This is how to prepare for your skiing holiday
Finally ... The wait is over! The slopes are covered with a white carpet of snow and we are ready for the start of an atypical but safe winter sports season. Are you wondering how to go on a skiing vacation in the age of corona? Don't worry, this page contains tips, expert advice and a handy checklist for your skiing trip.
Don't forget to give your skis or snowboard a professional maintenance before departure. Or would you rather just rent your material at a good price at A.S.Adventure? From € 65/week you get a complete ski package, for a snowboard with boots you're set from € 89/week.
Yes, we too miss the snow and the mountains! Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it’s unfortunately not sensible to go on a skiing holiday. Take advantage of this winter break to look for snow in your own country! Just be sure to check if our ski areas are open and accessible. Or read our tips and tricks so you are ready for the next ski season. Hang in there!
Quickly find what you are looking for
What to wear on the slopes?
The era of skiing or snowboarding while looking like a fluorescent Michelin man is no more. Today winter sports and a great look are no longer mutually exclusive! With our new winter sports collection you can hit the slopes in a safe, comfortable and trendy manner.
Tip
With the three-layer system you’re always prepared for every kind of temperature. A thermal base layer, an insulating fleece and waterproof and windproof winter sports jacket and trousers keep your body dry and warm. At the same time, they quickly conduct sweat away from the body, preventing you from cooling down.
Skiing in the age of corona? This is how you do it!
In early 2020, Covid-19 thwarted the plans of many skiers and snowboarders. A winter season to quickly forget ... But this time we are prepared, and we’ll handle things better! With the necessary precautions, you will soon be safe and prepared for the slopes.
How can I avoid the queues at the local ski rental?
Rent your skis or snowboard in advance at A.S.Adventure and pick them up a few days before departure. This allows you to select and try out the proper equipment peacefully, at a safe distance from your fellow shoppers.
Can I safely use the ski lifts?
Avoid that big gondola and, if possible, opt for the chairlifts, which you preferably share with your bubble. And just to be on the safe side, always wear a face mask.
Are the après-ski activities still on?
Get a good supply of snacks, drinks and music for your own chalet or apartment, because the local pubs in the ski resorts will close earlier this season and dancing is not allowed.
FAQs about safety
Do I have to wear a face mask on the slopes?
Skiing or snowboarding with a face mask is not that obvious. You get a lot less oxygen and, as a result, will be out of breath much faster. Therefore, it is not compulsory to wear a mouth mask on the slopes, as long as you observe the distance rules (tip: check the specific corona measures in your ski area to know how much that safe distance actually is). While using the ski lifts, in the lift stations and in the queues, it is compulsory to wear a face mask. In most ski resorts, fewer people are allowed on the chairlift at the same time, so keeping the necessary distance should be no problem. You may also use a Buff or scarf, as long as both your mouth and nose are covered.
How safe are ski lifts exactly?
In short: very safe. The chances of you dangling from the edge of a lift or rolling down the mountain in a gondola are extremely low. Due to the strict safety checks and regular maintenance, accidents with ski lifts are rare. Austria and Switzerland especially are renowned for their state-of-the-art infrastructure, but the other Alpine countries are definitely not lagging behind on the safety front. When it comes to health in these corona times, it's always a better idea to take a chairlift instead of a closed gondola, where you're close together with ten to twenty people. A chairlift allows you to keep your distance, breathe fresh air and enjoy the sun on your face. If you get on a lift with people from outside your bubble, always wear a face mask.
Is a ski helmet mandatory on the slopes?
In this day and age, the ski helmet has become part of the standard outfit for most winter sports aficionados. Safety first, right? As an adult you are not obliged to wear a helmet anywhere in the European ski resorts, but this does not count for children. Since the regulations vary from country to country and sometimes even from region to region, it is recommended to check the specific rules for your ski resort in advance. For example, in some Austrian and Italian regions children up to the age of 15 are required to wear a ski helmet. If they don't, mommy or daddy can expect a hefty fine and you can be held liable for the damage after a collision. Our advice? Don't wait for accidents to happen and just put on that helmet.
I fell on my ski helmet. Do I need a new one?
Yes, you always need a new helmet after a heavy fall. The inner shell of your helmet might be broken, and this is not always visible from the outside. In this case the helmet’s safety is no longer guaranteed, so it’s better to buy a new one. Reminder: even without a heavy fall it’s advised to replace your helmet every once in a while. After a certain period of time, the shock-absorbing components of your helmet start to degrade, either due to wear and tear or to sunlight exposure. Make sure to store it in a box or cover if you’re not using it and try to replace it once every five years.
How can I prevent ski and snowboard injuries?
The biggest risk of injury occurs when you hit the slopes untrained. If you only go skiing or snowboarding once a year, you don't use the specific muscle groups for skiing or snowboarding enough, resulting in muscle aches or strains. So start a few weeks (or preferably months) in advance with the necessary muscle exercises to get in shape. Also, a relaxed winter sports man will be less likely to injure himself, so make sure you're rested before taking on the slopes. Plan a visit to an indoor slope in your own country to freshen up your technique or book an extra lesson with an experienced ski instructor, so you can be confident when it’s time for the real thing.
Which ski and snowboard injuries are the most common?
Unfortunately, sliding on snow is not without risk. No matter how safe you are on the slopes, you can never 100% rule out injury during winter sports. A sprain is a common injury, but bone fractures are also typical for skiers and snowboarders. The so-called skier’s thumb is an injury involving partially or completely tearing the ulnar collateral ligament. If you get lost during an off-slope adventure, you run the risk of hypothermia when the body temperature drops below 35 °C. Finally, snow blindness occurs when you are not wearing ski goggles and your eyes are overexposed to UV rays, causing your cornea to become inflamed. Are you in trouble on or off the slopes? Call the emergency number 112 as soon as possible.
What do I do in case of an avalanche warning?
First of all, make sure to stay inside, keep an eye on the avalanche bulletin and wait until the danger has passed. Avalanches can occur and strike very unexpectedly. Even a real pro gets into trouble if they venture off-slope unprepared. A snow avalanche is always faster than a human being, even if it involves a professional skier. If you still want to ski or snowboard off slope, make sure you have the necessary avalanche knowledge or be accompanied by an experienced guide, who knows the weather conditions and terrain like the back of their hand. Without the right equipment - avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel - you don’t stand a chance when the snow starts rolling. Above all, don't take any unnecessary risks: if the weather suddenly changes and you have limited visibility, choose the ski lift to descend to the valley again.
Safety on the slopes
No matter how careful you are, accidents can easily happen when practising winter sports. So make sure you are well protected!
Ski helmets
Body protection
Snow safety
The alternative to a face mask on the slopes
You will occasionally come close to other winter sports lovers, both on and off the slopes. Do you want a safe and stylish skiing holiday? Then go for the new Buff with built-in, reusable filter that filters no less than 99% of bacteria from the air.
Frequently asked questions about maintenance
Why is proper maintenance of my skis or snowboard important?
Regular and correctly performed maintenance will significantly extend the life of your winter sports equipment. It's best to do this thoroughly before each skiing vacation. Are you a frequent skier or snowboarder? If so, it's best to give your equipment another brush-up at the end of the skiing season before putting it away until the next season.
How to properly store my winter sports equipment?
Click your skis apart and store them out of the bag in a dry place. It's best to keep your skis or snowboard upright or on their side, not flat on the ground. This allows them to retain their resilience. Take the inner shoes out of your boots before storing them completely dry, with closed clasps or tied laces, in a dry, cool and dark place until the next winter season.
When do my skis or snowboard need some wax?
A layer of wax on the base of your skis or board allows you to glide over the snow effortlessly. Unfortunately, that wax doesn't stay on forever ... Do you want to avoid the fresh snow sticking to the base of your skis or snowboard? in that case, it is best to apply a fresh layer of wax before you leave (do this yourself or call upon the Snow Atelier), but also after every day of skiing. Finally, waxing is also a good idea before storing your gear after the season, so they don't dry out.
How do I wax my skis or snowboard?
If you want to do it thoroughly, then you need an electric wax iron, a wax scraper and brush and the right hot wax. Start by heating the wax against the electric wax iron until it starts to melt, then apply it to the base of the skis or snowboard. Has the wax cooled down? Remove the excessive wax with a plastic wax scraper. Afterwards, brush with the wax brush and then ... you're ready to slide down the mountain!
How do I polish my skis or snowboard?
Due to hard snow or stones, the steel edges of your skis or board will lose their sharpness, making it impossible to steer smoothly and glide steadily on the slopes. With a hand polisher you can quickly polish the steel edges to the desired angle. The smaller the angle, the sharper the edges. A grindstone is useful for neatly removing small burrs and rust. With a diamond file you can perfectly smoothen the edges of your skis and snowboard.
Where can I go for winter sports equipment maintenance?
Bring your skis or snowboard to your nearest A.S.Adventure Store about two weeks before departure. We will deliver your material carefully and safely to our own Snow Atelier for a thorough service. And after your vacation, such a wellness treatment is no sheer luxury: your skis and board will be protected against rust and ready for the next winter sports season.
How do I maintain my winter sports clothing?
If there is down in your clothes, you will need a special cleaning product. No down whatsoever? Then turn your ski trousers and jacket inside out and let them run in the washing machine on the synthetic washing program at 30 °C. Nikwax or Grangers‘ special cleaning products are always a safe bet! Letting the clothes dry slowly on a drying rack is ideal. Only put your skiing gear in the tumble dryer if the label says it’s OK to do so. Do not store your jacket and trousers until they are really dry.
TIP: After washing your ski trousers and jacket six to eight times, it is best to treat them with a special impregnating spray immediately after washing. This will restore the fabric's watertightness and breathability.
Top service for your skis or snowboard
Taking good care of your skis or snowboard is essential if you want to enjoy your equipment for years to come. But trying it personally without the necessary experience? You could end up doing more harm than good. Our Snow Atelier offers professional maintenance of your winter sports equipment.
Our experts will remove scratches, polish your skis or apply the proper wax on your snowboard with the new Wintersteiger machine. The employees in our workshop have the know-how and experience to tackle your winter sports equipment down to the very last detail. We can safely say that our Snow Atelier can compete with its Alpine counterparts!
Did you know?
Comfort on the slopes
Go for a visor
A visor that is attached to the side of your helmet can easily be moved and replaces your regular ski mask. Easy for people with glasses and it gives you a free feeling with more ventilation and less condensation.
Learn how to polarise
Do you want to reduce the reflection of the sun on the snow in the glasses of your goggles? Then choose a lens with a polarising filter. Because the filtering is incorporated in the glasses of the ski goggles, it is wear-resistant and durable.
Say no to cold hands
Those who quickly suffer from numbness are better off with mittens than gloves. These tuck your fingers together, keeping each other nice and warm. Grab some hand warmers and you're all set!
Smart footwork
Odourless boots
Make sure to let your ski boots or snowboard boots dry properly at the end of each day. Start by drying them with a towel, then put them near the heater - not too close, however! An electric heating element also works miracles. And don't forget to close your clasps to maintain their shape.
Say goodbye to pain
Do you suffer from painful ankles and feet in your boots? Start with wearing a good pair of thick ski socks that provide the necessary cushioning. Two pairs of socks on top of each other is a no-go, because this creates extra pressure points. If this is not enough, you can always opt for silicone ankle protectors or shin pads.
Get the proper bindings
With correctly set bindings you can reduce the risk of injury and increase your comfort while skiing. Beginners and deep-snow experts need a lower DIN value to ensure that the ski will release faster in the event of a fall. Advanced skiers who love speed are better off with a higher DIN value.
Dive into our full range of winter sports equipment
For those who regularly go skiing or snowboarding, the right equipment will make all the difference. Are you preparing for your next skiing vacation? With this gear you are ready to discover the most beautiful ski resorts.
Ski wear
Ski & snowboard gear
Accessories
Transport
Click and go
With Burton's revolutionary Step On bindings, safely securing your snowboard is no longer a tiring struggle.
• Intuitive boot-to-binding connection with unparalleled security and board control.
• With one simple movement you step into your binding and click your boots into place - completely hands-free!
• Ideal for beginners and young families, with extra support and room for mistakes.
ATTENTION: The Burton Step On bindings are exclusively available at A.S.Adventure Schoten and A.S.Adventure Brussels (Toison d’Or).
Essentials for winter sports aficionados
Een week lang op verkenning op en naast de pistes? Dat doe je maar beter in wintersportkledij van topkwaliteit!
Winter sports jackets
Winter sports trousers
Thermal underwear
Accessories
Popular winter sports brands
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