Snow Skiing
Rarely are two people evenly matched enough as skiers to make a ski date work. Usually one is an excellent skier and the other is either a beginner or mediocre which means the excellent skier is forced to ski on the beginner or easy slopes. Of course, the main compensation for a good skier having to spend the day on the bunny slope is getting to spend the night on the bunny's slopes.
COST
If you have all of the right equipment—and who among us does— the cost will be limited to transportation, food, and the lift tickets which will set you back at least $30 to $90 each. Be sure to ask at your sporting goods store if they have any discount lift tickets. If you need equipment, the rental will run another $25–$100 for boots, skis and poles. You will also need the right outerwear, including ski jacket, pants or overalls, hat, gloves, socks and sunglasses/ goggles (a must on the slopes whether it's snow or shine). If you don't have all of that, plan on an additional $100–$200.
A FINE ALTERNATIVE
Why not spend your ski date sitting next to each other in front of a roaring fireplace in the lodge? You can sip Kahlua and coffee, catch up on your reading, and enjoy a perfectly pleasant, warm, dry and restful day.
WHERE TO FIND SKI AREAS
Your best source of information will be the local sporting goods store that sells ski equipment. They will probably have employees who ski and who can give you the necessary information to get started.
On the internet, slosh over to www.snowlink.com or www.onthesnow.com. These sites have listings of many ski areas, resorts and events.
WHERE TO RENT SKI EQUIPMENT
Many sporting goods stores rent equipment. This will often be your best bet.
Most ski areas rent equipment, but renting at the slopes can be risky. The equipment is well worn and on a busy day the choice is limited. Renting at the slope is usually more expensive than renting from your local sports shop.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Don't forget the sunscreen, lip balm and a little flask of firewater to help warm your loins, not that your date isn't perfectly capable of doing that as well.
WHAT TO WEAR AND WHERE TO BUY IT
It helps to have the right clothing for skiing. Layering is important. The challenge is in layering different kinds of clothing for different skiing conditions. For instance, you don't need a heavy parka for warm days, but you can't get by with a lightweight jacket on cold, windy days. A goretex jacket will usually get you through most conditions as long as you layer. If you are a beginner, plan on becoming especially intimate with your posterior—you'll be landing on it frequently. To avoid becoming soaked, cold and miserable, purchase a pair of ski pants or waterproof overalls.
Outer Layer (Weather Protection Layer): You'll need a parka or shell, water repellent pants, a hat or helmet, gloves or mittens, sunglasses/ goggles;
Mid Layer (Insulating Layer): sweater or fleece turtleneck;
Base Layer (Moisture Wicking Layer): thermal underwear, sock liners and glove liners.
Most sporting goods stores sell ski wear. You can also try ordering online, but you can't try anything on before buying it.
BOOKS
Check out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Skiing by Claire Walter and Billy Kidd; $16.95 For cross country skiing, a good book to try is Cross Country Skiing: A Complete Guide by Brian Cazeneuve; $17.95
ONLINE LEARNING
The www.rei.com site can't be beat for helpful information on everything from avalanche basics to snowboarding and ice climbing. Click on "Learn & Share" and then "Snow." Also try www.gorp.com.
MORE ALTERNATIVES
Many ski areas are located near towns or villages. They can be fun to visit and really expensive to shop in. Or instead of skiing, why not attend a winter festival or competition? Many of the ski areas have a good selection of winter events from winter carnivals to awesome competitions. Check online or call the ski area.
