheat quickly.

Your ski jacket and pants are your primary defence against the elements, so choose wisely. Look for jackets and pants that offer both waterproofing and breathability. This will keep you dry from both snow and sweat, ensuring maximum comfort on the slopes.

Consider features like taped seams, adjustable cuffs, and a powder skirt to prevent snow from getting in.

Two Bare Feet offers a range of high-quality snow jackets and snow pants designed for optimal comfort and performance. Our jackets and pants come in various styles and colours, so you can find the perfect match for your needs and preferences.

The Rift snow jacket collection for men and women exemplifies Two Bare Feet’s commitment to combining functionality with style. These jackets boast a 5K/5K waterproof and breathability rating, ensuring you stay dry from both external moisture and internal perspiration.

The waterproof polyester outer shell is complemented by soft inner padding, providing excellent insulation for those cold days on the slopes.

Key features of the Rift snow jackets include:

• A snap-on powder skirt to keep snow out
• Extended Lycra cuffs with thumbholes for added warmth and protection
• A padded high-zipped collar for neck protection
• Toggle-adjustable hood and waistband for a customisable fit
• Velcro adjustable cuffs for sealing out cold air
• Multiple secure zipped pockets for storing essentials

Two Bare Feet offers several types of snow pants to suit different preferences. The Claw Hammer and Blizzard snow pants provide reliable waterproofing and breathability, ideal for general ski and snowboard use.

For those seeking enhanced performance, the Endurance snow pants feature a thermal lined waistband and leg ventilation, perfect for longer excursions, while the Rift snow pants, designed to complement the Rift jackets, come with removable suspenders for a secure fit.

Our Summit snow pants offer high-performance protection with an 8K/8K waterproof and breathability rating. These pants feature a relaxed fit, adjustable waistband, and multiple pockets for convenience.

Meanwhile, Two Bare Feet’s Terrain snow pants combine an 8K waterproof rating with 5K breathability for reliable protection in winter conditions. They feature a regular fit with a thermal lined waistband, practical storage options, and abrasion protection at the leg openings.

All snow pants in the Two Bare Feet collection are available in various colours to match your personal style.

For ultimate convenience and value, Two Bare Feet also offers all-in-one sets that include both a Rift snow jacket and snow pants.

Ski goggles are crucial for keeping the sun’s UV rays, wind, and snow glare from harming your eyes. When choosing goggles, look for features like UV protection, anti-fogging capabilities, and a comfortable fit. Consider the lens tint as well, as different tints are better suited for varying weather conditions.

Two Bare Feet offers a variety of ski goggles for adults and children, with different styles and lens options to suit your needs. Our current range is comprised of the Method series of ski goggles for adults and the Nitro Junior series for children, providing essential protection and visibility on the slopes.

Method snow goggles offer impressive features at an affordable price point. They’re available with standard mirror, red mirror, or orange mirror spherical lenses, effectively combating bright glare on sunny days.

Despite their budget-friendly price, Method goggles don’t compromise on safety, offering 100% UV A/B/C protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. The goggles feature an anti-slip strap for a secure fit and a flexing Side Clip for a complete and comfortable fit with your helmet.

For younger winter sports enthusiasts, Two Bare Feet offers the Nitro Junior series. These goggles are specifically designed to fit children’s faces comfortably while providing the same level of protection as adult models. The Nitro Junior goggles feature UV protection and triple-layer compression moulded foam for a comfortable and secure seal.

Both the Method and Nitro Junior goggles are designed to provide essential eye protection against sun glare, wind, and snow, allowing skiers and snowboarders of all ages to enjoy their time on the mountain safely and comfortably.

Don’t underestimate the importance of accessories like gloves, hats, and neck warmers. These small items can make a big difference in your overall comfort and warmth on the slopes. Choose gloves that are waterproof and insulated, and consider a neck warmer or balaclava for added protection in windy conditions.

A good instructor will teach you the basics of skiing, including how to put on your skis, balance, and control your speed and direction. They’ll also provide valuable tips on safety and slope etiquette.

When choosing a ski resort, look for one that caters to beginners. Many resorts offer dedicated learning areas with gentle slopes and slower lifts, perfect for practising your skills. Some resorts even have beginner packages that include lift tickets, rentals, and lessons at a discounted price.

Before hitting the slopes, take some time to practise putting on and taking off your skis, and find your balance while standing still. Once you feel comfortable, try sliding around on a flat surface to get a feel for the movement.

The snowplough, also known as the wedge, is your first and most important control technique. To form a snowplough, point your ski tips inwards, forming a V-shape with your skis. This will help you slow down and stop. Practise this technique on a gentle slope until you feel confident.

Once you’ve mastered the snowplough, you can start practising basic turns. Begin by shifting your weight to one ski, allowing it to turn in the desired direction. As you become more comfortable, try linking your turns, using your edges to control your speed and direction.

Ski resorts use a system of coloured markings to indicate the difficulty level of different slopes. Interpretations can vary slightly between resort but, broadly speaking, the colour codes tend to conform to the following:

• Green denotes beginner slopes
• Blue is used for intermediate level
• Red is for advanced skiers
• Black marks the most difficult runs, for experts only.

Always ski within your ability level.

Be mindful of what is going on around you while skiing. Keep an eye out for other skiers, potential hazards like trees and rocks, and changing weather conditions. If you need to stop, move to the side of the trail to avoid obstructing other skiers.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, continue practising and refining your skills. Consider taking additional lessons to learn more advanced techniques, or try skiing with a friend who is more experienced. The more you ski, the more confident and proficient you’ll become.

As you progress, you may want to try other forms of skiing, such as cross-country skiing or freestyle skiing. Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter scenery at a more leisurely pace, while freestyle skiing involves tricks and jumps for those seeking more thrills.

Pack plenty of warm layers, including thermals, mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses for when you’re not skiing.

Take breaks to warm up in the lodge, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pack snacks or have a good breakfast to keep your energy levels up.

Ready to hit the slopes? Browse Two Bare Feet’s wide selection of high-quality ski gear, designed with beginners and experienced skiers in mind. From thermal base layers to weatherproof jackets and comfortable goggles, Two Bare Feet has everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ski adventure.

Have a question? Don’t be afraid to ask! Our customer service team is ready to help. Whether you’re unsure what tint to choose for your ski goggles or can’t decide on the waterproof rating for your next pair of snow pants, our team can guide you to the right product for your specific needs.