Onto the Slopes – Skiing and Snowboarding

Dry ski slopes can be great places to learn new techniques, practice your skills or just to see if you like skiing for the first time! These are slightly different to indoor ski slopes as they can be either indoor or outdoors and don't feature any snow. This can mean that dry ski slopes provide a great alternative if you don't live near the slopes or an indoor ski slope, or simply want a really fun day out! When heading to a dry ski slope for the first time, lots of people wonder what they should wear and how best to prepare. There are lots of factors you need to know about the specific slope you are going to before deciding this, and then some different options about what is advisable to wear, so keep reading for everything you need to know! Dry Ski Slope Clothing Dry ski slopes can be indoors and outdoors, so plan your clothing depending on the weather. Waterproofs may be advisable in cold or wet conditions. Wear clothing that will protect you if you fall, like thick gloves/mittens, a helmet and clothing to protect your skin. Conditions at a Dry Ski Slope The conditions at a dry ski slope mainly depend on if the slope is indoors or outdoors. This will hugely impact the temperatures you are likely to encounter, if you will be affected by variable weather and what might be best for you to wear! Indoor Dry Ski Slopes Indoor dry ski slopes will likely be sheltered from varying weather conditions, meaning they can be easier to plan for in terms of what to wear! However, an important thing to note is if the dry ski slope is also in the same building as an indoor ski slope with snow. This will mean that the whole building may be kept colder than usual in order to maintain the snow and indoor ski slope, even if it is not on the dry ski slope itself. Outdoor Dry Ski Slopes If you are planning to go to an outdoor dry ski slope, your clothing choice will be largely dependent on the weather and conditions where you are! Outdoor dry ski slopes mean that you will be most likely exposed to the elements, be in rain, sun, wind or snow! Therefore, make sure you dress appropriately for the weather to make sure you are safe and comfortable. If it is likely to rain or be cold, this may mean waterproof clothing and extra layers for example! Equipment Before heading to a dry ski slope, it is essential you check what equipment you will need, as well as what you are able to hire when you get there so you can take or buy everything that you need in advance! Here is a list of equipment (NOT INCLUDING CLOTHING!) you might need to take or hire when going to a dry ski slope: Skis Ski Boots Ski Poles Helmet Eye protection (eg. googles) Clothing for a Dry Ski Slope Layers Whether your dry ski slope of choice is indoors or outdoors, they may still be colder than you might expect! Therefore, the best thing you can do it to LAYER. This can be much more effective at keeping you warm than a single coat or jacket, and also means that you can remove or put on extra layers during your ski depending on how cold you are. Accessories The accessories you need may depend again on the weather you are likely to encounter on the day you plan to ski. On sunny days, sunglasses or goggles might be advised by the slope if they allow these. These can help you to see better if there is particular sun glare. Similarly, if the weather is cold and wet, you might need extra accessories to keep you warm. This could include a neck gaiter for example. Gloves In terms of accessories, gloves are a must. Even if it isn't particularly cold, ski gloves or ski mittens are always great to wear. These will help to protect your hands from injury if you fall over at all, and also help to keep you warm if the weather changes. Socks Thick ski socks are usually recommended as a good idea, even to a dry ski slope where you might not be encountering snow. This is because ski socks are generally slightly thicker and more padded compared to regular socks. This will likely make your ski boots much more comfortable, especially if this is your first time skiing. This will also give you a more accurate idea of how your skis will feel on a real ski slope where you are likely to be in colder conditions too. To Conclude Dry ski slopes can be variable- mainly depending on if they are indoors or outdoors. While there is certain equipment and clothing you will always need regardless for safety reasons, other such as the number of layers you are likely to need will depend on the weather if you are outdoors, and the conditions if you are indoors, so make sure to check these in advance and prepare what you need to take with you.

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