Monthly Archives: December 2019

Feeling ready to hit the slopes?

The snow has already started falling in Europe, especially across the Alps, and a number of resorts are already open for the skiing season.  If you’re going skiing soon, read on for some helpful tips about how to best prepare, and how to ensure your ski boots are as comfortable as possible.

Before you go

It is estimated that up to 125 million people around the world enjoy skiing and snowboarding each year, making the most of winter season.  While many people find the exercise in the great outdoors an exhilarating and invigorating experience, there are a number of common foot injuries and complaints associated with the sport.  These include ankle sprains, blisters, bruises and skiers’ toe – where there is bleeding under the toenails caused by the foot moving repeatedly within the ski boot, banging the toe nails against the front/top of the ski boot.  Many of these conditions can be prevented by ensuring your ski boots fit correctly, assisted by an orthotic insole.

Exercises and fitness

It goes without saying that the fitter you are before your skiing trip, the more you will enjoy it, and it is recommended that you start exercising in preparation at least one month before you go.   Whilst many people will hit the gym to tone up their leg and core muscles, they may not realise the benefit of exercises to strengthen the foot’s arch muscles, helping you to ski for longer, in greater comfort.

Ski boots

“Painful”, “uncomfortable”, “agony”, “toe-numbing” are just a few descriptions that may spring to mind when seeing those 2 words, mainly as a result of hiring or buying boots that do not fit properly.

When buying boots, it is likely you’ll spend a great deal of time ensuring a good, comfortable fit, and good ski shops will have specially trained staff to help you select the best boot for your foot shape and size.  Hiring kit is often preferable for occasional skiers or when luggage space is limited, however in the rush to