Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/728082
38 With summer now a distant memory, the cool days and crisp nights of autumn have our minds set to prepare for the long winter months ahead. I know that what gets me through the long New England winter, other than daydreaming about living on a tropical island for five months, is getting out on the slopes. Whether you are a skier or a boarder or prefer the Nordic route, it is time to get out of your state of semi-hibernation and hit the slopes, the half pipe and the cross-country trails. Before you go, make sure that your body and equipment are ready, because nothing is more of a letdown or deterrent than not being properly prepared for the elements. Many things in our lives require extensive preparation to make sure that we achieve the results that we are seeking. The gourmet meal for your dinner party (unless you hire a local catering company and try and take the credit), a business presentation to land a new client or research for a great vacation all require good preparation and practice. Skiing, boarding and cross-country skiing are no exception. First and foremost is an equipment check up. If you are anything like me, the skis, boots, helmets, gloves and gear were stowed in their bags and sent off to the great dark depths of the attic or the by Stanley Blackmur basement sometime back in March. Many of us may have been pushing the envelope of trying to get one more season out of those boots or skis or find that the kids have grown 3 inches and 2 shoe sizes over the summer. Make your upcoming ski season less stressful and more enjoyable by properly preparing now! The first task should be locating your gear. Is everything together? Do you have two gloves (that match), two boots, two skis and two poles? Get everyone and everybody together now to see if your equipment is safe and fits properly. Many significant injuries occur because of unsafe or improperly fitting equipment. Check your inventory and sizing and bring your skis or board in for a tune up and a binding safety check. A binding check is extremely important, as people's weight, size and abilities change over time, therefore usually necessitating a bindings adjustment. The basic boot check is next; do they fit? Are all mechanical pieces in working order? Improper boot fitting results in significant fatigue and may also cause blisters. Nothing can ruin a good day on the slopes more than tight boots and the resulting cold feet! GOOD PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO A GREAT SKI SEASON! S E 2014