TO SKI OR NOT TO SKI: THAT IS THE QUESTION There are many ways to enjoy winter mountain sports and countless reasons why. There are also many ways to ensure that you have a great time in the winter sun. You don't have to be a sports jock in great shape to enjoy skiing. The sport is designed to make outdoor mountain exploring fun and easy. Sure, we all want to look good at anything we do. The improvements in ski equipment and ski school teaching strategies have made learning faster, easier and safer for everyone, from beginners to experts. The most important thing, however, is to have fun. Consideration of a few things before getting outside to play will reward you with a wonderful experience. The proper gear for what you want to do is important. Being outside all day, staying warm, comfortable and dry must be paramount. Clothing is #1. The next most important thing is equipment and knowing how to use it. Different types of ski equipment are designed to do different things. For instance, certain equipment will make learning faster, while other gear is designed for specific tasks. ENTRY LEVEL If you've never skied before, the new equipment available today is unbelievably easy and fun. Start on shorter skis with a big side cut. (Your rental shop will set you up on the right gear.) With the right equipment in hand, take a lesson from a qualified teacher. The Red River Ski Area is well-known for its ability to create the right habits in beginners. When in class, relax and enjoy your self. Skiing is easier than riding a bike. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL If you are an intermediate skier, becoming a better skier is easy with the new innovations in ski equipment. Put on the right type of ski and let it do the work. A lesson from a qualified teacher will get you using the type of skis promptly and properly. For instance, rolling the skis on the edges from the ankles and powering them up to get a full carved turn is but one thing a good teacher can help you with. The skis, while powered up, will accelerate two things which are very important. First, make sure you complete the turn to control speed, Then, the skis will try and get in front of you, so don't let them. Keep your weight centered or a little forward through the whole turn. Flex your knees while relaxing your shins on the front of your boot.