Tuscarawas Valley

Local Schools

, Zoarville, OH

Tips for Success

Useful Ski and Snowboard Tips

Of course, participants will be involved in a cold weather sport. Ideal temperature is around 25 degrees. The temperatures could range from the 50's to low teens and even single digits. It is extremely important to have proper clothing.
Layering is an important concept as it allows the wearer to take off or add layers as the temperature or activity level dictates. This prevents a person from being over dressed and then getting too cold because of sweat. Layers should include thermal under garments, warm outer clothing, and winterized outer jackets and pants. Below is a list of essential gear:

Ski/board pants: Insulated pants that may be worn over jeans, sweats, etc. Essential for keeping a person dry and adding a layer between one's bottom and a cold metal chairlift.
Gloves/mittens: Mittens actually do better since the fingers help keep each other warm. Gloves and mittens should have a leather palm and be filled with quality insulation. Waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex are expensive, but they keep hands dry and may be worth the added cost. Beginners should bring two pairs, since they tend to get wet.
Hats with ear flaps, or separate ear covers and a balaclava: On nights in the teens, ears can become frostbitten (the freezing of skin - watch for gray looking patches of skin). Also, the warmer you keep your head, the warmer you will tend to be overall.
Other items: Goggles (a must when the snowmakers are on), tall warm socks that will not slide below the cuff of a high boot (and an extra regular pair for the ride home), warm jacket or parka (nylon repels water), a scarf, handkerchief, balaclava or some garment that will cover your chin, etc

Food at Boston Mills is expensive. You may bring food as long as you have a place to store it during school hours. You may also order Pizza on club days. To order whole pizzas, contact Mrs. Holmes in the office no later than your lunch period (you may bring food on the bus as long as we keep it clean).
Never leave anything valuable laying around the resort. We have had gloves, money, etc. stolen during previous years. Use the lockers provided ($1 for small lockers and $2 for large lockers - bring bills that can be exchanged for tokens).
When sliding on the slopes, a person can lose 1-2 quarts of water per hour due to breathing out water vapor and by sweating. Therefore, staying hydrated by drinking lots of water can keep you warm, help to prevent headaches, fight fatigue, etc. Sugary drinks (such as Gatorade and pop) bring liquid to the stomach for digestion and away from muscles that need it. Drink water first, Gatorade later.
Getting up off the snow after a fall requires strong abdominal muscles. Imagine laying on the ground and trying to get up without putting a foot behind or under you. Doing sit-ups will help in mastering the technique of getting up off the snow. In addition, strength in the legs, and arms is very helpful. Exercising to gain strength before the season will help to make the sport more enjoyable.
To get an up to the minute snow report at Boston Mills, call 1-800-875-4241. Choose the option for snow report. This report usually gives the number of lifts and slopes open and the average snow depth. You can also check their web site at: www.bmbw.com