The Summer sun has set and it is now time to start thinking of the Winter activities we all enjoy! I for one am ready to move into the cooler part of the year. Winter activities such as skiing and ice fishing bring back great memories, and it is now time to make new memories. Before we can enjoy all the activities we must prepare our gear and ourselves for the upcoming season.
Skiing is and always has been my passion and my addiction. Starting when I moved to the Wasatch Front and my parents bought me my first set of skis, Miller bindings and skis that were so long I could barely touch the tips. From then it became an obsession and later became a life long journey and sometimes employment. I soon hope to rejoin my fellow mountain goats and go full time back on the mountain, but until then I will remain a weekend warrior.
Preparing for ski season means many different things. You must take into effect all aspects of the sport when preparing for the upcoming season. This also entails thinking about what type of skiing you are going to partake in. I personally enjoy downhill skiing and mix in some backcountry ski trips along the way. To prepare for the rigor of the downhill season you must get ready physically. I personally am working off a few years of over indulgence and have dropped 35 lbs and looking to drop another 40 lbs. I feel better but that is just the first step. You also need to take into consideration your strength and flexibility. 30 - 60 minutes of conditioning per day is pretty much mandatory and should cover all aspects of physical training; aerobic and anaerobic conditioning of the muscles along with a strengthening program focusing on the core strengths and especially lower body. I can't emphasize enough, the importance of flexibility and balance. these two aspects as we age becomes critical in our overall well being. The loss of flexibility can lead to joint and muscular imbalances, which can lead to injuries quickly. Balance needs to be kept at the top of our list, as we age we lose proprioception and that can lead to falls and injuries. Working on proprioception and balance will enhance our overall health and well being. There are many sites that you can get information on exercises that will accommodate all these areas in your physical fitness. Ice fishing on the other hand is a fun and relaxing way to be with friends and family. Having said that you still need to take into account the amount of work and effort it takes to get you and your equipment on the ice. Plus the bitter cold can take a toll on you if you are not in good condition and prepared for the vigorous work load in the cold weather.
Equipment needs to be tuned, cleaned and prepared for action as well. Ski equipment can be done in your workshop or taken to the ski shop for tuning and adjustments. Wax and sharpening of the bases, adjustments to the bindings (hopefully you have stored them properly). Petexing of the bottoms after the spring season and filling rock gouges. Boots need to be worn and fitted again for maximum comfort on the slopes. Your apparel needs to be inspected to see if it will handle another season or need to be replaced. Helmets are becoming common place for all ages, if you wear one make sure it fits properly and is not damaged, if not replace it!
Ice fishing equipment needs the same attention and inspections. Starting with your apparel does it fit and is it without wear areas where water can seep in and create frostbite potential? Boots, are the soles in good shape and do you have cleats if needed that fit your boots. Inspect your fishing line and replace with proper strength for what your targeting. Reels, are they lubed and ready for the cold weather? Clean and inspect them for any loose parts. Poles need to be inspected for wear and damage from the summer storage, check your eyelets and make sure they are free from nicks and dings that could damage your line. Do you have the needed tip it for strike indicators? This is the time to refit and replace them in the comfort of your workshop and not on the ice in freezing weather. Your tent(s) need to be set up and inspected for any wear and tear to ensure that they will set quickly and without hassle. Do you need to tie on new tie down ropes for anchoring? Is your hardware for towing your tent and equipment secured and easy to use. Augers whether hand operated or powered check the sharpness of your blades, sharpen or replace them as needed. Does your power auger start up on the first couple pulls, do you need to get it tuned up? Check your gas lines for cracks and wear, replace if needed. Heaters, are they ready to go? Do you have the needed safety tools for self rescue on the ice?? Please purchase needed equipment for your safety and the safety of those around you!!
This should get you started and thinking enough to ensure that you are ready for Winter fun and excitement. Have fun and be safe!
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