There are plenty of options available. If you�re looking for peace and tranquillity while enjoying nature�s beauty in slow motion then Nordic and telemark skiing is for you. On the other hand if you�re a lover of new experiences and extreme sports then don�t waste a minute; join the snowboard and carving craze. And there are still more options. Mushing will take you into the snowy wilds on board a sturdy dog-powered sled. Whatever speciality you decide to go for this winter, you shouldn�t forget a few basic rules for getting the most out of your sojourn in the snowy heights.

 

A few basic rules
� Use the best equipment that your budget will stand.
It may be tempting to save some money but don�t use borrowed skis and boots. You�ll be doing yourself a favour by reducing the risk of injury from using defective or ill-fitting boots, poles or skis. It�s better to hire the equipment once you get to the ski resort; it�ll be harder on your pocket but you�ll get professional equipment that fits.
� Kit yourself out with the basics.
You need some breathable waterproof trousers and jacket, and waterproof socks and gloves. Plus some sun glasses to protect you from the reflected glare off the snow, a good warm hat to keep your head warm, and some high factor sun block for the bits still showing.
� If you�re a beginner have classes.
There is a wide range of courses available where you can learn to ski or snowboard. All resorts organise courses typically lasting for five days (3 hours a day), in groups of 8 people with equipment hire extra. You might prefer private classes.
� Remember that you�re not the only one on the slope.
Wait your turn for the ski lift and try to be as civilised as you can when you ski down. Your safety and the safety of others depend on your actions.

 

Prevent needless injuries
Most injuries tend to occur in the first half hour of skiing. When your muscles and joints are still cold, you can injure yourself in the silliest fall. You just need to do a series of exercises to warm up the joints and muscles which do the most work when you�re skiing or snowboarding.
Before you put your skis on, five minutes stretching. If you�re staying in a hotel with a gym, use it. 10 minutes pedalling on an exercise bike is a perfect warm up exercise. It�s very important to build up your leg muscles - quadriceps and calves - since as well as doing practically all the work, they are also responsible for keeping your fragile knee ligaments where they belong. Even during the walk from the car park to the first lift you could be limbering up to get the heart rate up a little. Then ten minutes of twists, rotations and flexing of joints, arms and neck.

 

Ski resorts
� Estaci�n de Esqu� Candanch�. Huesca.
� Estaci�n de Esqu� Cerler. Huesca.
� Estaci�n de Esqu� Formigal. Huesca.
� Estaci�n Panticosa Los Lagos. Huesca.
� Estaci�n Baqueira Beret. L�rida.
� Estaci�n Puerto de Navacerrada. Madrid.
� Estaci�n La Pinilla. Salamanca.
� Estaci�n Sierra Nevada. Granada.