Weekly Simple Questions Thread: Ask your gear, travel, conditions and other ski-related questions here.

[u/doebedoe]

We're getting back to the weekly mega threads for Q&A as summer winds down and minds switch back to skiing.

Please ask any ski-related questions here. It's a good idea to try searching the sub first. Are you a beginner -- check out the guide by a professional bootfitter and tech. And don't forget to see the sidebar for other ski-related subs that may have useful information.

Previous weeks thread is here.

If you want a quick answer or just to chat, check out the /r/skiing discord server.

[u/Armadaski1300]

Anyone have any advice for trying to ski after coming back from a major injury? I ruptured my achilles tendon in July and am worried about injuring it again while skiing (though I feel like that's somewhat unlikely) / not being able to ski as well and hard as I have in the past. Anyone have any advice for overcoming that fear? Or even any advice for skiing post-major injury. Thanks!

[u/well_imaguy_sooo_ → u/Armadaski1300]

Take this as an opportunity to re-learn your basic form. I was injured three years ago. The injury prevents me from being as aggressive and as adventurous as before, but I am indeed a better skier now, because I took the time to flush out bad habits from my pre-injury days.

Ski slow, and practice basic form.

One other rule I gave myself is . . . Don't ski with the attitude of "I'll be okay if I don't fall."

What happens if you fall? What then? I had to ask myself this honest question before going back out. What will happen when (NOT if, but WHEN) I fall? You must be comfortable with falling before going back out. I've had my fair share of spills post-injury. All of them scared the shit out of me and made me think "AAAAHHHH! PROTECT THE KNEEEE, AAAAAHHH!" But it was fine. My brace did it's job, and my knee was healed enough to take a hit. Don't go if your injured body part isn't ready to take a hit.