The great summer weather is the perfect time for long cycling trips alone or with friends. Although for many people, the bike is simply a means of communication in the city, it is worth seeing more of its
Activity zone 4F
In this zone, your heart rate rises at the mere thought of the next workout. You'll find the best ways to exercise effectively, discover new disciplines, and choose an outfit that suits your needs. We'll also guide you through the clothing care process and advise what to buy for enthusiasts of various sports. Our blog is a guide for everyone who wants to feel motivation 4 times more!
Published: 1/25/2024🏂 Winter sports
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Skiing - frequently asked questions
Are you planning to start your journey with ski touring, or maybe you already ski, but strive to learn more? In this article, we offer answers to all frequently asked questions regarding skiing. Keep reading, and you'll learn what you should know before you start learning, how to choose the right ski apparel and equipment.
- Basic rules of skiing
- Where to go skiing?
- What you need to know about ski gear
- Children and skiing
- Cross-country skiing
- Alpine skiing
In this article
- How to learn to ski? Find a beginner-friendly resort, take lessons from an instructor, and practice regularly.
- Where to go skiing? Slovakia has many great ski resorts, including Jasná Nízke Tatry, Tatranská Lomnica, and Štrbské Pleso.
- What you need to know about ski gear? Rent or buy the right clothes, skis, boots, and helmet.
- Is the ski helmet mandatory? Yes, helmets are mandatory for children under 16. Adults are encouraged to wear helmets for safety.
- Why do I need ski poles? Ski poles help with balance, control, and turning.
- How to teach a child to ski? Start with the classic technique, get an instructor, and rent gear or buy at a specialized store.
- What to wear cross-country skiing? Three layers, plus accessories like a winter hat, gloves, socks, and goggles.
- How to get started in cross-country skiing? Learn with an instructor, use groomed trails, and buy or rent gear.
- Before going skiing, it is important to do some exercises to prepare your body. This will help you avoid injuries and improve your performance.
- Can you ski while pregnant? Ask a doctor.
- Is it possible to ski with glasses? Try sports glasses or a visor helmet.
- What's easier - skiing or snowboarding? Depends on individual aptitude and preferences.
- How to become a ski instructor? Take an instructor course and pass exams, also get a first aid certification
Short summary
Basic rules of skiing
How to ski?
Are you interested in skiing and would like to learn how to ski? Start by finding out where in your region you can start learning, rent the equipment and book some lessons with an instructor. If you’re determined enough, you can certainly master skiing on your own. There is, however, one big downside to learning by yourself: there’s no one to correct your mistakes. Your instructor will explain the basics of staying safe on the slopes, show you how to get your skis on edges, how to correctly ski with poles, how to turn on skis or how to stop on skis.
It's a good idea to improve your stamina and muscle strength (especially in the legs) before you start learning. Don't get discouraged right away, skiing is a great way to spend time during family trips and winter escapades with friends!
How long does it take to learn to ski?
It all depends on our natural aptitude, age, and whether we have practiced other sports before. Some people will feel quite confident on skis after just 1-2 lessons, others will need a little bit more time. Still, don't get discouraged easily and don’t treat learning like a sprint race. To learn proper skiing technique, we need dozens of hours of practice with an instructor.
Where to learn to ski?
There are many resorts to choose from. Popular places are located in Białka Tatrzańska, Wisła, Karpacz or Krynica-Zdrój. Access to gentle, beginner-friendly slopes is key. In larger resorts, finding an instructor and equipment rental service will be a breeze. If you have ski gear, but live far from ski resorts, you can try skiing on the so-called "bunny hill" at first.
Where to go skiing?
What are beginner-friendly ski resorts?
Beginners should start on the gentle slopes, i.e. blue slopes, which have the lowest incline. The lift available on the slope is of equal importance. In the beginning, chairlifts will be the most convenient. Later on, once we feel more at ease, it will be easier to use the T-bar lift (the T-bar pulls the standing skier, so beginners often "fall" off the lift).
Where to go skiing in Slovakia?
Theculturetrip.com has a ranking of the 8 best places to ski in Slovakia:
- Jasná Nízke Tatry (Chopok), the largest ski resort in Slovakia, with more than 50 km of pistes and 23 lifts,
- Tatranská Lomnica (Lomnica) - Slovakia's most popular ski resort,
- Štrbské Pleso - located within the territory of the Tatra National Park. Numerous winter sports competitions are held there,
- Park Snow Donovaly - skiers can enjoy pistes, cross-country skiing trails and a riders park. It’s also home to the largest children's fun park in Eastern Europe,
- Relax Center Plejsy, Krompachy - offers slopes of various difficulty, so it's a good place for both beginners and more advanced skiers,
- Tale - a charming tourist destination with groomed pistes of various difficulty,
- Ružomberok - Malinô Brdo - a wide range of trails for skiers of all levels and ages,
- Vrátna - a popular resort located in the area recognised as Slovakia’s most beautiful region.
Where to go skiing in the Czech Republic?
According to tripadvisor.com, the following are the best places to go skiing in the Czech Republic:
- Špindlerův Mlýn - one of the most popular ski resorts in the Czech Republic that consists of 2 skiing destinations: Medvědín and Svaty Petr,
- Harrachov Ski Resort - considered the most beautiful ski resort in the country, offering runs of all difficulty levels,
- Javorovy Hill (Třinec) - the resort offers excellent conditions. It’s located in the Těšín Beskydy Mountains at an altitude of 968 metres,
- Klínovec - the largest and most modern complex in the Czech Republic, with more than 31 km of ski pistes available,
- Novako (Boží Dar) Ski Resort - a small ski resort, but the favourable location guarantees good conditions throughout the entire season.
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Where to go cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is more accessible than alpine skiing, as we are not limited by the number of slopes available in our area. You can enjoy cross-country skiing both in hilly areas as well as in the lowlands, across fields, and even in cities. Just check out where cross-country trails are being groomed in your area this season.
What you need to know about ski gear
Are you waiting for an upcoming ski trip, but your wardrobe lacks appropriate clothes? Or perhaps you’re wondering how to choose a ski jacket or what to pay attention to when choosing ski trousers? Make sure to read our Guide - how to dress for skiing, in which we explain all the essentials you can’t do without on the slopes. Check out how to choose ski gloves too.
Which alpine skis should I choose?
Choosing the right skis depends on several factors. How do we choose skis that are the best for us? First of all, you need to determine the technique you will use while skiing, as well as conditions and places you intend to ride in - do you enjoy groomed pistes, or perhaps you prefer freeriding (riding off the marked runs). A safe way to do so is to pick out a few models that catch your attention and then rent them for test runs. After trying them out on the slopes, it will be easier for you to decide which model suits you best.
How to choose ski boots?
The following include the basic parameters of ski boots you should pay attention to: the length of the liner (the less loose feel in the shoe, the better the control while riding - but beginners should have a few mm of wiggle room), the inner width of the boot shell and shell flex. How to choose the right ski boot flex? Stiffness is the so-called flex. Women are recommended to choose flex rating from 65 to 100, while men are advised to go for flex rating from 80-130.
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View productWhat kind of touring skis to choose?
When choosing ski touring equipment, start with boots, then pair them with bindings, and then, ultimately, with skis. Any extra load is problematic during the ascent, so there is only one rule while completing your ski touring gear: the lighter, the better. Think, however, whether you’re more after an easy ascent or perhaps an effortless ride downhill. Choose a few models that suit you best, then rent them and test if they really meet your expectations.
Is the ski helmet mandatory?
When skiing or snowboarding, a helmet is mandatory for those under the age of 16. The liability lies with parents or guardians when a child doesn’t wear one. According to legal regulations, adults are not required to wear a helmet while skiing, but it is recommended that everyone wears a helmet to ensure maximum safety. Also check out helmets with goggles available at 4F.
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Why do I need ski poles?
The primary purpose of ski poles is to use them for support and pushing off, e.g. while moving uphill. In addition, when descending, they help the skier properly balance the body and stay steady. Skiing with or without poles? There is no good answer to this question. Many sports enthusiasts cannot imagine skiing without poles, while others consider them an unnecessary load.
Children and skiing
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View productThinsulate Ski Gloves for Girls - Multicolor
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How to teach a child to ski?
It is best to entrust the learning to an instructor, even if we've mastered the skiing technique ourselves. Such a person has no emotional bond with the child. On the other hand, they have experience in teaching. In addition, children behave different around people they know. They’re more likely to be disciplined with an instructor. The moment your child feels comfortable on skis, they can start spending the winter break actively on winter camps, where they will improve their skiing technique and hang around with their peers.
Check out our post on how to prepare your child for their first ski trip.
When should a child start skiing?
The moment when a child can start learning to ski depends on their development. A child should master walking and running first - only then can they start their adventure with skiing. Typically, the agility and coordination of a 3-4 year old child is sufficient to familiarise them with skis. However, the actual process of learning how to skin can begin when the child is 6-7 years old.
Find out: How to choose a ski jacket and ski trousers for a child?
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View productCross-country skiing
What to wear cross-country skiing?
When dressing for cross-country skiing, you should feel slightly chilly so as not to overheat your body. Clothing should be designed for winter sports to provide adequate thermal comfort and moisture wicking.
It is best to wear three layers:
- snug thermal underwear,
- a layer to warm you up, such as a fleece jacket,
- a top layer to protect against precipitation and wind, such as a warm shell jacket.
You should also accessorise your outfit with a double-layer winter hat to protect your head from the cold and wind, gloves, sports socks and sports goggles with UV protection.
How do get started in cross-country skiing?
Beginners should start with the classic technique (in the classic style, the skis are moving parallel and pushing with the poles held close to your body). It is worth learning with the help of an instructor. If we don't correct mistakes at first, it will be harder to unlearn bad habits later.
In the beginning, it is best to use groomed trails. It is advisable to buy the gear at a specialised store, where the salesperson will recommend the equipment perfectly tailored to your needs. You can also rent skis and see which ones are right for you.
Alpine skiing
What exercises to do before skiing?
If you are planning a ski trip, but you’re concerned about your fitness, read our guide: How to get in shape for skiing. The guide explores all the exercises you should be doing before the start of the season.
How many calories does skiing burn?
The amount of calories burned while skiing depends on the type of workout and your weight. During a 1-hour workout, a 70 kg person burns about:
- 350 kcal - alpine skiing, leisurely pace,
- 420 kcal - alpine skiing, medium pace,
- 560 kcal - alpine skiing, fast pace,
- 490 kcal - cross-country skiing, 4 km/h pace,
- 560 kcal - cross-country skiing, at a leisurely pace of 6.5-8 km/h,
- 630 kcal - cross-country skiing, average pace 9-12.5 km/h,
- 980 kcal - cross-country skiing, fast pace above 12.5 km/h,
- 1000 kcal - ski touring.
Skiing can help you lose weight and even be enjoyable, as we’re spending time with our loved ones doing something that brings us joy.
Can you ski while pregnant?
This question should be answered by a doctor who can evaluate the patient's health after an examination. In theory, in case of uneventful pregnancies, skiing is allowed until the 4 month. However, it is important to remember that it’s a very injury-prone sport, so skiing while pregnant is not recommended.
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Is it possible to ski with glasses?
It’s more comfortable and safe to use contact lenses during any sports. However, not everyone can swap glasses for contact lenses. In this case, you can order sports glasses with unbreakable lenses and a frame that fits snugly to your face. You can also put on ski goggles on regular glasses. However, not everyone finds this solution comfortable. A visor helmet should work just fine.
What's easier - skiing or snowboarding?
Both skiing and snowboarding require proper preparation and learning the right technique. We all differ when it comes to aptitude and preferences, so deciding which discipline is easier, is deeply individual. It's worth trying both and checking what you enjoy more.
How to become a ski instructor?
Make sure your skiing ability level is good enough. You should also enjoy working with people. Think about the sources of income in the off-season. Ski instructor qualifications are obtained by taking an instructor course and passing exams. Completing a first aid course is also required
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