| So you want to take up the sport of skiing and you | | | | equipment such as gloves, sunglasses, and the most |
| do not know where to start. Let me make it a little | | | | important item a ski helmet will have to be supplied |
| easier by offering you some solid information on | | | | by you. |
| what is necessary for an enjoyable and safe day of | | | | If you are planning on buying your own equipment |
| skiing. | | | | then go to a reputable dealer that is experienced in |
| Before we get started, you have to choose the | | | | fitting ski equipment. All equipment should be |
| type of skiing that you want to do. There are | | | | personally fitted to your age, gender, weight and |
| basically two type of ski sports that most beginners | | | | height and the type of skiing you plan on doing. Much |
| like to partake in. Namely, downhill skiing and cross | | | | like what they do when you are renting ski |
| country skiing. Although these two sports are related | | | | equipment for the day. The equipment you need |
| the equipment required for each sport is completely | | | | consists of skis, bindings, ski boots, and ski poles. |
| different. For the purposes of this article we will | | | | Other equipment you are going to need consists of |
| concentrate on downhill skiing. | | | | head wear protection, such as a helmet, gloves or |
| Now that you have selected your preferred method | | | | mitts, and warm ski apparel. |
| of skiing we will look at what is required to | | | | Most sports today require participants to wear some |
| participate in this great sport. | | | | sort of head protection. Skiing is no different. Lately, |
| My first recommendation is that if you are just | | | | with the increase in numbers of people taking up the |
| starting out that you rent the required equipment. | | | | sport, accidents involving head injuries have been on |
| Skiing can be a major investment and before you go | | | | the rise. March 2009 saw a head injury as a result of |
| out and spend the money you need to decide if | | | | a ski accident take the life of Natasha Richardson. |
| downhill skiing is for you or not. Most ski rental place | | | | Since then many ski resorts have made the wearing |
| will rent you the skis, the bindings, the boots and the | | | | of ski helmets mandatory for the 2010 season. So |
| ski poles. They will also fit all the equipment | | | | make sure you get a proper helmet prior to setting |
| specifically to your body weight and height. All other | | | | of on your ski day or vacation. |