Snowboarding is the ultimate fast and furious-winter activity that is great fun for all the family. If you stay somewhere like Mont Tremblant this winter, the snowboarding opportunities alone will keep everyone happy for days. But snowboarding does come with a few inherent risks, like all outdoor activities, so make sure you protect yourself and your family by following a few simple safety tips.
Dress in Suitable Clothing
Getting cold on the slopes can be serious, especially for children, so make sure you all dress suitably. This could mean wearing thermal socks and underwear, snowboard pants, a hat, a good jacket, and a neck gaiter for the coldest days. Also, consider wearing layers so you can adapt to the changing weather.
Use the Right Equipment
Just as important as using the right clothing is using the correct equipment. This is one thing that you do not want to mess about, so always ensure you either buy high-quality equipment yourself or hire it from a suitable rental store when you arrive. Some of the most important items include:
- Snowboard
- Boots
- Wrist guards
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Bindings
The helmet gets a special mention because it is so important. Falling over at speed can cause serious injuries, so make sure you and your family wear your helmets at all times. It should have a quality certification from ASTM, CE, or Snell, and it should fit well.
Get Lessons for Anyone Who Needs Them
Your kids will need professional lessons before heading out onto the slopes, so make sure you sort this out when you arrive. If you want to improve your skills or you feel a bit out of practice, a few lessons could be a great idea for you as well. If you stay in one of the many Tremblant hotel deals in Mont Tremblant, you’ll find some great instructors here who will provide you with the training you need.
Steps to Take Before You Snowboard
Every day before you go out onto the slopes, make sure you prepare properly. This means checking all the clothing and equipment for yourself and your family members and then checking the forecast for the day. You should also consider doing a few stretches to warm up your muscles before hitting the slopes to reduce the risk of damaging anything.
Also, find out about the conditions of the trails you want to go on. If any trails are closed or you don’t know what conditions to expect, don’t go on them.
Don’t Snowboard Beyond Your Ability Level
One of the main considerations is to avoid doing down any slopes that are beyond your ability level. Your kids especially may want to tackle something more challenging, but make sure they only go down slopes that they can manage.
Stay Safe While Snowboarding
When you are snowboarding, make sure your kids are nearby, and arrange to meet up regularly during the day. Remind them of the rules in the resort, such as avoiding areas that are off-limits.
Make sure they don’t get too cold and take their complaints of feeling cold seriously. Frostbite can be dangerous, so look out for the signs. If you notice they are shivering or they complain about numbness, take them inside, put the affected area in warm water, and call a doctor if you are concerned.
Have Fun on the Slopes in Safety
There is no reason why you should be overly concerned about safety when snowboarding because as long as you follow the standard safety advice, you should all be fine. So book your winter vacation today and start looking forward to having fun on the slopes in a fantastic resort.
Richard Page has spent many years working as a fitness instructor and is also a regular on the slopes. He enjoys the opportunity to share his insights online. He has posted his thoughts on a variety of relevant websites.