-
Step 1
When you get to the ski shop, you'll fill out a form that essentially limits the liability of the ski shop should you hurt yourself on the slopes. On the liability form is a section that asks your ability. Type I skiers are beginners, type II are intermediate and type III skiers are considered expert. You aren't asked to mark your ability so the ski tech can snicker at you, but so they can set your ski release tension properly.
-
Step 2
Ski bindings are built to release your boot when you experience a crash. This is so your skis won't turn your leg around and snap your knee or some other part of your leg. The release tension is set based on factors that include your age, height, weight and skiing ability. Expert skiers can exert more force on a binding during normal skiing than a beginner will during a crash, so the release tension must be set higher.
-
Step 3
If you're a beginning skier, make sure to mark your ability as type II. You're going to fall a lot, but sometimes the tension setting for type I skiers is so low that your ski bindings will release for no good reason. This will save many hassles and headaches as you learn the fine art of staying upright.
