The Rocky Mountains, which cut through Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Canada, boast many ski resorts. The Rocky Mountain ski season can start as early as October and ends as late as May. The long ski season and varied terrain entices professional instructors to move to the Rockies and take jobs at the resorts.
Practice Ski-Specific Fitness
Skiing requires dynamic balance, coordination and agility. Plan a ski fitness program that includes stability ball and balance board exercises. Remember that all skiing movements begin in the feet, so standing balance exercises that enhance proprioception, which is the body's awareness of its position in space, are particularly beneficial.
Altitude Concerns
Many Rocky Mountain ski resorts have a 9,000-foot base elevation. If you've never experienced this type of altitude, consider spending a few days acclimating at a lower elevation before going to the resort. Drink plenty of water and minimize alcohol consumption on the first few days of your trip. If you know that you are susceptible to altitude sickness, consider the Canadian Rockies. Whistler, located in British Columbia, is at a 2,140-foot base elevation. While ski-in/ski-out lodging is convenient, you'll sleep better if you choose lodging at a slightly lower elevation.
Take a Multi-Day Lesson Packages
Save your marriage, relationship and friendships by refusing to let friends, family or significant others teach you how to ski. All ski resorts offer some sort of multi-day lesson package, which includes lessons, lift ticket and equipment rental. These packages are convenient and economical. Most resorts also guarantee the lesson's success, so if you were unhappy with the instructor, tell the ski school. They will usually offer an additional lesson at no extra charge. Avoid stress by arriving early at the equipment rental area. This gives you time to change your boots, if they feel uncomfortable. Most people take lessons during the weekend. If you take a weekday lesson, you might get a semi-private class for the price of a group lesson.
Dress Properly
Weather changes frequently in the Rocky Mountains, so dress in layers. Include long, thermal underwear to wick moisture, a fleece turtleneck, a fleece or wool pullover and waterproof, windproof ski pants and jackets. You can put the pullover in your locker if the weather warms up. Avoid anything made of cotton. Choose warm but flexible gloves. Consider glove liners and hand warmers for cold days. While it might seem counterintuitive, lighter ski socks keep you warmer than heavier ones. Heavy socks make your feet sweat and your boots fit improperly. Ultraviolet rays are strong in the Rockies so use goggles to protect your eyes and sunscreen to protect your skin. Women should avoid one-piece ski suits. They might look attractive, but ski resort bathrooms are often unheated.
Read the Responsibility Code
You'll find the skier's responsibility code on the resort napkins, on the chairlift and on signs throughout the ski area. While it is important to follow these rules at any resort, it is even more important at the often-crowded Rocky Mountain destination resorts. While it is your responsibility to avoid hitting the person downhill from you, many new skiers forget the other part of the rule, which states that you should not stand in the middle of the trail and block traffic.
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