Cannonball Pools

Planning your snowboarding vacation

When you go on vacation -- whether on a tour, cruise or sightseeing on your own -- you want to plan carefully in advance in order to make the best use of your time and money. The same is true for a snowboarding vacation. If this is your first time, it's especially important to familiarize yourself with the resort area, as well as to get into shape before you leave. No one wants to ride through the airport on the return in a wheelchair. And no one wants to spend their time after a long day on the mountain, walking from restaurant to restaurant, only to be disappointed or to have sticker shock.

Here are a few tips to prevent hassles, headaches and muscle pain on your snowboarding vacation:

1. Do some basic training before you go. Some simple core and leg work before you go will go a long way to prevent sore muscles and injuries.

2. Research your destination. Before you go, find out where the best spots and the cheap places to eat are. Get on social media and try to find a contact in resort to point you in the right direction or even show you the good spots.

3. Take a lesson before you go, or at least first thing when you arrive, especially if you're a beginner. Even if you're not, you'll learn something and improve your riding.

4. Don't blindly follow your buddies. Stick to friends of equal ability and runs that give you the best chance of enjoying your day.

5. Show rope tows and t-bars some respect. A rope tow works by pulling a skier or snowboarder up the slope at what seems like an indecently rapid speed when you first try one. The problem for snowboarders is that they were designed for skiers, who face up the hill forwards. For snowboarders, who face the hill sideways, riding them takes some adjustment and much skill. And if you do decide to take one on, make sure you unstrap your back foot first.

6. Be sensible and know your limits. Take a rest day on the third day of your vacation. Injuries are more likely when you're tired.

Contact Cannonball Pools, Ski & Snowboard today for all your skiing and snowboarding needs,