1.  Always make sure to have your equipment checked by a certified technician before you start the season.  A technician will make sure that your bindings and other settings are right.  Mountainside Ski & Sports can help you with all your tuning needs.

2.  Make sure your boots fit correctly.  Ski boots are the most important part of your equipment today.  When buying boots, work with a trained boot fitter to ensure that you get the right fit.  Also consider getting custom foot beds to further enhance your boot fit and ultimately your skiing performance.  We offer expert boot fitting service right here at Mountainside Ski & Sports in the base lodge..

3.  When putting your skis on, make sure that the soles of your boots are free from any snow or ice.  If there is a build up of snow on your boots, you will not be able to fit them properly into the bindings.

4.  When loading the chairlift, pay attention to directions given by the lift attendants.  Move forward to the "Load Here" sign when it is your turn.  Turn around and watch for the chair.  Have your poles in the inside hand. As the chair comes around, sit down easily.  Don't forget to pull down the safety bar. Enjoy the ride.

5.  When unloading the chairlift, raise the safety bar as instructed by posted signs on the lift towers. When the chair arrives at the unloading zone, stand up in control and slide down the ramp.  Move away from the unloading zone immediately  to avoid congestion or being bumped by other skiers who are unloading behind you.

6.  If you fall and can't get up, make sure that your skis are below you on the hill facing across the hill, not downhill.  Place your poles in the snow above your hips and push yourself up.

7.  If your skis are sticking to the snow or sliding like crazy across the ice this means you are in need of a tune-up.  Take your skis to Mountainside Ski & Sports for a professional tune and wax.  This will greatly enhance your skiing experience.

8.  There are a wide variety of skis to choose from, each with its own flex, look, composure, weight, height, side cut, purpose and ability. It is a good idea when buying a pair of skis to demo them first in order to find out which type of ski is best for you.  The Demo Center at Mountainside has many skis to choose from.

9.  Gloves, hats, and goggles are very important when skiing.  Gloves and a hat keep you warm and goggles make skiing when the snow making machines are running or the weather is bad much safer and easier.  Mountainside carries all the gear you need including goggles from Oakley, Spy, Scott, Smith and Carrera.

10.  Whenever you have questions about skiing at Wachusett, members of the Ski & Snowboard School can help.  You can also get information from the ski shop staff.  They will assist you when buying new equipment, fixing old equipment, tuning and waxing or anything else.

11.  If you have any more questions or want to take a lesson in order to take your skiing ability to the next level see us at the Wachusett Learning Center or call 978-464-3300.

For more information on Winter Activities and tips on staying safe and warm this winter visit Winter Feels Good.