Munich (Pressweb) - In winter, alpine skis mean all the world to many athletes. However, to ensure downhill skiing is a real pleasure and avoid injuries to ligaments and bones, both equipment and athlete should be fit. Early preparation is important for a successful skiing season. TÜV SÜD's sports equipment professionals give valuable tips.
Safety first: Glittering white snow and sunshine and magnificent downhill runs set amidst picture-postcard scenery are definitely some of the benefits of the skiing winter. However, the downsides include the injury risk involved in the sport. Skiers can reduce some of these risks significantly by starting preparations early and getting themselves and their equipment ready for the skiing season. In addition to skis and bindings, poles, helmets, goggles and ski clothing must be in good working order and fit properly.
Getting ski bindings adjusted: Have the setting of your ski bindings adjusted before hitting the piste – this tip applies to all skiers, even those not in training for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. A correctly set ski binding is the best insurance to prevent serious injuries in case of a fall. The reliable functioning of a ski binding depends on many factors, and achieving the accurate setting is a job for experts – not DIYers. Of particular importance in this context is the correct tension between the front jaw and the heel holder, which is also referred to as "forward pressure". To achieve this tension, the length of the ski binding needs to be set exactly to the boot sole length. As sole length can vary even in boots of the same size, skiers should also not swap skis around on the slopes, advise the ski pros at TÜV SÜD. Ski shops use special tools for setting the binding. The adjustment process only takes a few minutes, but skiers will benefit throughout the entire season.
Cutting-edge maintenance: After the long lay-up over summer, both base and edges of the skis may also need more thorough servicing by a specialist. The rewards of such servicing are extra fun and safety on the piste. As the snow dries out the base coat, skiers should wax their "planks" regularly throughout the skiing season, advise TÜV SÜD's sports equipment pros.
On sturdy soles: Ski boots too should be inspected thoroughly before the start of the season. Do all buckles work perfectly? Are the soles still in good shape? If the answer to this question is no, it is time for new boots.
Temporary equipment: Beginners or people resuming the sport after a long break can lease their equipment at first. This gives them the opportunity of trying out several models to buy their personal favourite later on. Casual skiers may also make leasing a lifelong solution and always enjoy the latest models.
Take care of the rest: Functional impregnated clothing that can be worn in layers also forms part of the correct skiing equipment. Before heading out to the mountains for the first time, skiers should not forget to check their helmets, goggles, poles and gloves.
Listen to your body: The body must first get used to mountain action again. Warming-up exercises get skiers going and help to prevent injuries. Anyone who suffered from the summer lazies should be careful on the first days of skiing and not overdo their activities at first. Instead, they should plan for shorter days on the slopes and gradually extend the amount they do. In a best-case scenario, the ski season may be a long one.
Further information about sports and leisure equipment can be found at www.tuev-sued.de/ps
