An Additional Safety Factor for the Beginner

If you're hiring skis, insist that the length of the ski goes from the floor to your shoulder tip. If they won't give them to you that short - yell at him. If that doesn't work, compromise and accept them up to your ear. Short skis are easy to manage - you can be on the slope on your first day doing simple turns in shorties. You only need length for speed and that comes next time up. Gradually increase your ski length as you improve - but stay in shorties the first season.

Recreational skiers, taking their skis out of the closet need to oil their bindings before stepping onto the slope.

Take it easy during the first few days and have those bindings looser than normal until you're fit and in command.

Next week a note on preventing collisions, fitness, how to fall and enjoy it, and clothing.