Ski Holiday Ideas

Skiing & Snowboarding Ideas from the Beginner to Expert

A while ago the Ski Club of Great Britain launched UK’s first dedicated snowsports internet TV channel SkiTV.co.uk.  SkiTV.co.uk showcases the best ski and snowboard films on the internet, offering a wide range of inspirational programmes.

As television and the internet start to merge, users want to choose what they watch, when they want to watch it. SkiTV.co.uk will allow viewers to select films of their choice at any time of day or night.

The channel will offer the finest extreme skiing and boarding action as well as leading snowsports events, instructional films, safety guides, resort guides and environmental features.

Laura Chamberlain, Ski Club of Great Britain's Head of New Media and Information says, “Internet TV is taking off in a big way. Over 9 million people in the UK now have broadband in their homes and the number is increasing daily.

Just as the Ski Club led the way by launching skiclub.co.uk over 10 years ago - currently the UK’s most comprehensive snowsports website with over 1 million unique users a year - now the Ski Club are using the latest in technology to stream the best skiing and boarding videos over the internet 24 hours a day.”

SkiTV will stand as its own website, SkiTV.co.uk but will also be linked and promoted from skiclub.co.uk. SkiTV viewers will have unlimited viewing for an annual fee of £10. Ski Club members will have unlimited viewing as part of their membership. SkiTV.co.uk launches on November 1st 2006.

See www.SkiTV.co.uk

Ski Safety Tips and Information

Common Sense Ski Safety Tips
For Skiers and Boarders - from Novice to Expert

A good way to remember the rules of the slopes is to think of the rules of the road, as they are very similar.  Think safety at all times, keep equipment well-maintained, watch your speed, obey the rules and signs, and be courteous to others. 

You are likely to be sharing the slopes with people of all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced, using many different types of equipment. Other than the typical downhill skiers and snowboarders, you may encounter telemark or cross country skiers, or disabled skiers - often skiing with a buddy and using special equipment.  You may come across snowmobiles, snowcats (large machines used to groom the runs) ski instructors on a lesson, ski patrol, and mountain hosts.  You may even come across people showshoeing on trails.

Do…

1. Invest in ski school lessons or private lessons to get you started
2. Carry your skis and equipment safely to the slopes without injuring others!
3. Stretch out and warm up your muscles before beginning
4. Ensure your ski equipment is correct for your size and ability
5. Ensure your ski equipment is adjusted properly (bindings will release, etc.)
6. Check weather reports before starting your day and dress accordingly
7. Ski according to your abilities at all times
8. Stay in control and keep speed to a level where you know you can stop quickly if needed 
9. Give way to skiers below you as they always have right of way
10. Look up the hill and give way to other skiers before pushing off
11. Give way to other skiers descending when joining a trail
12. Use leashes and safety devices to stop skis and boards running away
13. Pay attention to and obey the rules, as well as posted warnings and signs
14. Ask for help before attempting to board an unfamiliar type of lift
15. Use the restraining/safety bars on chairlifts (you won’t look so cool if you fall out!)
16. Hang onto your poles and other equipment when on the lifts
17. Purchase a comprehensive Winter Sports travel insurance policy before leaving home

Note:  It is worthwhile investing in ski school lessons, or private lessons if you can afford it.  Even if your family or friends are experts and offer to teach you, the safest way is to join a class with others of the same ability.  Your more advanced friends are not likely to have the patience to wait for you and may try to push you beyond your abilities – with potentially disastrous consequences.

Never…

1. Endanger yourself or others by skiing on slopes beyond your ability
2. Ski out of control to extent you could not stop in an emergency
3. Pretend you are a hot racer and use beginning skiers as a slalom course
4. Jump off a chair lift to retrieve dropped items, no matter how close the ground appears
5. Ski after drinking alcohol, when tired, or suffering with altitude sickness
6. Stop where you will not be visible from above, or you may obstruct a trail
7. Venture out of bounds/off-piste unless you understand the risks/consequences
8. Engage in winter sports without taking out Winter Sports travel insurance

One sobering fact to remember is that all winter sports carry a degree of risk, no matter how careful or responsible you may be.  So, ski safely and have fun!

The above tips are a sample and offered for guidance only. They are not a substitute for professional instruction and training.