ADVENTURE JUNKIES GUIDES
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28 AWESOME SKIING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS PAGE 12
EASY-TO-READ SNOW CLOTHING GUIDES PAGE 20
EASY-TO-READ SNOWSPORTS GEAR GUIDESPAGE 26
QUICK STARTER GUIDE TO
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LAST UPDATE - APRIL 2017
SNOW SPORTS
Dream it. Learn it. Live it.
The information contained in this guide is for informational purposes only. Any advice that we give is our opinion based on own own experience. You should always seek the advice of a professional before acting on something that we have published or recommended. Please understand that there are some links contained in this guide that we may benefit from financially. The material in this guide may include information, products or services by third parties. Third Party Materials comprise of the products and opinions expressed by their owners. As such, we do not assume responsibility or liability for any Third Party material or opinions. The publication of such Third Party Materials does not constitute our guarantee of any information, instruction, opinion, products or services contained within the Third Party Material. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, transmitted, or sold in whole or in part in any form, without the prior written consent of the authors. All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this guide are the property o f their respective owners. By read-ing this guide, you agree that ourselves and our company is not responsible for whatever might hap-pen due the decisions made relating to any information presented in this guide.
©2017 The Adventure Junkies, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Magazine TeamEDITOR: Antonio Cala INFO
EDITOR: Amanda Zeisset INFO
WRITER: Beth Nicole Foley INFO
WRITER: Becky Lomax INFO
WRITER: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
WRITER: Chantae Reden INFO
WRITER: Juliette Sivertsen INFO
DESIGNER: Danielle Zeisset
email: [email protected]
Published by The Adventure Junkies.
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PhotographyAll photographs from iStock by Getty Images
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WELCOME/ CONTENTS SNOW SPORTS Get Started06 Snow Sports FAQ
12 Beginner Essentials: 28 Awesome
Tips For Beginners
16 A Beginner’s Guide to Types of
Skiing
Snow Clothing20 Snow Pants 101
22 Snow Jackets 101
24 Snow Gloves 101
Skiing26 Downhill Skis 101
28 Ski Boots 101
30 Ski Bindings 101
32 Ski Poles 101
Snowboarding34 Snowboards 101
36 Snowboard Bindings 101
38 Snowboard Boots 101
Dream it. Learn it. Live it.
Page 26: Find the perfect pair of downhill hill skis
MESSAGE FROMTHE EDITORS
You’ve probably found your way to this ebook through our website, or maybe a friend passed it along to you. Either way, we’re happy you’re here.
We wrote this guide because when we were just starting out with snow sports we couldn’t find a single easy to read resource about how to get into the sport. The techie articles from magazines and websites just made us more confused. Also, none of our friends were skiers or snowboarders so we had to go ask around to find the answers we needed. The process left us feeling lost and overwhelmed, we don’t want that to happen to you.
The Adventure Junkies was created to inspire you and give you the right tools to explore the outdoors. We call it the dream it, learn it, live it process. First, you get inspired by oth-ers. Then, you learn the basics of the sport. And finally, you do it yourself. We do this by providing you with high quality and practical education, and connecting you with a com-munity of like minded adventurers from all over the world. And, because you are reading this right now means you’re well on your way to achieving your goal!
This eBook is a quick starter guide, and the purpose of this guide is to do just that - get you started fast. It is not a snow sports manual and we won’t cover every aspect of these sport. It will, however, take you through the basics and give you the tools you need to take the first steps in becoming a skier or snowboarder.
To all of our subscribers, followers and friends out there, thank you for the gift of your sup-port. We only hope that this free guide can begin to repay you for the time you’ve given us. Here’s to you and your many years of snow sport adventures to come!
Antonio & Amanda
Welcome to The Adventure Junkies Snow Sports Quick Starter Guide!
EDITORS: Antonio Cala & Amanda Zeisset EMAIL: [email protected]
04
HOW TO GET INTO SNOW SPORTS
SNOW SPORTS FAQ AUTHOR: Becky Lomax INFO
SNOW SPORTS EQUIPMENTDO I NEED TO BUY EQUIPMENT BEFORE TRY-ING OUT A SNOW SPORT?
No, before you buy equipment, you should first try out a snow sport. Ski shops and ski areas rent equipment. When you tell them you are a first timer, the shop technician will get you set up with the right gear sized for you.
Rental gear is available for all snow sports. You can rent gear at downhill ski resorts, multi-sport ski areas, groomed Nordic centers, and winter outdoor shops. Most carry rental packages for downhill skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skate or classic skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO RENT?Each snow sport has specific needs. So, you must rent the right gear. For
instance, you don’t want to rent big, fat, heavy downhill skis to use for gliding on a flat groomed track in narrow slots. Likewise, if you plan to Nordic skate ski, you’ll get more propulsion from poles that are chin high rather than the shorter poles used for cross-country touring.
But don’t worry about remembering the specific gear needs for each discipline. Rental shops will outfit you with the right stuff. You just need to decide what winter sport you want to try out first.
DOWNHILL SKIINGRental packages include downhill or alpine skis, boots, and poles. Helmets
Perhaps you’ve met a few skiers. With a light in their eyes, they regale you with tales of their best powder skiing. Their enthusiasm is infectious. You want to join in the winter fun, but have no idea how to begin. No worries. The Adventure Junkies are here to give you answers on how to get into snow sports. It’s not as hard as you think. In fact, there are easy ways to test out wintertime fun, and getting into winter sports might be less expensive than you think. So let’s tackle the most frequently asked questions about getting started in snow sports.
usually cost extra.
SNOWBOARDINGRental packages include a snow-
board and boots. Helmets usually cost extra.
NORDIC CLASSIC AND SKATE SKIING
Classic and skate skiing are two different disciplines with different styles of gear designed for propul-sion by skating in a groomed lane or by striding in parallel tracks. Rentals for both disciplines include skis, boots, and poles.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
For ski touring on ungroomed trails, rental packages include skis, boots, and poles.
SNOWSHOEINGFor walking on snow, rentals
include snowshoes. Poles often cost extra, but add stability. You’ll need your own pair of hiking or snow boots when renting snowshoes.
MY BUDDY HAS GEAR. CAN I JUST
USE HIS?It’s not safe to borrow gear from
friends or relatives. Bindings may not be set appropriately for your weight, height, age, and skill level. That’s imperative, as better skiers will use higher settings that require more force to release. As a beginner, you need lower settings for the bindings to release to reduce the chance of torquing knees in the wrong direction.
Also, your buddy’s gear may be ill-fitted for you. For instance, height and weight make a difference in the ski length. Learning on skis that are too long or too short makes the sport more difficult or causes adapting to incorrect stances to compensate.
WHAT CLOTHING DO I NEED TO GET INTO SNOW SPORTS?
You will need to rustle up winter clothing for snow sports. You can borrow or buy. A few ski resorts rent jackets and pants, but that isn’t a universal service.
Think in terms of layers. Begin with a wool or polyester long under-wear bottom and top. Add a fleece or wool layer after that. The number of layers you add will depend on BECKY LOMAX
“RENTAL SHOPS WILL OUTFIT YOU WITH THE RIGHT STUFF. YOU JUST NEED TO DECIDE WHAT WINTER SPORT YOU WANT TO TRY OUT FIRST.”
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GET YOUR GEARFind out how to choose the best snowboard or pair of skis that are right for you.
outside temperatures, wind, and the thickness of your outer layers.For outer layers, a water-resistant or waterproof shell or snow jacket will
ward off the elements. Snow pants keep the legs warm, while rain pants can also work over double layers beneath.
For feet, snow socks are designed to pull on high above boots. For hands, mittens are usually warmer than gloves. For downhill skiing or snowboarding, opt for more layers and more insulated fabrics than for Nordic or cross-coun-try skiing.
WHAT KIND OF HEADGEAR DO I NEED?Headgear will add warmth and protect your ears from frostbite. Hats
should cover the ears. For downhill skiers and snowboarders, neck gaiters or tubes also prevent snow from getting into your jacket and can protect the lower face from wind or blowing snow. Usually, Nordic skiers and snowshoers only wear neck gaiters on the coldest days.
If you plan on downhill skiing or snowboarding, you’ll also need goggles and a helmet. Goggles keep your eyes from watering from blowing snow, and a helmet protects the head in falls. For a sunny day, sunglasses need to have strong enough UV protection to lessen snow glare.
CAN I GET INTO SNOW SPORTS WITHOUT SPENDING A TON OF MONEY ON GEAR?
Even if you don’t have a wad of cash, you can get into snow sports. Rent-ing gear during your first winter, rather than buying it, will let you figure out the sport first. Rental shops also carry demos. These are equipment they want to sell rather than rent. But renting them out lets you test out several styles, options, or brands.
Once you decide to purchase gear, go to a resale outdoor store to buy used gear. Especially in ski towns, these shops can carry some used skis, snowshoes, boots, and poles that are still in great shape. Ski clubs often hold ski swaps for selling used gear and raising money.
LEARNING SNOW SPORTSWHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL SHAPE SHOULD I BE IN?
PAGES34 - 35
“ONCE YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE GEAR, GO TO A RESALE OUT-DOOR STORE TO BUY USED GEAR. ESPECIALLY IN SKI TOWNS, THESE SHOPS CAN CARRY SOME USED SKIS, SNOWSHOES, BOOTS, AND POLES THAT ARE STILL IN GREAT SHAPE. ”
BECKY LOMAX
You won’t be able to jump from sitting on the couch for six weeks right into skiing. But you also don’t need to be a world-class athlete in order to start a snow sport. If you get a moderate amount of exercise, you can pick up a snow sport.
If you are worried you may not have the strength for skiing or snowboard-ing, start with snowshoeing first. Without the need to slide, snowshoes are more stable, especially if you add poles for balance. Start with a short one-hour tour before adding more distance.
To prepare yourself for the slopes and lessen the risk of injury, get to the gym. Any exercise will help, but classes are also available that target ski con-ditioning. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most demanding winter sports to pick up, so do your body a favor by getting in shape.
WHAT’S THE MOST INEXPENSIVE WAY TO LEARN A SNOW SPORT?
For learning to ski or snowboard in North America, January is the best month to try it out. That’s Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month when many ski areas and sports shops run the best deals for beginners. Packages bundle up a rental package, lesson, and lift ticket. You can find a list of participating resorts online.
The World Largest Lesson takes place on one day in early January. Lessons vary with the start time, depending on the time zone. That way they all happen concurrently. It’s an annual attempt to get in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Most ski areas also offer beginning skier or snowboarder packages all win-ter long. They are also called “first timer,” “never ever,” or “easy rider” programs. They include a lesson, lift ticket, and rental package.
Some resorts make learning a three-time deal. These are called “1-2-3 Ski” or “1-2-3 Ride.” They include three days of lessons, lift tickets, and rentals. The program usually does not require consecutive days.
SHOULD I LET MY PARTNER, SPOUSE, OR FRIENDS TEACH ME TO DOWNHILL SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
No! Letting friends, spouses, or partners teach you to ski or snowboard only invites disaster. Most people do not have a thorough understanding of teaching techniques for beginners or understand the appropriate pro-
gression of skills that need to be mastered. They often get impatient and just want to take a beginner to the top of the mountain. That results in the beginner getting scared, often to the point where he or she refuses to pursue the sport again.
Here’s a classic saying: “Friends don’t let friends teach friends.” In fact, friends don’t often stay friends after trying to instruct the other. It’s better to learn from a pro. Most pros are affiliated with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) or American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI).
Professional ski and snowboard instructors learn techniques to help first timers pick up snow sports. They also have the ability to analyze the physical position of the body over the gear and can offer tips to help the body move into its correct position to master skills successfully. The pro’s instructional skills help students master techniques faster.
WHAT ABOUT LESSONS FOR NORDIC OR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING?
Most groomed Nordic centers offer instruction in skate and classic skiing. Some instructors are certified through the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). While some skiers can pick up techniques on their own, you’ll progress much faster with more confidence and correct body positions for more efficient movement if you start out by taking lessons. Learning to ski on a groomed track first is also good preparation for cross-country ski touring on ungroomed trails.
Snowshoeing lessons are rare. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. But if you are nervous, join a snowshoe tour to be with others who can give you tips.
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SNOW SPORTS CONCERNSWILL I INJURE MYSELF?
Maybe. But if you take lessons from a pro, you’ll reduce the chances of injury from incorrect techniques or getting on a slope above your skill level. Renting gear from a ski shop will also lessen the chance of injury as techni-cians will set bindings specifically for you.
When learning, stick to beginner runs denoted on signs and trail maps by green circles for safety. Do not let someone else talk you into going to more difficult slopes. Avoid going on intermediate runs (blue squares) or advanced and expert runs (black diamonds) until you have mastered the skills for them.
I’M OUT OF SHAPE. WHERE SHOULD I START?
Start with snowshoeing. It’s the least intimidating of the snow sports. It’s also the cheapest, as you don’t need lessons or lift tickets. The rental shop can instruct you in how to put the snowshoes on and take them off. Use poles for stability. Other than that, it’s a matter of walking. You can walk as little or as long as you can.
WILL I GET COLD AND WET?Maybe. That’s why lodges that sell hot chocolate. When you get cold, go
inside to take a break and warm up. But avoid alcohol. Alcohol can lower your core body temperature. Once that happens, your body will struggle to warm up by pulling heat in from the extremities.
To keep warm and dry, do not wear any cotton clothing. Cotton absorbs water and will not dry out through wicking. Dress in layers that are water-proof, water resistant, polyester, wool, and wicking. Use a neck gaiter to pre-vent snow from going down your neck. Wear a thin hat under your helmet.
You can also purchase small chemical heat packs to keep your hands or toes warm. The packs fit inside gloves or mittens and thinner ones go inside boots.
HOW DO I FIND OTHER PEOPLE TO DO SNOW SPORTS WITH?
To find companions for winter sports, look for ski clubs in your area. Many resorts also have multi-week group lesson instruction where you’ll meet other skiers at your skill level.
TIDBITSLIFT TICKETS AT SOME SKI RESORTS ARE EXPENSIVE. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET DIS-COUNTED LIFT TICKETS?
Many ski resorts design discount programs, such as ticket packs or ad-vanced online purchasing. If you plan on being a frequent skier at one area, you should consider a season pass.
For North American ski resorts, Liftopia and GetSkiTickets offer discount-ed lift tickets online. But they must be purchased in advance for specific dates.
WHAT SHOULD I CARRY IN MY POCKETS?For outdoor winter sports, toss a few items in your pockets to improve
your day. An energy bar can revive you when you get tired. With cold, wind, and sun, the lips will chap fast. Lip balm with sunscreen can protect you. A tiny bottle of sunscreen also helps when you need to reapply protection midday. ♦
BECKY LOMAX
“DRESS IN LAYERS THAT ARE WATERPROOF, WATERRESISTANT, POLYESTER, WOOL, AND WICKING.”
10
BEGINNER
ESSENTIALS28 AWESOME SKIING TIPS FOR BEGINNERSEither you tried it for the first time and loved it, or just agreed to go on a ski holiday with your friends and don’t know where to start… Regardless of why you find yourself skiing, here at The Adventure Junkies, we are here to help. We have everything to get you started with our skiing tips for beginners! In this piece, you will find a list of various tips to help get you started in your new winter mountain sport. We will cover everything from the things to master first before you conquer the slopes. How to avoid injury, and even what gear you should be purchasing.
AUTHOR: Beth Nicole Foley INFO
TIPS ON GETTING STARTED
1 RESEARCH THE RESORTS YOU WANT TO TRY
When you know skiing is the next sport for you, research where you should go first. Look into the best resorts for beginners. There are endless options all across the world. Annual Skiing available worldwide. Europe, Australasia, Asia, North America, and even Central America all have resorts. Look for friendly areas, with wide and groomed slopes. Also, see how many beginner on-piste runs the area offers.
2 BOOK AN INTRO TO SKIING TASTER LESSON
The best way to get started is to take an introductory lesson to skiing. These can also be on indoor and dry slopes worldwide. If you can’t find anywhere to practice near you, consider taking a lesson on your first day of your skiing trip. Lessons can sometimes be pricey, but the knowledge will be invaluable.
3 WATCH LOTS OF BEGINNER YOUTUBE TUTORIALS
Thanks to the pioneers of the 21st Century, browsing the internet has never been easier. Make the most of YouTube. You will find countless YouTube tutorials for beginners to Skiing. Learning from a pro or instructor for free is a great resource for practicing your winter sport.
4 WARM UPTECHNIQUESBefore you hit the slopes, it
is important to warm up first. Skiing is the same as any other sport. If you go hard before loosening your limbs, your body will suffer for it! The War-ren Smith Ski Academy have created a great guide to warming up before hitting the slopes.
HOW TO PROPERLY PUT ON YOUR GEAR
5 SKI HELMETMake sure that when you put on your ski helmet you
do it the right way. This means to adjust your chin strap so it fits. Not
too tight and not loose. Be confident it won’t fall off if you topple over on the slopes. If you are wearing ski goggles pay attention to whether they have a snap-back strap. If they do, they can be worn under the hel-met. But most helmets are designed for ski goggles to be worn over the top of them.
6 SKI SOCKSIt’s easy for beginners to think the snow will be
really cold. They then double up on socks and don’t realize their mistake. If you wear more than one layer of sock you risk your feet overheating and sweating. When this happens it is easy for your feet to blister. You also will experience colder feet as the moisture in your socks starts to freeze. Spend time looking at ski socks and find a good pair that will stayup, and support your terrain and learning.
7 SKI BOOTSIt is often tricky to get ski boots right the first time
when you don’t know how they should feel. Ski boots should be tight around the shin, but not crushing your leg. The bottom of your ski boot doesn’t need to be as tight. The main purpose of the buckles on the foot is to make your boot water resistant and keep snow out. Fasten these so that they are comfortable, don’t feel the need to suffocate your feet!
It is also a good idea to get boots with a low flex that feels soft. Begin-ners should avoid flexes of over 80 on their boots. Women should look for a flex of 50-60. Men should con-sider flex in their boots of 60-80.
8 SKI POLESThe majority of ski poles come with a handle strap.
It is important to put your hand through this correctly to avoid losing your poles in falls and mishaps. Bring your hand through the strap from underneath. Then lower your hand to grip the handle. When you slide down the hill, the pole will now follow you no matter how you fall. To understand this better, put your pole on the opposite way and note how you can pull it off your wrist with ease.
9 SKISWhen putting on your
skis you need to place them parallel across a flat part of the slope. Press the back lever of your bindings down. Now make sure you have no snow on your ski boots (as this jams in the binding). Then place your toe at the top of the inside of your bind-ing and shift your body weight onto your heel. The back lever will snap up and your ski boot will become secure in your skis.
THE ESSENTIALBIOMECHANICS OF
SKIING
10 POSITIONINGWhen you are skiing you will find your position
changes all the time. For beginners, the key thing to focus on is having your knees bent and legs parallel.
Another option is to have your legs ready in a snow plow position, with the tips of your skis almost together. The bent knees are there to help you absorb any bumps and moguls you may ski over.
11 STANCEYou will need to be leaning into the skins of
your ski boots. This will improve your balance and control as you ski on all the slope terrain. Picture yourself ready to dive into a swimming pool. You lean forward not back. You need to always be ready to set off.
12 FLEX & GAZEYour entire body must be ready for action.
Besides bent knees, have your elbows bent at an angle of roughly 75 degrees in front of you. This will
“ IF YOU CAN’T FIND ANYWHERE TO PRACTICE NEAR YOU, CONSIDER TAKING A LESSON ON YOUR FIRST DAY OF YOUR SKIING TRIP.”KITIARA PASCOE
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KITIARA PASCOE
allow your poles to fall into the correct position on their own. With your body weight central on your skis, look straight in front of you. You need to always see the slope in front, not your feet!
CORRECT USE OF POLES
13 HANDSPOSITIONINGWith your arms at either side holding your
poles, lift your forearms so they are in front of you. Aim for an angle of around 70-80 degrees (shy of a right angle). Keeping your poles in front of you in this way will shift your body weight forward. This subtle change will improve your control of your skis as your toes near the tip of your ski boots.
14 ONLY SUBTLE WRIST MOVEMENTIf you are holding your poles correct, you will only need to move your wrist when skiing. If
you start waving your arms around, you will lose balance. Practice the motion of planting your poles only moving your wrists several times. It should look like you are ‘walk-ing your skis’. Soon this will be a natural movement and you will find it easier to use your poles in more advanced maneuvers.
15 LOCK TORSOKeep your torso in the direction it is going. A common mistake is to twist your body
when skiing downhill. Doing this will put your arms in the wrong place. You will lose balance and control, strug-gling to regain the correct stance.
THE FIRST THINGS TO PRACTICE
16 LEARN HOW TO STOPThis should always be the first thing you master. Once you can start and stop safely on
skis you won’t endanger yourself or anyone else on the slope. Don’t attempt any busy or hard runs until you have learned this skill.
17 DON’T GO TO FASTA common phrase in younger skiers is ‘just bomb it’. When you haven’t learned good
control of your skis, make sure you go at your own pace. Take your time and increase your speed over time. Avoid going home in an ambulance on your first day!
18 ROUND OFF TURNSDon’t be afraid to complete your wide turns. It takes practice to narrow these turns and be
able to complete short turns downhill. This is a great way to keep your speed under control. If you find yourself unable to slow down when finishing a turn, you likely didn’t complete the one prior.
19 SLOWLY PROGRESS TO PARALLELYou will find the more you ski in a snow plow, the more your body will position your feet in
a more parallel stance. When you feel your feet wanting to progress to parallel, then learn this step. Don’t attempt it before you have full control of your skis.
20 WARM DOWN TECHNIQUESAs important as it is too warm up, it is
POLESMATTERFind out how to purchase the right pair of poles to get the most out of the mountain.
PAGES32-33
“THE KEY TO
KEEPING YOUR
INJURIES TO A
MINIMUM IS TO
SPREAD OUT THE
IMPACT AREA.”
important to warm down. During skiing, your body will use a lot of physicalities. Without taking the time to release some tension after a ski session, you will risk gaining sore limbs. These sore muscles will inter-fere with your ability to enjoy your following ski days. The Warren Smith Ski Academy also created a useful tutorial on how to stretch after a ski.
WHEN YOU FALL
21 KNOW HOWTO FALLThe key to keeping your
injuries to a minimum is to spread out the impact area. Avoid landing on singular limbs. A larger surface area will absorb more of your fall.
22 KNOW HOWTO GET UPWhether your skis are
still on off will not matter. When you have fallen, you need to position your skis, parallel across the slope (not downhill). Next, dig your poles in behind you to counter your bal-ance as you push up into a standing position. From here you can ski off into a new turn with ease.
23 KNOW HOW TO GET YOUR SKIS BACK ONWhen you lose a ski in
the powder, it can be a nightmare for beginners to get it back on. The trick is to put on your downhill ski first. Once this is on, it is much easier to stand into your uphill ski. Remember to kick off any excess snow from your ski boot, and you won’t have any trouble getting your bindings on.
PRACTICE
24 SLOPESIDEThis will always be the best place to practice
your skiing. You can’t beat learning on an actual mountain. The terrain and conditions will reflect what you will face when you skiing on your own or with friends.
25 INDOOR SLOPEThese are starting to become more popular
worldwide. Indoor ‘real snow’ slopes are a great substitute for the moun-tain if you live far away from resorts. Or if you want to stay in form during
the summer, these indoor slopes will help you keep your ski game!
26 DRY SLOPEThese outdoor slopes are usually made of
neveplast or snowflex materials. They replicate the texture and feel of snow. Dry slopes are a great way to practice all year round regardless of the weather.
27 AIRBAGSWhen you are new learning tricks for the
park safety should always first. If you have access to a foam pit or air bag on your slopes, this is a great way to practice. Once you are landing the tricks well, take them to the park for real.
28 TRAMPOLINESIf you are learning spins and flips, trampolining
is a good way to practice. You can master your rotation so you can ‘feel’ the correct speed before trying them on the snow. Most centers will also have a foam pit or airbag for big tricks too. Make the most of these and then progress to a slope-side airbag before showing off your skills at the park. ♦
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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO
TYPES OF SKIINGClose your eyes and think of skiing. Chances are you’ll picture alpine skiing with bright-ly colored tourists zooming down pistes. But did you know that there are actually quite a few different types of skiing? Each with its own skis, bindings, and gear?
AUTHOR: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
Fundamentally, all types of skiing are the same. You attach your feet to two sticks and move through snow. But that’s where the fundamentals end. Some skiing is downhill, some is flat terrain and some is even uphill. Some skiing suits adrenaline junkies while other types are great for some casual exercise on a Sunday afternoon. The great thing about this varied sport though is that there’s a type of skiing for everyone.
6 TYPES OF SKIING YOU SHOULD KNOW1. ALPINE
Alpine, or downhill, is the most common type of skiing. Alpine skiers are almost always in resorts or pisted valleys. They use chairlifts, gondolas and button lifts to reach the tops of pistes. Every night the pistes are groomed and the first skiers up the lift in the morning benefit from fresh slopes.
Most skiers learn, to some extent, on piste. With graded runs, from easy to expert, learning to ski on piste means you can choose your gradient and have a clear run. All resorts have ski schools and ski hire shops, mak-ing it even easier to learn on piste.
Alpine skiers use boots that clip into alpine bindings and are fixed
at the toe and the heel. In a fall, the bindings automatically help to eject the boot to prevent leg injuries.
2. BACKCOUNTRYBackcountry is a pretty
wide-ranging term that covers all skiing that is in the mountains but not on piste. Ski-touring also comes under the term backcountry as does long-distance ski-touring hut-to-hut.
Because backcountry skiing isn’t in a resort, it often involves hiking or ski-touring up mountains before skiing down lines that you choose yourself. Some off-piste skiers use resort chairlifts to get high up before ski-touring further outside of the resort to ski.
Backcountry is a very flexible type of skiing because the entire mountain range is a skier’s play area. In fact, once backcountry skiers have assessed the avalanche risks, the only limitation is their means of hiking to the top. Heli-skiing is another way to reach the heights of backcountry regions.
Backcountry skiers (or ski-tour-ers) mostly use alpine touring (AT) bindings or tech bindings. These bindings allow the heel to remain free while the toe stays attached to allow easy walking with skis. Ski-tourers ascend the mountain using their skis to walk with skins on KITIARA PASCOE
“ALPINE, OR DOWNHILL, IS THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF SKIING. ALPINE SKIERS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS IN RESORTS OR PISTED VLLEYS. ”
When you’re starting out skiing, it’s a great idea to understand the different types and where you might end up in the sport. This means you can buy the right gear and practice the techniques that will get you further, faster. It’s an added bonus that when someone asks you if you ‘freestyle’, you won’t have to give them a blank stare. Here at The Adventure Junkies, it’s our job to eliminate those I-have-no-idea moments. So read on to get a feel for the different types of skiing you could find yourself doing!
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the bases to grip the snow. Some backcountry skiers hike instead, carrying their alpine skis or go cat- or heli-skiing.
3. CROSS-COUNTRYCross-country skiing (also called XC or Nordic) is a form of skiing that
takes place on much flatter terrain than alpine and backcountry. In fact, cross-country skiers tend not to go downhill at all. Developed as a practical form of transport, some people still use cross-country skis to get from A to B today.
There are two typical styles of cross-country skiing, a striding motion, and a skating motion. Cross-country skiing takes place in landscapes covered in snow and doesn’t need mountains, making it a great sport for those who don’t live near mountain ranges but have snowy winters.
Cross-country skiers use long, elbow-height poles to propel themselves along and while it can be a leisurely sport, it can also be extremely tough. With specific cross-country bindings and boots that allow the heel to be freely lifted, the equipment for this type of skiing cannot be used for any other type of skiing.
4. FREESTYLEA relatively new type of skiing, freestyle is a much more playful sport.
Using features on pistes, park and half pipes, freestyle skiers see the whole resort as their playground. With jibs, jumps, and rotations, freestyle skiers make everything look cooler.
Freestyle is a natural evolution of alpine and park skiing and freestyle skiers have combined the two. Taking park skills onto the piste and even into the backcountry arena, this is a constantly evolving style that is growing in popularity.
Freestyle skiers use alpine bindings and alpine skis, often with twin tips. This is where the tips and tails of the skis are turned up to allow skiers to go backward as well as forwards.
French freestyle skier Candide Thovex has really helped put freestyle skiing on the map in recent years, both in resort and in the backcountry.
5. RACESlalom and mogul ski racing is a common sport in Europe especially.
“CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TAKES PLACE IN LANDSCAPES COVERED IN SNOW AND
DOESN’T NEED MOUNTAINS, MAKING IT A GREAT SPORT FOR THOSE WHO DON’T
LIVE NEAR MOUNTAIN RANGESBUT HAVE SNOWY WINTERS.”
KITIARA PASCOE
Usually short race courses, plenty of ski towns have their own local teams and children start from a young age.
Really a type of alpine skiing, race skiing is a fun weekend hobby and will certainly improve your turns and control. Slalom skiers use race poles without powder baskets and are seen sporting lycra and shin pads.
6. TELEMARKWith many similarities to
ski-touring, telemark skiers also have a free heel, making ski-touring possi-ble. The difference is in the downhill. Telemark skiers retain the free heel while going downhill whereas ski-tourers can clip their heel into their bindings, effectively turning them into downhill bindings.
Not only do tele-skiers have a free heel, they also ski with one ski forward of the other with the back knee dropped and the back heel up. This technique is also how ski jumpers land.
Tele-skiing is a different tech-nique to alpine skiing as your heels can lift even when going downhill. Because it involves dropping a knee continuously, you’ll soon develop thighs of steel. While the technique can be tricky to learn, once you’ve got it down it’s akin to nothing you’ve ever experienced. You’ll feel
like you’re flying.While telemark skiing is on the
rise, it’s still a fairly close-knit com-munity and if you start tele-skiing, every other tele-skier on the slope will be your new friend.
CHOOSING YOUR SKIING TYPE
The great thing about there being multiple types of skiing is that they are all complimentary. If you’re taking a holiday in a ski resort or ski town then, chances are, you can give most of them a go in the same week!
Plenty of resorts have easy off-piste areas that are marked and ski patrolled. This gives alpine beginners a great opportunity to try a little off-piste or backcountry. Ski towns will often have ski-touring guides who will hire you all the gear and take you out ski-touring to areas within your ability.
It doesn’t stop there either, with the rise of artificial snow domes, you can learn to alpine ski even if you have no snow within hundreds of miles. If you’re lucky enough to live in a snowy region then joining a local ski club is a great way to try different types of skiing and meet other skiers.
Almost all skiers will either start alpine skiing or cross-country skiing
as all other types of skiing branch out from these. The most important thing is to get clipped in and get started. Soon the whole spectrum of skiing will be your playground! ♦
KITIARA PASCOE
“WHILE TELEMARK SKIING IS ON THE RISE, IT’S STILL A FAIRLY CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY AND IF YOU START TELE-SKIING, EVERY OTHER TELE-SKIER ON THE SLOPE WILL BE YOUR NEW FRIEND.”
STURDYGROUNDFind out how you can find good quality ski bindings that will make your ride even better.
PAGES30 - 32
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SNOW CLOTHING
PANTS 101
WATERPROOFING
Almost all ski pants come with some level of waterproofing or water resis-tance. If you’re skiing in an area that’s known to have very wet snow or slush, solid waterproofing is extremely important. Wet clothing leeches heat from the body and quickly gets uncomfortable to ski in, cutting your ski session short. Waterproof ski pants will generally be 2 or 3-layers, or a specific water-proof fabric like Gore-Tex. As a general rule, stiffer outer materials tend to be more waterproof than the flexible soft shell outer fabrics.
Aside from the base fabric being waterproof, you’ll want taped seams and waterproof zip or button pockets because snow often gathers around these
areas. When the snow melts from the heat of your body, you won’t want the water dipping into the inner lining or into a pocket with your electronics inside.
In an article that explains waterproofing and waterproof ratings by the Sierra Trading Post, they advise people not to use harsh chemicals or fabric softener when washing waterproof materials like ski pants, as this tends to break down the water repellent.
FEATURES
Some skiers want tons of features like jacket-to-pants clasps, O-rings, vents,
Have you ever wondered what separates a great pair of ski pants from your everyday average pair? Maybe you’re a twin-tip skier who hits the park or maybe you can only be found in the backcountry or maybe your favorite place to ski is on the groomers. Whatever your style, it’s important to find the best ski pants to suit your needs. But when there are tons of pants to choose from (and some are very expensive), how do you know which pair to go with? Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’re obsessed with finding the perfect snow gear for every skier. We’ll show you how to shop for ski pants that suit your riding style and the weather you’ll be in. We’ll also give you our favorite picks of the year.
AUTHOR: Chantae Reden INFO
and straps while other skiers want to cut down on the bulk and have their pants as simple and streamlined as possible. Though it’s a personal pref-erence on how technical you want to get, a few key features can really extend the lifetime of your pants and help you stay warm.
GAITERS AND POWDER CUFFS
Gaiters and powder cuffs at the ankle ensure that the snow stays out even when you’re trampling through deep powder. This is a feature that’s so essential, it’s almost not worth buying a pair of pants unless it’s included. The gaiter and ankle hem should fit snugly over your ski boot so that it looks stylish and protects your legs from the elements.
SEALED SEAMS
Other key features are sealed or taped seams for durability, scuff guards, a mesh vent system to help you warm up and cool down as needed, and an adjustable waist strap to easily fit around your base layers.
CONNECT PANTS TO JACKET
More specialized skiers that often ride in powder or backcountry
conditions should look for pants with flexible knees and loops that can connect your ski pants to your jacket.
RADIO POCKETS
There are also brands that come with radio pockets and a reflector to help pick up radio signals in case of an avalanche. Many snow outerwear companies are partnering with ava-lanche safety technology companies to increase safety on the mountain. You can read more about how the reflector and detector system works in this article by Recco.
INSULATION
Should you get insulated or just the shell when choosing the best ski pants?
Insulated pants come with an outer waterproof shell and are lined with material inside for added warmth. These tend to be more comfortable and can often be worn on their own, without any extra layering. If they have mesh vent pockets, insulated pants are a great choice for year-round skiing in all conditions – though they might be a bit too warm for some.
Unlined ski pants, or shell style pants, are best for skiers riding in variable conditions. These pants work best with an added layer underneath that’s tailored to the temperature of the mountain that day. Backcountry skiers tend to prefer unlined pants because they’re typically less bulky, cooler, and more flexible.
If you’re a beginner skier or ski in all types of conditions, opt for an insulated pair of ski pants with mesh vent pockets. After checking out our guides on how to choose downhill skis, gloves, a helmet, and ski poles, you’ll nearly be good to go.
FIT
How tight you want your ski pants to fit depends on your personal style. Many skiers like baggy pants while others want them to be nearly leggings. The important thing is that the pants fit snugly around the waist and don’t slide down when you sit — else you risk having a freezing lower back on the chair lift or might get a snow-in-the-crack surprise on the slopes.
The hem of your pants and gaiter should also fit over your ski boot all the way down to your ankle. If the
pants are bunching up at the top of the boot, then the opening is too narrow. Many ski pants have zippers at the bottom to adjust to the girth of your boot. You should easily be able to crouch into a squat and stand up without feeling tension in the material or discomfort. ♦
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW PANTS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-pants/
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SNOW CLOTHING
JACKETS 101
INSULATION
Unless skiing on a particularly warm day or ski touring, chances are you’ll need some kind of insulation. Many people choose insulated ski jackets with insulation built in, but you can also choose a shell jacket and add insulation yourself in the form of a fleece or lightweight down jacket underneath.
SYNTHETIC
Synthetic insulation is much cheaper than down and has some interesting and useful capabilities. It works well when damp, is washable and the top of the range stuff has properties like odor-control and super softness.
The downside of synthetic insulation is weight and size. Synthetic insulations don’t pack down as easily as down and more material is needed to provide the same level of warmth. However, some companies, like PrimaLoft, are creating down-like synthetic insulation.
DOWN
Very lightweight and highly compressible, down is from ducks or geese and is the warmest type of insulation. More expensive than synthetic, down comes in specific fill grades; the higher the fill number (i.e. 800) the less down the jacket needs to keep you warm.
When you’re up in the mountains you want to be focused on the pistes, the powder and the perfect pop; you don’t want to worry about being too cold or too hot. Making sure you invest in the best ski jacket will not only eliminate your temperature troubles, but it’ll also accommodate a good range of motion, keep the snow out and keep your snacks safe. Snow sports are tough on the body and tough on your equipment. A ski jacket has a variety of tasks and one that’s not up to the job will quickly become the bane of your time in the mountains. With a few crucial points to understand, read on and you’ll soon be able to identify the ski jacket of your dreams.
AUTHOR: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
The negatives of down are price and its generally poor performance and recoverability after getting wet (it cannot be washed with water either). There are some ethical concerns regarding down as well, however, many companies are now using responsibly sourced and cruel-ty-free down.
SHELL (NO INSULATION)
Shell jackets are very popular because you can wear them for any kind of skiing or mountain activities. Waterproof and often very breathable, shells are great for warm weather as they lack insulation but are often designed with room underneath for a thin down jacket, fleece or other mid-layers.
WATERPROOFING AND BREATHABILITY
Ski jackets have two main jobs. Job A) Stop water getting in and Job B) Allow water vapor (including sweat) to get out. GORE-TEX is commonly used and is roughly equivalent to 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability.
WATERPROOFING
Ski jacket (and tent) waterproofing is measured in millimeters of water. For instance, if a jacket has 5K written on the label, that means that a square inch of the fabric (I know, mixed unit systems) could hold 5000mm (16.4 feet) of water before leaking.
That actually only equates to a rain shower and possibly not a sustained one. When it comes to choosing a ski jacket, you’ll have a choice from 1K to 20K waterproofing; the higher the number, the more expensive the jacket will likely be.
BREATHABILITY
Another weird looking number system, breathability is measured in grams per square meter (g/m2). This means that a 10,000g/m2 rating allows 10,000g of water to pass through a square meter of fabric. The high the number, the more breathable the fabric is.Breathability is very important for skiers and all mountain lovers. Snow sports are tough and when you sweat, you need that sweat to evaporate away from your skin and out of the jacket without making anything damp on its way. The more breathable a fabric, the drier you’ll stay and the less likely the sweat is to make you freeze on the next lift.
POCKETS
A ski jacket with pockets big enough to access with gloves on is a huge plus but what might you even need to put in your pockets?
Snack bars, wallet, cell phone, keys, mp3 player, pocket suncream, lip screen and a trusty pack of tissues can usually be found in the typical downhill skiers pockets. If you love music while you’re skiing then look out for a jacket with a specific mp3 player pocket complete with hole for headphones. Goggle mesh pockets are also common.
Backcountry skiers and ski tourers wear backpacks for safety gear and water, so an abundance of pockets is less important. In fact, for backcoun-try skiing, you might prefer to keep your jacket fairly empty for greater range of movement.
CUFFS
This really comes down to thumbs loops or no thumb loops. For those who detest the idea of cold loops, snow creeping up cuffs in a fall or just like to be snug, tight inner cuffs with thumbs loops are a great feature.
VENTS
Vents are different from breathability and are usually under the armpits and sometimes in the chest of a jack-et. Ski jacket vents can be unzipped to reveal a mesh or hole that allows much more air to get through and cool you down.
HOOD
Is the hood helmet compatible? Hoods that are big enough to fit over helmets are useful if the weather gets particularly savage but not a deal-breaker. Some people find hoods obscure their view when skiing and only need them for snowy walks around the town.
Is the hood detachable? Detachable hoods are great on bluebird days when you just don’t want or need the extra weight.
SNOW SKIRT AND PANT CONNECTION
Snow skirts, also called powder skirts or waist gaiters, secure around your lower waist to stop any powder rushing up in a fall. Some people love them, some people hate them but they’re definitely a nice option to have in your ski jacket, even if you don’t think you’ll use it.
With clips, velcro or even zips, some jackets have inbuilt capabilities for attaching to snow pants. Once attached, not only will your jacket never ride up in a tumble, but no ounce of snow will work its way up to your midriff. ♦
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW JACKETS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-jacket/
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SNOW CLOTHING
GLOVES 101
CLIMATE
The location and climate you plan to do most of your skiing or snowboarding in are important considerations when investing in ski gloves. If you plan on skiing powder in Northern Japan in the middle of winter you’ll need better insulation and protection than if you’re skiing or boarding during springtime in New Zealand.
SKIING STYLE
Downhill skiing and cross-country also have different glove requirements. Cross country gloves need to be more breathable due to the intensity of
skiing and the likelihood of sweating more through your palms.
INSULATION
Insulation is what keeps your hands warm. Consider the insulating fabric and whether it’s suited for the climate you plan on skiing in. Materials such as fleece, synthetic fill, and wool are all used in ski gloves, or sometimes a mixture of them all. PrimaLoft insulation tends to be the warmest while EnduroLoft and HighLoft are all high rating types of insulation.
Insulation also needs to be breathable and able to wick moisture away so you’re not left to ski with a pool of sweat in your gloves all day.
There are few things worse on the ski field than having blue fingers, numb and wet from the snow and the icy wind from wearing the wrong gloves. Choosing the best ski gloves for the climate and your type of skiing or snowboarding will go a long way to making you comfortable on the slopes and helping you ski to the very last chair. It’s not just about comfort – ski gloves are crucial for helping prevent heat loss and more serious cold-induced illnesses such as hypothermia or frostbite. Sometimes less experienced skiers make the mistake of thinking the cheapest ski glove will suffice for their newbie status, without giving a second thought to whether their hands will actually stay dry and warm, especially if they’re falling over in the snow while learning the ropes.
AUTHOR: Juliette Sivertsen INFO
WATERPROOFING
Waterproofing materials protect your hands from the elements – the snow, wind and rain that are all pos-sible on the slopes at any given time.
Waterproofing and insulation work together – it’s no use having brilliant insulation if the fabric is soaked due to poor waterproofing. Leather and Goretex are the most common types of waterproofing materials for ski gloves. If you have leather gloves, you’ll need to treat them after heavy use to maintain their waterproof-ness.
REMOVABLE LINING
Ski gloves can come as a double layer or all-in-one. A double layer means you have a removable liner as well as the outer waterproofing shell. These tend to offer greater warmth than an all-in-one style ski glove. It also means you can adapt to different conditions such as bluebird days or spring skiing, where you can wear just the liner. Separate layers mean your gloves will also dry faster.
The downside of the double layer glove is that it adds bulk to your hands and is less dexterous than an all-in-one ski glove.
GLOVES ORMITTENS?
It’s an age-old debate and the answer comes down to personal preference.
Some skiers swear by mittens, others don’t want to sacrifice the dexterity of gloves. Women tend to prefer mittens as they offer more warmth, keeping your fingers closer in together and trapping more heat. Some mittens are a hybrid option where the inner layer is a glove while the outer shell is the mitten.
Gloves are important if you need to handle equipment frequently such as unbuckling gear and doing up zips or straps, or if you’re planning on also doing a bit of ice climbing or mountaineering.
HEATING
Self-heating gloves can be a lifesaver for skiers and boarders with poor circulation. Some ski gloves include a battery-powered heating device keeping your fingers toasty warm throughout the day. The batteries can add a bit more bulk to your hands, but if you suffer from cold fingers then it’s possibly worth the sacrifice.
Other gloves contain zip-up pockets designed specifically to hold dispos-able hand warmers.
TOUCH SCREENCAPABILITY
In this age of technology where everyone’s capturing snow selfies or video footage, touch screen capability allows you to use your phone, iPod, and camera without having to remove your gloves. It’ll help save your fingers from freezing while you post a quick snow selfie to Instagram. Backcountry skiers using a handheld GPS with a touch screen will also find this feature useful.
GAUNTLET ORUNDER THE CUFF
A gauntlet is the longer piece of fab-ric of the ski gloves which extends well beyond the wrist to fit over your ski jacket sleeves with the help of a cinch. It helps prevent snow from entering inside your gloves. Gauntlet styles tend to be warmer as they offer extra protection over your wrist joint.
Another option is an under-the-cuff style, where your ski jacket sleeve will fit over the top.
Under-the-cuff ski gloves can keep your hands drier in the rain as water won’t run off your jacket sleeve and into your glove. ♦
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CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW GLOVES:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-gloves/
24
SKIING
DOWNHILL SKIS 101
TYPE OF SKIING
Where will you be skiing most of the time? There are four basic types of skis, depending on type of skiing you want to do. All-mountain, wide all-moun-tain, powder and backcountry skis. Different snow and skiing conditions will determine what kind of ski is best suited for your style. If you know you’ll be skiing on mostly groomed runs, choose an all-mountain ski.
WIDTH
Now that you’ve decided what kind of skis you want, you can pay attention to the width of ski. If you know you’ll be skiing in lots of powder, choose a fat
ski with a width of over 100mm. Skis with a width in the 89-99mm range are ideal all-mountain skis but can transition to some powder. Under 89mm is best for groomed runs and resort skiers.
LENGTH
Shorter skis are easier to turn and therefore more appealing to beginner skiers. Experienced skiers tend to want extra length for more aggression. As a rule of thumb, if you stand up a pair of skis, they should reach somewhere between the chin and top of the head for a skier. Beginners should choose skis closer to the chin while advanced skiers can have longer skis closer to the top of the head.
Your skis are the reason you’re on the mountain – and a poor decision in your purchase can make your day on the slopes much harder than it needs to be. Whether you stick to the groomed runs or prefer to be waist-deep in powder, the best downhill skis for your type of skiing will make you feel like you’re gliding with flair and style. Skis aren’t something you can ‘grow into’ so you don’t want to buy something too advanced for your level, or you might find yourself struggling to turn and wanting to stay inside the cafe for the day.
AUTHOR: Juliette Sivertsen INFO
PROFILE
Skis typically come in three different profiles – camber, rocker and flat. Some skis combine all three profiles.
CAMBER
Camber is best described as the the arc in the ski. Think of it like suspen-sion. If you place a ski on the ground and look at it from the size, you’ll notice the curve like an arch.
ROCKER
Rocker is known as reverse camber, as it looks like an upside down camber.
FLAT
A flat ski is reasonably self explan-atory in that the main part of the ski lies flat against the snow. High level skiers tend to prefer camber, while rocker skis offer better ‘float’ in powder conditions. Flat skis offer easier transitions.
GENDER
Typically women have a lower centre of gravity which makes the turning point different to most men.
While there’s no reason why women can’t use a generic ski, a women’s specific ski is often lighter and easier to turn. But don’t get us wrong – advanced women’s skis can still offer the same aggressive turning as men’s skis.
STYLE
The very last consideration is what you want your skis to look like. If you’re determined to have a coor-dinated style on the slopes for your Instagram page, then you can con-sider different colors and designs to match your ski boots and outerwear. Different years of the same ski mod-els can change in design so a 2015 ski may look completely different to the same 2017 model. ♦
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT DOWN-HILL SKIS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-downhill-skis/
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SKIING
BOOTS 101
TYPE OF BOOT
In general, there are two types of ski boots, Alpine Touring (AT) and Alpine/Downhill. There’s also a third which isn’t a different type per se, but it’s a major added feature; Walk-to-Ride (WTR).
ALPINE/DOWNHILL
Alpine boots are for alpine bindings and downhill skis and are certified with ISO 5355. The majority of people in ski resorts will be using these boots and there is an enormous range on the market to suit every foot type.
Typical features in alpine boots are multiple adjustable buckles, customizable liners, and different lasts to match your foot and flex.
SKI-TOURING AND BACKCOUNTRY
Alpine ski-touring boots come in different formats but, generally speaking, they either have tech fittings (for use with tech bindings) or soles that are compatible with AT bindings and even alpine bindings. Some AT boots have rugged, grippy soles for easy hiking and compromise on their inability to work with alpine bindings and some have flatter soles that are compatible.
AT boots that are designed to work as ski-touring and alpine boots offer the most flexibility for the all-round skier. They might sacrifice the supreme
Ever started skiing and realized that your boots are pinching your feet? Ill-fitting ski boots will not only hurt, they’ll prevent you from hav-ing proper control over your skis and ruin your day on the slopes. Ski boot technology has improved a lot over the last decade and choos-ing the best ski boots now means giving your feet ultimate comfort. With all-over heat molding available, the liner, footbed and outer shell can all be molded to your feet. This creates an environment that gives you control, comfort and ensures good circulation to stop your feet from getting chilled. With touring boots, alpine boots and Walk-to-Ride boots on the market, knowing which boot suits your needs is essential. Armed with the following information, you’ll soon understand exactly what you need.
AUTHOR: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
lightness of the tech fitting boots but they feel great bombing down pisted runs as well as touring up mountains.
Standard AT boots are ISO 9523. Tech touring boots are not ISO 9523 and are only compatible with tech bind-ings. Some boots have interchange-able soles, making them compatible with almost all types of bindings! The Scarpa Freedom SL touring boots are a great example of this.
WALK-TO-RIDE
Walk-To-Ride (WTR) soled boots are compatible with some alpine bind-ings and some AT bindings. All com-patible bindings should specifically say that they accept WTR boots.
LINER AND SHELL
Ski boots are made out of two sepa-rate components, a hard outer shell, and a soft inner lining. Although some shells are customizable, it’s predominantly the lining that can be altered to fit the exact form of your foot.
Some liners are heavily insulated while some are thinner and lighter. Brands like Primaloft and Thinsulate are often used for liners.
HEAT MOLDING
With many ski boot brands offering heat moldable liners, it’s easier than ever to get a ski boot that fits like a glove. Feet are fairly unique shapes on an individual level and having your liners heat molded can trans-form your comfort and experience.
Custom footbeds are also available in conjunction with many ski boots. These insoles are sold separately and, when molded to your foot’s sole, ensure complete support. These are particularly useful for those with high arches or poor circulation.
Many boot liners are thermoform-able. This generally means that the liners use the heat from your feet to mold around your exact foot shape. In this way, they are ‘worn in’ and will reach optimum comfort after the first day’s use.
FLEX
Ski boot flex is based on an inter-nationally adopted scale. Generally speaking, the stiffer the flex rating, the more power is transferred from your legs to your skis. However, stiff flex boots are much less forgiving and therefore a softer flex is required for beginners and park skiers.
Ski boots often contain their flex rating in their name. So the Atomic Hawk Prime 100 for instance, has a flex of 100. This is a quick and easy way to see what flex boots have and therefore the general skiing ability they’re aimed at.
SOFT FLEX
Soft flex is usually below 80 Flex. This is ideal for beginners and is forgiving when learning technique and mak-ing mistakes.
MEDIUM FLEX
Medium flex is between 80 and 100. This allows for more accurate control of skis and edge control and is good for intermediates or confident learners.
STIFF FLEX
Flex over 100 is counted as stiff and is perfect for advanced skiers and race skiers. Unforgiving, stiff flex transfers as much energy as possible through your leg and into the skis. This provides ultimate control and accurate turning. Backcountry boots are usually stiff flex.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
It’s worth noting that while the same flex numbers are used across brands, one brand’s 90 might not be as stiff as another brand’s 90. Skier weight is also a factor, with lighter skiers requiring lower flex levels than a heavier skier with the same ability.
SOCKS
In the past, thick ski socks were required to keep your feet warm but technology has changed a lot. These days, ski boot liners usually provide excellent insulation. On top of this, the advent of heat mold-
ed liners means that the foot is supported without compromising blood circulation. Good circulation helps prevent the feet from getting too cold.
SIZING
Ski boots are sized according to the Mondopoint scale. This scale is used across all brands as well and ski bindings. The Mondo size is the length of the boots inner sole and is listed in centimeters.
The Mondo size of your boot will also usually be written on the outside of the boot. This means that when you buy ski bindings and get them fixed on your skis, they will be matched to your boot size. You can get a good idea of your size by using an online mondo calculator.
LAST
The last of a ski boot has a different meaning from that of a normal shoe. When we talk about the ‘last’ in reference to ski boots, we’re talking about the width of the boot at the widest point (on the inside). This point correlates with the widest part of your foot, just backward of the base of the toes.
Last is important in ski boots as a perfect fit across the width of your foot is one of the key factors in buying your boots. Some ski boots are specifically made for narrow feet, some for wide and some for average. The last is measured in millimeters.♦
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SKI BOOTS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-boots/
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SKIING
BINDINGS 101
TYPE OF SKI BINDINGSALPINE/DOWNHILL
The most common type of bindings, alpine bindings are for downhill skiing and will be found on all downhill skis in the resort. Both the toe and the heel of your alpine ski boots clip into alpine bindings and stay fully clipped in unless you take a fall.
Some alpine bindings are also compatible with AT boots and WTR boots (described below).
ALPINE TOURING (AT)/RANDONÉE
Touring bindings allow you to be clipped in at the toe but unclipped at the heel. This allows you to lift your heel and to gain the motion essential to ski-touring. When you’ve reached the top, you can clip your heel into the binding – effectively turning it into an alpine/downhill binding – and ski down. More often than not, you can even adjust your binding mode with your ski poles, making life even easier.
Alpine touring bindings come in two types. AT bindings (sometimes with frames) and tech bindings. While AT/frame bindings are great for touring and downhill, they are heavier and lift with your heel during touring. Some frame bindings are compatible with both traditional alpine/downhill boots as well
Ski bindings are often an afterthought for the beginner skier. It’s not until after a few tumbles, you might realize just how important these pieces of equipment are. For advanced alpine skiers, as well as backcountry and tourers, getting the best ski bindings can transform your skiing. Good quality bindings designed for your skiing style will inspire confidence in you but they can also add some serious weight to your set-up. Ski bindings suited to you will allow you to push your limits and challenge your own ability, all while knowing that your bindings have your back. Ingenious pieces of technology, ski bindings can look complicated first off. We’ve broken down the must-know information on bindings so that by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what you need.
AUTHOR: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
as AT boots.
Small, lighter and more stream-lined, tech bindings are great for experienced ski-tourers who don’t plan on spending much, if any, time in the resort. Requiring compatible tech ski boots, tech touring bindings allow you to lift your heel while the binding remains attached to the ski, eliminating that extra weight and proving much better for long hikes.
DIN RANGE
To prevent leg injuries in a fall, ski bindings are designed to release when a set force is applied. When you fall in certain ways, your skis will come off to prevent injury but similarly, you don’t want to pop off a side hit and find your skis fly off upon landing. That won’t look good in the GoPro edit!
DIN settings are an internationally standardized scale that indicates the force required before the bindings release. Beginner skiers, children, and lightweight skiers usually use lower DIN settings while expert skiers and heavier skiers will have higher settings.
Alpine bindings traditionally have a wide DIN range around 3-12. Expert bindings might start from DIN range 7+, making them too high for begin-ner or even intermediate skiers.
It’s easy to get an idea of your required DIN settings by inputting data like your height, weight and skiing level to an online DIN setting calculator. DIN settings should ideal-ly be set by a professional.
WEIGHT
Standard alpine ski bindings come in many different weights and the lighter the bindings, the more expensive you’ll find them. However, for resort skiing and lift-accessed ar-eas, the weight of your ski bindings shouldn’t affect you much.
Backcountry and ski-touring are where every ounce of extra weight matters and it’s worth paying a bit extra for super lightweight bindings. Ski-tourers who don’t go to the resort at all may well prefer tech
bindings which are fully stripped of any extra weight and make excellent companions on those long touring days.
BRAKES
Ski binding brakes are little arms that sit flush with the ski while mov-ing and pop down the moment your skis boots are released from your bindings – through a fall or by man-ual ejection. Brakes are designed to stop the ski from moving by itself. This is important in a fall as runaway skis can injure others or lose them-selves in snow drifts.
Brakes need to be wide enough to clear the edges of your skis but not so wide as to touch the snow while you’re edging like a pro. This means that you must know the waist mea-surement (center width) of your skis before buying your bindings. Your brakes must be wider than your skis!
BOOT COMPATIBIL-ITY
All alpine/downhill boots have soles that are compatible with alpine bindings and conform to ISO 5355. So for resort skiers, your boots are always going to be compatible with your bindings. The key is to have your bindings fixed to your skis by a professional once you already know your boot length (different from shoe size).
While alpine bindings are compat-ible with alpine boots, ski-tourers don’t have the same guaranteed compatibility. Tech bindings are only compatible with specific tech touring boots, limiting you to that specific set-up. Only a few compa-nies make bindings that are com-patible with both alpine boots (ISO 5355) and alpine touring boots (ISO 9523). However, if you want to enjoy ski-touring and resort downhill with the same boots, you’ll need these dual-use bindings.
WTR is an acronym that is popping up more and more and means Walk-to-Ride. These boots have more of a sole rocker (as opposed to the flat sole of an alpine boot) which allows you to walk with more ease than if you were wearing standard alpine
boots. WTR compatible bindings are almost always also standard alpine bindings and some also work with touring bindings. A skier is naked without their poles as these crucial accessories help create balance, better rhythm and an ideal body position. But with so many types of ski poles on the market, how do you know which ones you need? Finding the best ski poles means under-standing how they differ and what they’re used for. ♦
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SKI BINDINGS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-bindings/
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SKIING
SKI POLES 101
PURPOSE
The type of ski poles you need will depend on what skiing you do.
ALPINE SKIING
Alpine skiing, otherwise called downhill, is what most people think of when they hear ‘skiing’. Almost always on piste, alpine skiing requires straight, standard length poles.
OFF-PISTE/POWDER/BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Powder ski poles have bigger baskets to stop them from sinking and are often made of stronger material to cope with knocks and bumps. Many off-piste skiers prefer slightly shorter backcountry poles than if they were al-pine skiing, to more easily handle rugged terrain. Adjustable-length ski poles can also be good for backcountry.
RACE SKIING
If you want to be the next slalom winner then racing poles will cut down weight while retaining their strength. With a curved, aerodynamic, shaft, these poles not only fit around your body but they shouldn’t catch on race gates either.
A skier is naked without their poles as these crucial accessories help create balance, better rhythm and an ideal body position. But with so many types of ski poles on the market, how do you know which ones you need? Find-ing the best ski poles means understanding how they differ and what they’re used for. Not only are poles made for different types of skiing and terrains, they’re also made from a variety of materials. Small differences with ski poles can make a surprisingly big difference when you’re out on the snow.
AUTHOR: Kitiara Pascoe INFO
PARK AND FREESTYLE SKIING
An increasingly popular type of skiing, park and freestyle poles are usually shorter than alpine poles to prevent catching on rails, boxes and anything else you want to pop off.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Ski poles for cross-country skiing, Nordic walking and snowshoeing are much longer than the downhill ski poles above and have more acute tips.
MATERIAL
Ski poles are made from a range of materials that change the strength, flexibility and price of the pole.
ALUMINUM
Very affordable, stiff and strong, aluminum ski poles are common. This alloy comes in different grades though, and high-grade aluminum will be pricier but also lighter and stronger. Many alpine piste skiers happily use aluminum ski poles as they are cheap and durable.
CARBON
These ski poles might cost more but they are extremely strong, very light-weight and more flexible than alumi-num. Carbon poles are probably the most indulgent to use. Experienced skiers may prefer carbon due to their lightness and narrow shaft. Anything that keeps weight down and has some flexibility can lessen strain when spending full days skiing tough terrain.
COMPOSITE
Ski poles that are composite are made with a blend of materials. As different materials have different pros and cons, they can be blended to create a mixture of attributes. For instance, carbon is often mixed with fibreglass. Composite poles have better shock absorption than aluminum making them good for backcountry.
SHAFT LENGTHELBOW HEIGHT/STANDARD
For alpine skiing and all-mountain skiing, the best length for your ski poles is around elbow height. This means that when you’re holding your poles upside-down with the basket resting on the top of your hand, your elbow will be bent at 90 degrees. REI have a ski pole size chart, suited to downhill/alpine skiers, that makes working out your pole length easy.
SHORT
Park/Freestyle and powder skiers usually use slightly shorter poles as do many backcountry skiers. You don’t want your poles catching on trees, rocks, park features or any oth-er uneven terrain. If you need park or freestyle poles, you can drop 2in or 4in (5cm or 10cm) off your alpine pole length.
LONG
Cross-country skiers use poles that are more around the height of your armpit and ski-tourers can benefit from longer poles too when hiking up.
ADJUSTABLE
Ski-tourers and backcountry skiers often need long poles for hiking up and standard, elbow-length poles for skiing down. The answer? Adjustable poles!
BASKET
Ski pole baskets are plastic circles that sit above the tip near the very bottom of your pole and stop the pole from sinking into the snow.
Basket size depends on the type of terrain and skiing you’ll be doing.
SMALL/ALPINE
Small baskets are the norm for alpine piste skiers and many cross-coun-try skiers. They stop the pole from sinking in groomed snow and don’t affect the swing action too much.
POWDER
Powder baskets are bigger, some-times much bigger, than alpine baskets as they need a greater surface area to prevent sinking in
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SKI POLES:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-ski-poles/
powder. Backcountry skiers tend to have powder baskets, and some alpine skiers have spare powder baskets to swap out on powder days in the resort.
RACE
Race poles have minimal baskets or small, conical baskets to reduce weight and increase aerodynamics. Some cross-country or Nordic skiers also use race baskets if they are skiing groomed courses or don’t anticipate any powdery conditions.
STRAP
Most ski poles have loop straps that prevent you from losing your poles in a fall or if you lose your grip. They also help prevent hand and wrist strain as they change the force dis-tributed from your hand to the pole.
Many straps are adjustable in length but if not, check that the strap is easy to get on and off over your ski gloves. This is important especially for piste skiers who need to remove the straps every time they use a lift!
Some brands, including Leki, have quick-release loops or clickable strap systems. While these are largely unnecessary for alpine skiing, they
can be of benefit to backcountry and race skiers in the event of falls.
GRIP
The grip area of the ski pole is simply where your hand will hold the pole. Usually made from rubber or molded plastic, grips are almost always ergonomic to some extent with light indents for some or all of your fingers.
If you’re a mitten wearer, thumb indents and a smoother grip work well while fingered glove wearers might benefit more from more obviously indented grips. Park riders favor cleaner, less ergonomic grips to make side grabs and tricks easier.
Aside from length range, grips are also a factor in poles for specific gen-ders or ages. For instance, children’s poles will have smaller grips than adults and poles that are labeled as women’s will normally have slightly smaller grips than poles marked men’s. ♦
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SNOWBOARDING
SNOWBOARDS 101
STYLE: WHAT TYPE OF RIDER ARE YOU?
What board you choose largely has to do with what type of rider you are. Snowboarders who go into all types of conditions – backcountry, the park, through groomers – typically do best on an all-mountain style snowboard. Think of it as a one-size-fits-all style. Park snowboarders should get a park (also called freestyle) type of snowboard, and freeride snowboarders are obsessed with steep, fast, slopes.
ALL MOUNTAIN
All mountain boards typically have great response, are medium flex, and sometimes have special features to cope with ice or hidden rocks. They’re a great board to try if you’re just starting out and don’t know what type of
riding you like, or if you snowboard mostly at a mountain with all types of conditions.
FREESTYLE
Park (freestyle) boards are very flexible, responsive, and forgiving. Their shape makes it easy to pop and slide. These are nearly always twin tip so that riders can land and ride switch with ease. (Want to get better at park riding? Tran-sworld Snowboarding has an entire archive of trick tips!).
FREERIDE
Freeride snowboards are for chargers all about reaching the fastest speed possible. These boards tend to be a bit longer than the all mountain board,
Have you ever wondered how to choose the best snowboard for your type of riding style? Maybe you’re some-one who’s heart skips a beat at the thought of deep powder or maybe your friends can always find you in the park. Or maybe, you’re the kind of snowboarder who likes to try something different, depending on the day. No matter what you’re into, you’ll need the right snowboard to have the most fun. But how do you know which one to choose when there are hundreds of different options?
AUTHOR: Chantae Reden INFO
stiffer, and more durable. They are usually one directional instead of twin tip, making them just an extra bit faster.
You’ll want to make sure that your bindings and boots match the style of snowboard you choose, as there are specific types for those as well. You can read all about how to choose the perfect pair of boots in our guide, Snowboarding Boots 101. Oh, and don’t forget a helmet. Of course, we have a guide for choosing the best snow helmets, too.
SIZE
Many snowboarders have the misconception that your snowboard length correlates to your height. While this is true to some extent, it’s your weight that matters more. Each brand and snowboard model is different, so you’ll want to look at their official size guide beforehand. Wider boards tend to be better for larger people and those who are lucky enough to frequently ride in powder.
SHAPE
Snowboards now come in all types of shapes but the main three are
directional, true twin, and directional twin. Each have their own pros and cons.
DIRECTIONAL
Directional snowboards are popular among all mountain and freeride style snowboards because their shape allows the rider to get down the mountain as efficiently as possi-ble. However, you can’t ride switch on directional snowboards, making it quite limiting in the park or for riders who like to go both ways.
TRUE TWIN TIP
True twin tip boards are symmetrical, with the dimensions of both sides of the board being exactly the same. This shape is the best for park riders or those of us who simply like to ride switch.
DIRECTIONAL TWIN
Directional twin boards are – sur-prise – a mix of twin tip and direc-tional shapes. These do well for all mountain or freestyle conditions and are a bit less limiting than directional boards. Usually, the dimensions of the tips are the same, but the back tip is firmer.♦
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW-BOARDS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-snowboards/
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SNOWBOARDING
BINDINGS 101
RIDING STYLE
Different styles of riding require different bindings. Some riders need flexibil-ity while others need sturdiness to stay balanced. Generally, bindings will fall under certain specifically for freeriding, freestyle, and all-mountain terrain. You’ll need the right snowboarding boots to match your bindings, and you can read our guide to the best snowboarding boots to help with that.
FREERIDE
Freeride bindings are stiff so that they can handle steep drops and high speed. They’re the ideal binding for backcountry snowboarding when you’re
transferring between trails of heavy powder to heavy sleet. A flexible binding simply won’t be durable enough to cope with freeriding, especially for experts.
FREESTYLE
Freestyle, or park, bindings are flexible and offer a lot of forgiveness. They’re perfect for snowboarders who opt for the park and jumps instead of going off trail. Ideally, you have a flexible board to match. If you’re in the park, be extra sure to wear a helmet. Read our guide to choosing the best snowboarding helmet.
ALL-MOUNTAIN
Have you ever wondered how your snowboard bindings can help improve your skills on the slope? Maybe you’re new to the sport, in the market for new ones, or have changed your riding style. Whatever your reason, snowboard bindings are one of the most important pieces of gear for snowboarders. Low quality ones can be annoying to ride with at best and at worse cause injury if they break. But how do you find the best snowboard bindings in a sea of op-tions? One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to gear shopping. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best snowboard bindings and show you our selection of the best models of the year.
AUTHOR: Chantae Reden INFO
All-mountain bindings are the go-to binding for people who like to ride a little bit of this and a little bit of that. They’re not too flexible, not too stiff, but just right. When in doubt, it’s best to invest in a solid pair of all-mountain bindings and only move to more specific ones once you know what style of riding you’re into.
BINDING SYSTEM: STRAP-IN, REAR EN-TRY AND STEP-INS
The three most popular types of binding systems are strap-in, rear entry and step-in. There are other types of binding styles but those are generally used by very specialized snowboarders or small manufac-turers.
STRAP-IN
Most people opt for the strap-in style of binding system. This is when you usually have one strap over the ankle and another over the toes. It’s easy to put on once you’re off the lift, and typically doesn’t pack with snow like a step-in binding system might. The only downside is that they aren’t as quick to put on as the step-in bindings or the rear entry bindings, but they arguably give the best fit.
REAR ENTRY
Rear entry bindings are the easiest to put on as you simply pull down the back of the binding and slip your boot inside. If you’re doing quick laps or hate the time it takes to put on strap-in bindings, this could be the right choice for you.
STEP-IN
Step-in bindings were once popular among typically beginner snow-boarders because of their ease of use. The bottom of your snowboard boot has two prongs that click into the binding plate. However, these typically offer less support and are nearly impossible to put on if the binding plate gets packed with snow. If you can opt for a rear-entry or strap-in system as they’re typically more stable.
FIT
Fortunately, snowboard bindings easily customize to the boot that’s being put into them. You will want to make sure that your snowboard bindings match the size of your board and the size of your boot. If you have a women’s board and women’s boots, a women’s sized binding will likely be a better fit because of the narrower boot and board. Same for men – men’s snowboard bindings are typically wider and longer than the women’s version, so make sure your new bindings are compatible.
COLOR
Let’s be honest, there’s a strong sense of style that comes with snow-boarding and nobody wants a set-up that’s mismatched. Take care to pair the color of your binding with the color of your board. When in doubt, opt for a neutral color and leave the flashy pattern to your board. If you take care of your bindings, they can easily last a few seasons – who knows, those lime green bindings might look great on your snowboard this year but what happens when you want to slap them on a fresh board next year? Your snowboarding boots go a long way to getting the most out of each day on the slopes. The best snowboarding boots will be responsive while keeping your feet as comfortable and warm as possi-ble. A poor fit can make you writhe in pain down the mountain and be faced with aching feet and blisters for the rest of your ski trip.♦
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW-BOARD BINDINGS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-snowboard-bindings/
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SNOWBOARDING
BOOTS 101
BOOT FLEX
Boot flex is the most important aspect to consider when choosing your snowboarding boots. Beginner snowboarders are better off with soft and flexible boots as they’re more comfortable as well as being a bit more for-giving for newbies. Advanced snowboarders need less flex to allow for more aggressive turning and harder landings.
PREFERRED TERRAIN/STYLE
Where do you snowboard? Do you prefer the groomed runs or the park? Your style of snowboarding will determine what kind of boot you want, its flex and
the materials. All-mountain snowboarding boots are ideal for those who plan on boarding and carving down the slopes most of the time, while freestyle boots are designed for those who plan on doing tricks and spend most of their time in the park.
FIT
Snowboard boots should be snug and new boots should be reasonably tight for the first few days of use. Your toe should gently touch the tip of the snowboarding boot but without squishing or causing too much discomfort. When you bend your knees, your heel should stay in place and your toes will move back slightly from the toe cap. It’s a good idea to try on boots with a
Your snowboarding boots go a long way to getting the most out of each day on the slopes. The best snowboarding boots will be responsive while keeping your feet as comfortable and warm as possible. A poor fit can make you writhe in pain down the mountain and be faced with ach-ing feet and blisters for the rest of your ski trip.
AUTHOR: Juliette Sivertsen INFO
snowboarding sock so you can get the best fit.
LACING SYSTEM
There are typically three different kinds of lacing systems for snow-boarding boots – a boa system, quick pull or traditional lacing.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional lacing usually offers the best custom fit as you can choose where the laces are tightest along the boot. However, lacing up and undoing them in the middle of winter is tough on your hands and if your fingers are frozen – well, good luck.
QUICK PULL
Quick pull lacing is much easier and can be done while wearing gloves.
BOA
Boa lacing is the easiest option as it uses a dial to tighten and loosen the laces, which can also be adjusted while wearing gloves.
LINING
The lining inside a snowboarding boot offers comfort, insulation and padding for your feet. You can get stock liners, moldable liners and heat-moldable liners.
STOCK LINERS
Stock liners are simply standard liners with no particular molding to your foot other than what occurs after continual use.
MOLDABLE LINERS
Moldable liners use your body heat to conform to the shape of your foot.
HEAT-MOLDABLE LINERS
Heat-moldable liners offer the best in custom design. The lining is heat-ed up, you place your feet into them and stay there for a while so the lining moulds in that time. There’s no additional time needed to wear them in.
MATERIALS
While most snowboarding boots are made from synthetic materials, you can find leather boots. Leather is far more durable and will last longer with proper care, although expect to pay more. Boot soles are made of
CLICK THIS LINK FOR OUR REVIEWS AND PRICES ON DIFFERENT SNOW-BOARDING BOOTS:https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-snowboarding-boots/
rubber. Lighter rubbers are better for snowboarders sticking to the park while a heavier rubber offers better durability for boarders keen to hike up the mountain to make fresh tracks.
GENDER
Male and female boots are made with men and women’s bodies in mind. Women’s calves tend to be situated lower on the leg than men. Therefore, women’s snowboarding boots usually have a lower cuff for better comfort. Women’s snow-boarding boots also tend to be more
narrow in the heel, offering better support than the wider men’s shape. Styles and colors also differ between the genders. ♦
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We would like to thank you again for taking the time to check out the Snow Sports Quick Starter Guide! We hope you’ve found some value in it and can use it as a guide to help you get into snow sports and explore the outdoors. Lots of great adventures are lying ahead waiting for you!
If for whatever reason you got this guide without ever subscribing to our email list (which is totally okay because we realize people love to share things like this), then please head on over to TheAdventureJunkies.com and subscribe to our email list there.
We would also suggest you to check out the other Quick Starter Guides for climbing, hiking, scuba diving, and bicycle touring.
And lastly, if you enjoyed this book, please feel free to share it on Twitter or Facebook.
Cheers, best of luck and we look forward to helping you out again soon!
Antonio & AmandaFounders of The Adventure Junkies
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