How to choose a women's ski suit. How to choose a ski suit Ski suit choice

Congratulations, you are the proud owner of alpine skiing. But they rely on special equipment, the selection of which requires special attention - otherwise you risk paying with your health, catching a cold in the cold winter on the track.

The kit includes not only a pair of “jacket + trousers”, but also underwear, which is not customary to save on - it also depends on whether you will tremble under the gusts of an icy wind or return home only slightly reddened from its pressure.

How to choose ski clothing is a question that is not so easy to answer. All because of the complexity of the process itself, because in order to descend from the snow-capped peaks at high speed, you must take care not only of what is outside, but also of what will protect you from the inside. Collect a complete set, and you are guaranteed a sea of ​​​​impressions instead of the only desire to quickly get into the heat and keep warm.

What to look for when choosing

• For material. Down, wool are not suitable, because they easily collect moisture and get wet quickly. As a result, you will quickly freeze and get sick after the first ride. Do you want the first experience to be remembered for a long time? Then give preference to fabrics with high water resistance and vapor permeability. With it, you are not afraid of wet snow flying from all sides.
• On the inside of the jacket, pants, overalls. It must be made of fleece. This is a type of knitwear that easily absorbs moisture - do not forget that wet clothes will lead to a mild cold at best, and pneumonia at worst. Do not be too lazy to see what kind of insulation manufacturers used. It should retain its properties after many washes. Let's go through the indicators. From 40 to 70 g / sq.m - this is clothing for a relatively warm winter, 200 g / sq.m. – extreme conditions and activities that do not involve a high level of activity, suitable for fishing, but not for skiing. The best option is 100 g / sq.m.
• On the number of layers - and this is important. You should not be dressed in "a hundred fur coats", but you should not go down the slope lightly either. Three layers is what you need. The first is good thermal underwear and underwear, the second is a jacket or sweater, the third is pants and a jacket / overalls. The latter should be made of a particularly dense fabric - windproof and resistant to moisture.

How to dress for skiing for the winter holidays: a few general recommendations

• If you choose pants, make sure that the legs are moderately narrow, but also check whether it is easy to perform simple actions in them - squat, jump, bend over. Manage your own comfort. If you don't feel it, look further.
• When buying a jacket, make sure it has plenty of pockets. It would seem a trifle, but it is important - you can put your phone in one, other things that will come in handy during outdoor activities, and so on. On models from Stayer, cuts are made by laser, and fastening is done by thermal welding. And there is also a handy ski-pass pocket and one inner pocket for documents.
• Do not forget that the hood must be adjustable to fit your head so that you do not get blown away while riding.
• The jacket should tightly cover the lower back and about 10 cm - pants. For example, like the best models from Stayer, which, among other things, have an adjustable fit on the hips.
• Sweatshirts or sweaters should be fleece. As we have already said, it absorbs moisture well and reliably retains heat.

A few words about thermal underwear

Modern samples are entirely synthetic, but this is not something to be feared. In this case, the material is more than appropriate: the skin under it "breathes", the fabric itself dries quickly. In addition, it does not cause allergies, is made without seams and folds, sits perfectly on the body. Another plus is that such underwear will never stretch and turn into a rag.

What is contraindicated:

• Wool and cotton are not our option. Why - already written.
• Creases everywhere - even on socks. The fabric should fit the body well. In a sense, it is your second skin.

How to choose ski pants

This is one of the main elements of equipment, so choosing it is not an easy task. Primarily:

• Make sure you use quality material as the basis. Like the Stayer pants, made of a membrane fabric with elastic fibers for complete freedom of movement.
• Take only the model that suits you in size. But do not forget that under it there will be thermal underwear. In other words, trousers should neither hang nor be overly tight.

How to choose the right ski suit: women's and men's

The current range consists of 4 options:

Classical

It has the severity of forms and only those colors that will never go out of fashion. This option is for a wide range of skiers, those who ski on prepared slopes and want to be sure of the comfort of movement at high speed. All models of this type are insulated, equipped with high-quality membranes, effectively protect against snow and piercing wind.

Fashion

This is what they choose with their eyes - bright models, fashionable styles. The target audience is girls, although men can also pay attention to suits from this category, because they are not only good-looking, but also practical. The only negative is that the cut is not always comfortable for riding. Outwardly, it is more of a casual wear for a winter holiday in the city. But the combination of "style plus quality" has not been canceled - in this case, it is most welcome.

fashion premium sport

This is two in one - and advanced technology for reliable protection against cold and moisture, and interesting decorative elements for the original look of the models. The cut is increasingly tight-fitting, emphasizing the figure. But it does not constrain movement, but gives complete freedom of action. All because of the elastic materials from which such suits are made. Another advantage of clothes from this category is the high quality of the membrane and insulation for excellent thermoregulation.

Freeride

If colors, then muted, if prints, then discreet. Freeride is in front of you - it does not set itself many tasks, but with enviable stability it copes with one thing - impeccable protection from the cold and maintaining comfort while riding for those who like to leave the track and lay a new route. The cut is more baggy, rough, thermal insulation is adjusted with a separate down jacket and fleece, every detail is highly functional.

How to choose a good ski jacket and which model to choose

First, let's list all the required elements:

• Membrane fabric - removes excess heat, prevents rain and snow from getting under the top layer of your equipment. Generally, the more efficient the material, the more expensive the jacket. The exception to the rule is Stayer, where even the most reliable models remain affordable.
• Snow skirt - located on the belt, everyone needs it at all times. If what you bought does not have it, you were deceived by selling an ordinary down jacket. The main functions of this part are protection from snow and wind. Do you want to not only ride, but also walk in a new thing? Choose the option with a skirt with a zipper - it will be easy to unfasten.
• The seams are necessarily glued, reliably protecting from moisture.
• Adjustable hood - there should be drawstrings on it, thanks to which it will be possible to adjust the fit. If you buy a model without this important feature, your riding will be ruined and you will get a cold.
• Pockets - Lots of pockets. For gloves and masks, gadgets, documents - everything that can be useful on vacation. They must be both inside and outside.
• Ventilation - as a rule, it is done in the armpits. She must be present. If there are extensions on the zippers - great, it will be easier for you to close them. And one more important nuance - the zippers themselves must be reliably protected from moisture so that water does not flow inside.
• Cuffs - they will not allow snow to get into the sleeve, even if you fall. It is better to buy models in which they are double. It looks like this - the inside is more elastic and tight-fitting, and the outside is longer, adjustable, with a comfortable Velcro.
• Adjustment from below - everything is clear here - it is needed so that the wind does not blow. Most often it is a regular lace or elastic band. Pulled up - and went to ride for fun.

How to choose a snowboard jacket

Basically the same requirements. This is practicality, no details that would hinder movement, good thermoregulation, water resistance, protection from the cold. But there is one difference - the size. It is slightly larger than the ski models.

A word of advice: while trying on, close the zippers and put your hands up. Not because you give up, but to check whether the clothes are ripped up or not. If it rides up and exposes the body, it is problematic to move your hand, and you are frankly uncomfortable, look for another option.

Also worth paying attention to:

• Existence of laser perforation for ventilation.
• Zipper with special impregnation, protected from water, with non-metallic pull tabs.
• Two-layer cuffs.
• The hood - it should be large so that it can be easily put on over a helmet.
• Taped seams.
• Lining - it should be made of synthetic materials or semi-natural materials that easily absorb moisture and dry quickly.
• Pockets - for all the necessary little things.
• Inner skirt - protection from snow.

Such a snowy, such a dazzlingly beautiful winter! What winter activity can be more exciting than skiing? But for such a holiday, you need the appropriate equipment.

A ski suit is not only comfortable, warm and beautiful, but also, of course, technologically advanced. Modern ski suits are developed in laboratories and go through many stages of testing. However, not every mere mortal will understand all the fancy features and mysterious signs on the labels. It is important to understand that the most expensive model is not always the best. In some cases, you will overpay for a design or a brand, while the main qualities of ski clothing will not be at the highest level.

A ski suit is a whole set of accessories and clothes, the choice of which is strictly individual. This set includes: pants, jacket, thermal underwear, goggles and gloves.

If you go to the mountains in a fancy suit (pants + jacket), while wearing simple cotton underwear and a woolen sweater, don't expect a good effect. A ski suit should not be extremely warm, its main task is to keep the body from getting wet during active riding, and at the same time breathe. What happens if you wear wool and cotton underneath? At first you feel warm, but once you get hot, your body starts to sweat, and these natural materials collect moisture. Then you cool down, but this moisture does not go anywhere, and as a result, a sharp temperature drop and a cold. For this reason, special thermal underwear has been developed from synthetic materials, the main task of which is to remove moisture.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a ski suit?

Waterproof ski jacket

The first indicator: water resistance. This indicator shows how much water pressure the material of the product can hold. This indicator is measured in millimeters of water column (mm w. st). The higher this indicator, the better.

A good ski suit has water resistance values ​​of 10,000 (m w.st) and higher.

Vapor permeability of the ski jacket

The second indicator is very important. It largely depends on whether your skiing will be comfortable and long. The vapor permeability coefficient shows how much steam a material can pass per day per square meter. Again, the higher this figure, the better the body will "breathe" under all this equipment. With heavy loads, the vapor permeability of a ski jacket should reach a value of 20,000 g / m² / day, with loads of medium intensity - 10,000 g / m² / day, but if you are a beginner and no special loads are expected, then 5000 g / m² / day will do.

What you need to know about suits with membranes?

Ski suits with membranes have the best indicators of water resistance and vapor permeability. Currently, there are 3 types of membranes: hydrophilic, porous and combined.

The first type works on the principle that in order for moisture to be removed to the outside, a sufficient amount of condensate must accumulate on the surface of the membrane. For this reason, the suits of the first type are always slightly damp. However, this material is very durable and elastic, does not require the purchase of a special washing shampoo.

Pore ​​membranes they work on the principle that microscopic holes (pores) completely let steam through, but not water. Such membranes work only at very low temperatures, but they do not work in the rain. Products with such membranes are very short-lived and require careful handling.

The most modern at the moment are. They combine the best qualities of the first two types, but also disadvantages. Suits made of this material stretch well, remove moisture, but at the same time they do not work well in conditions of high humidity. It is the third type that has the highest rates of vapor permeability and water resistance and is ideal for extreme conditions. Prices for such suits, as a rule, "bite" the most.

How to wash a ski suit with membranes?

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers write on labels about how to properly care for such expensive suits. But after two or three washes in a washing machine with powder, all the useful qualities of suits with membranes are simply lost. When buying a product, check with the sales assistant whether it requires special care. As a rule, specialized stores sell special shampoos for washing products with climatic membranes.

Three Layer Rule

Choosing a good suit (pants + jacket) is far from everything. Proper equipment involves the presence of three layers, the first of which removes moisture from the body, the second - does not freeze, the third - protects from wind, snow and rain. We have already talked about the third layer, this is our costume. But what are the second and first layers?

The first mandatory layer is thermal underwear. It should be your size, in no case should you be free. It is better not to save on thermal underwear, it should be hypoallergenic and seamless, the material is polyester.

The second layer of equipment is insulation. It can be a variety of sweaters or vests made from synthetic materials. Tip: in some models of jackets, insulation is part of the ski suit, it is better that the second layer is separate from the third.

This was an article about how to choose the right ski suit, I hope the information was useful to you!

1. What must you buy before your first trip to the mountains? How to choose the right one?
- For the first trips to the mountains, it is not necessary to purchase a complete ski kit - at any rental you can take skis of any quality and manufacturer. But it is highly desirable to purchase boots that are well suited for you: the comfort of a skier is primarily determined by the convenience of his legs. It is necessary to choose ski shoes very carefully, sparing no time and effort to try them on. It is advisable to walk in each pair of shoes you try on for at least 10 minutes to understand whether they fit or not. It is worth remembering that the most expensive shoes are not necessarily the best. There are no "bad" and "good" companies, there are shoes that are best suited to a particular person. For the best choice of boots, we recommend that you contact specialized sports / ski shops, where they will help you find the best option.

A helmet, special ski socks and a mask are not a luxury or a fad, but essential items for a holiday in the mountains. The helmet should be light, comfortable and perfect for you. The distance between the eyebrows and the edge of the helmet (while the helmet must be properly dressed and fastened) should not exceed two fingers folded together. The helmet should not press anywhere. Think about whether you will wear a balaclava, and if so, it's better to bring it to try on. The inner "upholstery" of the helmet is crumpled over time, so that when trying on the helmet should not move back and forth. The helmet must have good ventilation and audibility. Don't forget to take your ski mask (if you have one) to try on and try it on with your helmet.
To correctly determine the length of the ski pole you need, you need to turn it upside down and take it so that the fist is pressed against the ring. If the arm formed a right angle with respect to the body when the elbow was bent, the choice is correct, in any other case, a different length of the stick is needed. The shape of the handle should be comfortable for your hand. The weight, flexibility and configuration of the poles only matter to experienced skiers and athletes.
A very important piece of equipment is goggles or a ski mask. Ordinary sunglasses may not be suitable for skiing, in the mountains it is very important to protect your eyes from wind, snow, increased ultraviolet at altitude and light reflection from snow. The optimal filter color is orange or dark yellow - such a filter protects from the sun and provides good contrast visibility in foggy weather or on a cloudy day, when it is difficult to see the bumps on the slope. Do not forget about accessories: ski gloves or mittens are a must, it is advisable to always have two pairs with you. Be sure to take sunscreen and lipstick with a high SPF with you, or buy all this on the spot - as a rule, they are sold in convenient packaging at any rental point or supermarket.

2. How to choose ski boots?
Once you've got your boots on (it's not easy the first time), get into a proper stance (or just bend your knees), listen to how you feel, and let your feet get used to it. If you are comfortable, the boots fit snugly and evenly around the foot, but there are no places where the pressure is too strong - everything is fine, we move on. In suitable boots, you can move your toes, but the foot should not have excessive freedom: move back and forth, sideways, or come off the insole too much. Do not expect to find “your” pair from the first fitting - all people are different, and their legs are also different. All manufacturers make shoes not only of different stiffness, but also with different shoe widths. Get ready to try on more than one pair of boots to feel how they differ and in which you can painlessly spend several hours on the slope in a row. Boots must be tried on with special ski socks (do not spare money on them, thinking that you can ski in ordinary sports socks - this is not so).

For women and children, there are special models of boots that take into account their anatomical features and are designed for different levels of training. Many modern models of boots involve thermoforming - a special fit to the anatomical features of a particular person. Specially fitted insoles make riding much more comfortable, they can be made in specialized stores.

3. How to choose the right ski clothing?
Almost most of the comfort during and after riding is provided by the right clothing. It must be multi-layered and provide maximum comfort when skiing in all weather conditions, protect from cold and wind and well remove moisture. Optimally, a rider's clothing should have at least 3 layers. Thermal underwear, fleece (jacket, turtleneck or sweater) and a protective layer - trousers and a jacket or overalls.
There is a large selection of so-called "mountain-beach" clothing - undoubtedly beautiful, but well suited for relaxing in a sun lounger, and not for intensive skiing. Many fashion brands make such clothes, and if you plan to sunbathe more than ride, then you can not change your favorite brand. Among experienced skiers who spend a lot of time on the slopes, time-tested specialist brands are popular. This group includes Phoenix, Goldwin, Descente, Kujs, Colmar, Spyder and some others. Slightly less money to spend on clothes Halti(official supplier of the organizers of the World Cup), Salomon, Volkl and Rossignol, while in terms of performance it will not be inferior to more expensive brands. If price is critical, look to "sportswear in general" brands such as Columbia and other less expensive brands.

To buy both beautiful and functional clothes, you need to look not only at its cost and appearance, but also at performance. It has long been a good practice for manufacturers to indicate the parameters of the fabric: water resistance (changes in millimeters of the water column held by the fabric), and vapor permeability (in grams of liquid that one square meter of fabric can pass per day). The general rule when choosing a model is this: for ordinary skiers who do not spend too much time on the slopes, a membrane with a water resistance of 5000 mm and a vapor permeability of 5000 g/sq.m/24h is sufficient. Of course, the higher these figures, the higher the price of the item. But the more chances that you will be comfortable in the snow and in the rain. No less important is the insulation - it should be thin and light. When choosing, special attention should be paid to the presence and convenience of additional details and their ergonomics - pockets and pockets, a functional hood, cuffs that are pleasant to the touch, etc. Good modern jackets have many useful details, for example, a special pocket for a ski pass, a “skirt” for skiing on virgin snow (it’s good if it can be unfastened), a mini-carabiner for keys, a special cloth for wiping glasses or masks). If you ride with a helmet (which we really hope), it makes sense when choosing a jacket to check if the hood can be put on the helmet - on windy days this feature can come in handy. The color of clothes is not the most important parameter when choosing, because on the slope they pay attention primarily to a beautifully skiing person. If you are going to a ski resort for the first time, try not to get an all-white suit - although this option looks attractive when trying on, in the mountains it merges with snow. In addition, with poor visibility, a person in a completely white robe is quite difficult to find on a slope.

4. How to choose skis?
If you have already tried your hand at the slopes and are sure that you will ski for more than one season, it makes sense to buy your own skis - they will pay off after the first trip to the mountains. When choosing skis, try to determine as accurately and objectively as possible your level of skiing and the type of slopes on which you ski. Otherwise, you run the risk of buying skis that absolutely do not suit you, and money will be thrown away. No need to take the skis too far, hoping that in the new season you will be able to participate in freeride competitions, since the plow turn has already been mastered. Skis differ not only in the target group for which they are created - for beginners, experienced, athletes, freeriders, but also in a number of characteristics. There are specialty skis, originally designed for various types of skiing (for example, slalom and giant slalom skis), skis for skiing off-piste, for jumping and acrobatics in snow parks, skis for ski tours, etc. However, for those who are just taking their first steps on the tracks, there is no need to delve into the details of the parameters, geometry, device and differences between different models.

5. Which manufacturer's skis are better?
There are no bad or good manufacturers, there are no bad or good skis - there are those that are best for you. The general rules for choosing skis are: the price when choosing skis is by no means the main determining factor. If you are sure that you will ski a lot and often, it is best to test the skis before buying. Alpine ski tests are regularly carried out by leading manufacturers, in the Alps tests are held at the beginning and end of the season. If this is not possible, but you want to buy skis, carefully study the test results and expert reviews in magazines and the Internet, and try to correctly assess your level of skiing and its dynamics. If you are training with an instructor, it makes sense to consult with him.

6. How to choose the right ski size?
If you are only going to ski in the Alps, choose skis 5-10 cm smaller than your height - if you prefer long turns and high speed. For lovers of frequent turns, skis designed for short arcs are better suited, 10-15 cm less tall. These rules work best with a normal ratio of weight and height of the rider. If the skier is overweight, it is better to choose a slightly more powerful model than a much longer ski. When choosing skis for beginners, the choice of manufacturer is unimportant, choose the “younger” (simplest) models and focus primarily on the design of the skis and their size.

7. How to choose skis for a woman and a child?
All manufacturers produce a whole series of women's skis, which differ not only in color, but are also better adapted to the characteristics of the female figure. When buying skis for a child, you don’t have to take them out of hand, trying to save money. Each ski size is designed for a specific age and height of the child, and skiing that is too long can be unsafe. In addition, children's skis are very liquid, and it is not difficult to sell them after the child grows up. For a child taking their first steps on skis, it is better not to buy too long skis. In any case, it makes sense to listen to the recommendations of a coach or instructor, or limit yourself to rental equipment.

8. How to understand the variety of ski models? What to look for when choosing?What are skis?

Freeride skiing First of all, they are intended for those who ride very well and own the technique of skiing off-piste in deep untouched snow (virgin soil). All manufacturers develop such skis taking into account the wishes of freeriders and off-piste skiing. As a rule, these are skis with a wide “waist” - more than 100 mm, often with special technological solutions to make the skis more manageable and stable. Among the models for freeride among professionals, it is especially popular Scott, Volkl, Dynastar, Armada, Black Crow, K2, Black Diamond and others - it is on them that the winners and prize-winners of the World Freeride Championship and other prestigious competitions ride. These are usually the most expensive skis in the line, and other major manufacturers make them - HEAD, Elan, Fischer, Atomic, Salomon, as well as a number of companies specializing only in freeride equipment.

Freestyle skis easy to distinguish by color and shape: twintip construction with rounded heel, particularly striking design and not the lowest price. Such skis are primarily designed to provide the skier with a comfortable landing after jumps and tricks. Some models use additional edge reinforcement under the boot, such skis are designed to perform tricks on the railing.

Women's skis produced by all the major manufacturers, and these skis differ not only in color and design (they do not have to have flowers on them). Like men's skis, women's skis vary greatly in their purpose, from "soft" skis for comfortable skiing for beginners to "aggressive" models for freeride or expert carving.

Sports or skis of the "Race" category - a special category of skis, designed primarily for competitions in various disciplines. This category includes long, heavy and extremely fast skis for downhill skiing, and slalom skis (the shortest of the entire sport ski line), as well as skis for super-G and giant slalom. "Slalom skis" can be distinguished by a pronounced difference between the width of the tip and the waist of the ski. Giant slalom skis have a larger radius, are longer than slalom skis, and are straighter. Currently, sports skis are produced by many well-known manufacturers: HEAD, Atomic, Fischer, Rossignol, Salomon, nordica, Volkl, Elan, Dynastar, Blizzard, Stoeckli other. What is the Constructors' Cup for Formula 1 is the Alpine Skiing World Cup for manufacturers of alpine skis. Last season, the top brand in terms of total points earned in the overall standings for men and women was HEAD, for men - Salomon, for women - HEAD. In addition to these two brands, Atomic, Rossignol and Nordica, the top five (according to the results of the overall standings) last season also included athletes on Fischer, Stoeckli, Voelkl (see details on fis-ski.com).

Carving skis- currently the most common type of ski, designed for skiing on prepared slopes. These skis are more comfortable and “softer” than competition skis, they forgive mistakes more easily and allow you to ski perfectly quickly on prepared slopes, however, these skis are not very suitable for snow skiing. These skis have a narrow waist, wide toe and heel. The range of carving models from all manufacturers is very wide - from high-tech models for experts, which use various innovations, to simpler and inexpensive skis for beginners.

Universal Models- skis in which manufacturers tried to combine the best qualities of different models and make skis "for all occasions". On such skis, you can also accelerate on an empty prepared slope, or ride a little outside the slopes, along hillocks or crust. But, of course, like any “universal”, they are inferior to specialized ski models designed, for example, only for freeride or only for carving. A good option for those who want to have one pair of skis for skiing in the "big mountains" and for short trips to local hills.

Children's and junior models- as the name suggests, designed for children and teenagers. Children's skis should first of all be beautiful and not too heavy, so as not to discourage little skiers from skiing. But for junior models, which are intended for novice athletes, completely “non-childish” requirements are already being presented. When choosing children's and junior models, it makes sense to follow the recommendations of the trainer or instructor involved with the child.

9. In the store, the sales assistant sprinkles terms. I don't understand anything about this. What is the seller talking about?

In specialized sports and ski stores, the sales assistant may operate with the characteristics of skis and boots that will not be immediately clear to beginners. A small "educational program":

Soft skis. This term does not mean that the ski is soft to the touch, it is a conditional name for the characteristics of the ski. These skis are easier to forgive mistakes, allow you to apply not too much effort for skiing, and absorb large terrain irregularities well. Soft skis are primarily models for beginners, as well as models for freeride, although they are radically different - both in appearance, and in structure, and in other characteristics. It is convenient to learn on such skis, but it is easy to “grow up” from them quickly, so experts often do not recommend buying the “lowest” models.

Rigid skis- require good skills, physical form and effort for skating. On such skis it is easier to pick up speed, they clearly arc, but for beginners and not too well trained people on such skis it will be too difficult to learn. Each manufacturer in the same class of skis (carving, expert carving, all-rounders) offers models of different stiffness. In addition, modern technologies used in the manufacture of skis allow energy to be stored and released to increase glide speed. Heavier people are advised to buy skis with slightly more stiffness than recommended for normal weight skiers.

stable skis- a characteristic of the behavior of the ski on the slope. Sports skis have the highest stability indicators. It is assumed that more stable skis practically do not leave the slope at the moment of sliding, more precisely, they are in the flight phase for a minimum amount of time.

Ski width. A wider ski behaves better in deep snow and virgin snow, does not “sink”, as a rule, is more stable and stable.
The wider the toe, the easier it is to turn and initiate the turn. These skis are used for carving. The wider the waist of the ski, the better the ski is suitable for off-piste skiing. Such skis respond better to the actions of a freerider, float in deep snow, and do not sink in virgin soil. On skis with a narrower waist, it is easier to screw up.
Skis with a wide heel and a wide toe are used for carving. The wider the heel, the deeper the arc at the end of the turn.

Side cutout of the ski. The smaller the radius of the sidecut (measured in meters), the smaller the radius of the arcs that the skier can ride. A larger cut (and radius) is made on slalom and carving skis, these skis allow you to make more turns on short slopes. On skis for off-piste skiing, a shallow cut of a large radius is made.

Ski length or size. In addition to the basic rules for determining size, when choosing, you can focus on the following: longer skis are usually more stable, more stable and easier to ride on virgin ground. Such skis are suitable for skiing in the Alps or other "big mountains", on wide and long slopes. Shorter skis are better for frequent turns, they are easier to go on hard slopes with ice patches, they behave better on rough, bumpy tracks, they are easier to learn. When choosing a size, it makes sense to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the target group, because in addition to the length of the ski and its geometry, a lot of other parameters affect the behavior of the ski.

Boot stiffness index- a characteristic of ski boots, showing how quickly and sensitively they transmit the efforts of the skier and his movements to the ski. The maximum stiffness index (150 or more, depending on the scale adopted by the manufacturer) is for sports skating boots. These boots are designed primarily for competition, but being worn all day on the slopes usually requires careful fit and good physical condition. "Rigid" boots make the skier work harder on the slope, but at the same time optimally and quickly convey any of his movements. The most "soft" boots (some models may have lacing instead of traditional clips), designed for beginners and those who prefer to spend more time in restaurants and sun loungers or prefer relaxed skiing. Each manufacturer determines the stiffness index on its own scale, sometimes designating it not with numbers, but with letters. The best choice for intermediate skiers and non-competitive skiers - boots that fit perfectly on the last, with a special insole and a medium level of rigidity. For each model, the manufacturer clearly defines its target group: beginners, intermediates, confident riders, experts, freeriders, athletes, etc.

thermoforming- a special process during which the boots are heated to a certain temperature and adjusted to the characteristics of the legs of a particular person. For example, if the boot is a little tight around the ankle, thermoforming will usually help solve this problem. It is strongly recommended that you do not try to thermoform yourself - this can damage the boot or achieve completely unexpected results. The ideal “tuning” of boots is a combination of professional thermoforming and an individual thermoformed insole (they will be adjusted individually not only to the features of the skier's feet, but also to a specific model of boots). A special insole helps to optimize the distribution of a person's weight while skiing, avoids discomfort with flat feet and a number of orthopedic features and diseases.

Walking-skating position- a special switch (usually on the back of the boot), which makes it easier to walk in boots and more clearly and quickly transfer forces to the skis while skiing. Do not forget to switch it to the desired position, especially when riding.

Canting- a characteristic of boots that allows you to adjust their inclination and position, depending on the anatomical features and the location of the shins and knees. It especially helps to ride comfortably if the skier has X- or O-shaped legs.

Adjustable buckle/clip- additional divisions on the clips or the ability to move them for expansion allows people with wide shins to ride comfortably.

Women's shoes designed taking into account the anatomical features of skiers. Like men's shoes, they can be of any stiffness. Modern women's boots have a more elegant design, often with plush/fur trim, and tend to be lighter than men's boots. Many manufacturers offer cropped models with a low top for women with a wide shin. For beginners, there are also models with easy entry, which provide comfortable putting on / taking off boots.

10. Are there any special rules in the mountains?
Traffic rules in the mountains: safe riding rules
On the tracks, as well as on the roads, their own rules apply, and these rules must be known and observed. The rules of the FIS (International Ski Federation) are designed primarily to prevent accidents on the slopes and act as “rules of the road”, allowing disputes to be settled. Recently, many ski resorts have been running promotional campaigns to educate holidaymakers about these rules and reduce the number of injuries. Statistics show that many collisions and accidents in the mountains occur due to negligence and elementary ignorance of the “mountain traffic rules.”

Respect others

• The skier or snowboarder must behave in such a way that he/she does not endanger himself or others or harm others.
  Control your speed
• The skier or snowboarder must control his speed and direction of travel. You should measure your speed and driving style with the condition of the track, snow cover, weather and the number of people on the slope.
  Choice of direction
• A skier or snowboarder approaching from behind must choose the direction of travel in such a way as not to endanger the skier or snowboarder in front.
  Overtaking
• A skier or snowboarder may overtake another skier or snowboarder on either side, provided that the overtaken person has enough room for intentional or unintentional movements.
  Entering the slope, starting the movement, moving up the slope
• A skier or snowboarder entering the piste, starting from a stop or climbing up must do so without endangering himself or others.
  Stop on the track
• A skier or snowboarder must not stop in narrow areas of the course or where visibility is limited, except in cases of emergency. After a fall in such places, the skier or snowboarder must clear the track as soon as possible.
  Ascent and descent without skis
• A skier or snowboarder going up or down a slope without skis must walk along the edge of the trail.
  Pay attention to signs and markings
• The skier or snowboarder must follow the signs and markings.
  Giving help
• In the event of an accident, it is the duty of every skier or snowboarder to help the victim.
  Identification
• All skiers or snowboarders and bystanders, whether or not involved in the incident, must exchange names and addresses after the incident.

11. What you need to know when going to the mountains?

In addition to the elementary observance of the rules, there are several ways to protect yourself and others from trouble.
Don't hesitate to help and training from an instructor, relying on their own talents and athletic form. Beginners trying to learn on their own or with the help of non-professional “teachers” are at greater risk.
Don't force the process, trying to learn “everything at once” in 1-2 days.
Enjoy own, well-fitting and well-chosen boots, or rent equipment from a good rental company. When choosing and fitting equipment, try not to overestimate your own level of riding. If the selected skis, board or boots do not fit - do not hesitate to return to the rental and exchange them.
Do not use the equipment of your friends - the risk of injury increases dramatically.
Necessarily do a warm-up before riding: a few simple exercises and stretching allows you to ride more confidently and safely.
Rest on time- most incidents occur in the afternoon. Those who are too tired, who have eaten or drank too much, or who do not feel well, should not go on the slope. In these cases, it is better to go down on the lift, not succumbing to persuasion.
Don't start running on the slopes. Often, as when driving a car, there is euphoria and the illusion of complete control of the situation, and modern alpine skiing allows you to reach speeds of over 120 km / h. Do not ride too fast: it is much easier to get a serious injury. Experts who are completely confident in their abilities should think about those who ride nearby - their level of riding and reaction speed may not be so good.
Don't starve and don't skip food. At the height of proper nutrition, and especially "slow" carbohydrates are simply necessary. They are the source of energy that makes the muscles work quickly and correctly.
Don't forget about water: in high altitude conditions, the body's need for fluid increases, but you should not drink coffee and alcohol exclusively. Dehydration can lead to premature fatigue and injury.

Never don't go off the trails by oneself. Even if you have all the avalanche equipment and you are completely confident. Do not forget about the avalanche risk, pay attention to the estimates of the likelihood of avalanches (marked with numbers from 1 to 5 or flags, posted daily at the ticket office, lifts and maps of the region).
Never do not ride on a closed track. In the event of an injury on such a track, you will most likely have to pay the cost of evacuation and rescue work. Tracks are closed for a reason, even if at first it is not obvious.
Listen to your body and pay attention for anxiety symptoms. And, most importantly, leaving for the mountains - don't turn off your head. And don't forget to wear a helmet.

Apres-ski- literally (from French) - “after skiing” - all kinds of recreation in the mountains: bars, restaurants, discos, spa centers, sports complexes, etc.

Green track- a track for beginners, usually absolutely gentle. In some countries, green trails are not classified, but are marked in blue on the maps.

Kant- the lower edge of the ski, upholstered with a steel plate (edging). Depending on the position of the skis, the edges can be called internal (the ribs closest to each other on skis placed next to each other) and external, upper and lower. In a turn, the inner edge on each ski is called the one that is closer to the center of the turn, and the outer edge is the opposite, located farther from the center of movement.

Red track- a track for confident skiers, depending on the resort and terrain, as a rule, of medium difficulty.

off-piste- off-piste skiing on unmarked and unprepared slopes, requires a good level of training. In some resorts, such skiing is considered prohibited without a guide.

Plow- the position of the skis set at an angle with flattened socks. Technique of the simplest sliding, braking and turning on gentle slopes.

Ratrak- snow grooming machine that processes the tracks.

Blue track- an easy, simple track, usually with a minimum slope.

Ski stops- part of the ski mounts, necessary to hold a detached ski on the snow.

Rack- the position of the skier on the descent. In terms of height, the stance is low, medium and high, in terms of the degree of inclination of the body forward and backward - front, normal and rear.

Ski pass (ski pass, lift pass) - a subscription to the lifts.

Ski-bus- a bus for skiers, delivering them to the skiing regions and back to the resort center or to hotels.

Black track- the highest category of tracks in terms of complexity, as a rule, black indicates a track with a large steepness or a narrow one, requiring good technique from the skiers.

A complete ski suit is a pair of jacket and pants, the choice of which is primarily based on the individual needs of the skier. As well as the size of the budget allocated for the acquisition. But, regardless of personal needs, there are general indicators - water resistance, layers, quality of materials, suit style. You need to understand them and be sure to pay attention when choosing a suit for skiing!

In the last article with tips on, we presented a "road" map so that you understand the classification of sports ski equipment by price and performance. Let's add it to this post:

A set of clothes may include: thermal underwear plus a jacket with trousers or thermal underwear with overalls. Overalls are most often not referred to as suits, but are considered a separate branch of ski clothing, loved by professional athletes, snowboarders, as well as children. Good overalls are a little more expensive than suits, and the style is more suitable for young people.

Before choosing a ski suit, you need to decide what indicators and characteristics are needed from it: functionality and comfort, brand and image, spectacular appearance or cheap price?

Having set priorities, you can begin to select a suit that will be comfortable and emphasize the individuality of the skier.

The three layer rule for a suit

A conditional rule, however, many skiers adhere to it. After all, several thin layers retain heat better than one bulky one.

1. The first layer includes . High-quality underwear is made from modern synthetic materials with a special structure. Designed to preserve the heat of the human body, protects from cold in severe frosts and removes moisture, maintaining thermoregulation.

Thermal underwear should be hypoallergenic, seamless and fit snugly in size to the body.

Remember

Ordinary cotton clothes or woolen sweaters, tights cannot be a substitute for thermal underwear! Sweat released during physical exertion is quickly absorbed by cotton, but is not removed further. After that, it cools down on the fabric, condensation forms and the suit begins to cool.

2. The second layer is insulation: most often from fleece, which intensively removes moisture from the surface of the body and retains heat; it can be a simple knitted sweater, but we still advise you to wear modern fleece sweatshirts under the suit, they are lighter and less voluminous in size. In some models of jackets, fleece insulation can be sewn between the materials of the suit. The best option is when the second layer is separated from the third.

3. The third layer is the suit itself from the ski jacket and pants set.

There are several main criteria for choosing a ski suit. The fundamental requirements are:

• Easy;
• Warm;
• Waterproof;
• Does not constrain movements - has an anatomical cut.

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Not many other specifications for . In cross-country sports, the main thing is not to warm the skier, but rather to prevent him from overheating, removing excess heat and moisture from the body into the atmosphere.

How to choose the water resistance of ski clothing (jackets and pants)?

In outdoor clothing, there are two terms that can be considered synonymous − water resistance(from English waterproof) and water resistance(from English water-resistance). Both of these parameters indicate the water pressure that the fabric can withstand without getting wet. With material water resistance of 2000 mm. a skier is unlikely to endure a whole day in the mountains, especially in heavy snowfall or sleet.

A good ski suit that will allow you to ski all day should have a water resistance of 10,000 mm or more.

from 10 000 mm

Perfect water resistance for all mountain weather

Suit models with DWR processing technology are not suitable for skiing. They protect well from snow and rain, but do a poor job of removing sweat and excess moisture from the body. For active sports, there should be membrane clothing in the wardrobe, which we will discuss later in the article.

Working Principle of DWR Resin Processing

Summary table on the parameters of water resistance of membrane suits for alpine skiing:

The data in the table are given for membrane suits. The optimal indicator of water resistance for a membrane in the mountains is from 10 thousand. For beginners who ride 2-3 hours a day, at a relaxed pace, up to 5000 mm is enough.

An important characteristic of ski suits is vapor permeability.

Another important indicator for skiing is vapor permeability. It characterizes how effectively the membrane of a jacket or pants removes moisture from the body. Vapor permeability acquires maximum significance in cross-country skiing disciplines, when the skier sweats profusely and heats up.

With an increase in this indicator in a suit, the body will “breathe” better. For heavy loads, the vapor permeability index of a ski suit should approach the value of 20,000 g / m² / day, for beginners, 5000 g / m² is enough.

A sufficient indicator of vapor permeability of the material for beginners

Membrane clothes

Ski equipment with a material containing a membrane (HyVent, Gore-Tex technologies, etc.) has high rates of water resistance and vapor permeability. The inner layer with a membrane brings body moisture out through micropores and at the same time, on the contrary, does not allow water to pass from the outer layer into the inside. In materials for ski clothing, 3 types of membranes are used: hydrophilic, porous and combined.

The most popular are combined membranes. They have the highest values ​​of vapor permeability and water resistance, well suited for extreme mountain conditions.

All membrane fabrics require special care, so do not wash them in a washing machine with ordinary powder! How to properly care for your suit, ask the consultants in the store or on the manufacturer's website.

Summarize

When choosing a ski jacket and pants, pay attention to such things:

• The bright color of the suit and reflective stripes make it highly visible on the slopes;
• The fleece inner collar will protect your face from weathering. The built-in hood will help during snow and rain. A special strap under the chin at the top of the collar will prevent it from sliding down;
• Locks and zippers should be easy to unfasten, fasten and have large comfortable runners so that they can be taken without removing ski gloves;
• Zippers at the bottom of the trousers make dressing easier;
• The central zipper on the jacket should be closed with a flap to protect against wind;
• The cuffs on the sleeves should close easily and tightly so that snow does not get under them. Taped seams prevent moisture from getting inside;
• A special fastener or a pocket on the sleeve for a pass to the lift (ski-pass) will allow you not to look for it for a long time in your pockets. Often the pass pocket is located on the sleeve in the cuff, sometimes it is hidden for the sake of a stylish design;
• Outer pockets of equipment must be zippered;
• It is good when the suit model includes the possibility of fastening the jacket to the trousers with a zipper - this method protects the lower back from cooling;
• The presence of a snow skirt on the jacket will protect against wind blowing and reduce the risk of snow filling under clothes;
• On the shoulders, elbows and knees, a denser fabric is used to increase the strength of the suit.

Beautiful ski suits for this season

The range of modern stores is so wide that it is difficult to decide on the right choice of clothing for skiing. Always pay attention to brands and prices. There are a number of time-tested brands that we will describe below, you can take them with confidence!

Ski Jackets & Suits by bogner

Bogner is one of the companies that produces budget clothing and suits for skiers. They provide a quality acceptable for beginner skiers - water resistance of 5-10 thousand mm, the presence of a membrane, many pockets, hermetically glued zippers.

Men's ski jacket BOGNER Polar, worth 7500 rubles

An excellent version of a men's suit from the Icepeak Narvel jacket (22 thousand rubles) with a water resistance of 15 thousand mm. and pants Icepeak Nox (8,000 rubles):

Jacket Icepeak Narvel

Trousers Icepeak Nox

For girls, there is no problem in choosing beautiful ski suits, take a look at the models from headquarter, they will definitely help you stand out:

Roxy ski suits

No less popular among the female audience are a pair of jackets and pants from ROXY. First of all, due to the presence of a variety of patterns, paintings, a large selection of colors and, of course, an affordable price. A good jacket can be found for 12-20 thousand rubles, and pants for 10-15.

With ROXY, any girl can stand out from the gray masses of skiers and emphasize herself on the mountain slope. This brand is also popular in snowboarding culture.

Screenshot from the official store. Prices are up to date!

How to choose the size of a ski suit?

The European and Russian systems for calculating clothing sizes are traditionally used. In the table below, we have combined all the values ​​​​so that you can easily navigate when choosing the right size. Especially useful if you want to order clothes online.

Women's size chart

Size chart for men

Be sure to watch an informative video on how to choose the right women's ski suit:

It remains now to choose the right color and you can advance to the ski slope.

Famous manufactured and brands

The cost of the most expensive ski suits can reach up to 60,000 rubles. Expensive models are designed for extreme descents in any weather. Phoenix, Killy, Marmot, Descent specialize in expensive ski equipment. They use expensive and high-quality membrane fabrics (SympaTex or Gore-Tex). All seams are taped and shoulders, elbows and knees are reinforced with DuPont or Kevlar Cordura. Such a suit can last several seasons.

Many ski clothing manufacturers use their own membrane fabrics, with different technology names, but in essence they are all the same!

The cheapest ski suits with good quality and well-known manufacturers cost from 10 to 15 thousand rubles. Companies Forward, Columbia, Trespass, No Where, Sorry, Elan and others specialize in such clothing. Anything under $10,000 is not recommended. Most likely, such an outfit will be without a membrane with the usual polymer treatment. They will provide the necessary water resistance, but I doubt it with breathing properties.

Winter active types of recreation - skiing, snowboarding will bring pleasure only if you properly prepare for them. First of all, this applies to equipment - ski clothing, accessories, equipment.

Any kind of winter skiing involves a long stay in the frosty air, frequent contact with snow and active movement. If you go to the slopes in casual winter clothes, you are unlikely to be able to enjoy the delights of relaxation, since such equipment simply does not fit the conditions. In ordinary clothes, the skier will get wet very quickly both outside (due to contact with snow) and inside (active movements lead to strong sweating). And in frosty conditions, getting wet clothes brings little pleasant sensations, since things become heavy and hinder movement due to accumulated moisture, and if you stop moving at least for a short time, it immediately becomes cold.

Therefore, when deciding to go to a ski resort, you should make sure that you have a good ski suit. Only with such equipment you will always feel comfortable going to the slopes of the mountains. But choosing a decent outfit is not so easy, because there are many nuances.

Components of a suit for skis and snowboards

A complete skiing outfit should consist of three layers:

1. Wearable;
2. warming;
3. Protective.

Only with a multi-layer structure of clothing can you feel comfortable during a long stay on the street.

underwear

Thermal underwear is used as underwear. Its task is to remove sweat and retain heat. In order for the underwear to perform its functions, it is important that the clothes fit the body well. Only with full contact with the body will proper sweat wicking be ensured, therefore, when choosing this clothing, long-sleeved T-shirts and underpants should be preferred. In this case, you should choose thermal underwear with the minimum possible number of seams.

As for the materials of manufacture, underwear made of polyester, polypropylene, sheep wool, as well as combined options, including both natural and synthetic fabrics, are suitable for skiing.

Thermal underwear should be selected according to the material of manufacture based on the expected pastime and weather conditions.

Polyester- quite acceptable fabric for those who plan to just have a good time at the resort. Polyester wicks away moisture well and retains heat, and is suitable for wearing in conditions of slight low temperatures.

Polypropylene has slightly better characteristics than polyester, so such underwear can already be worn in fairly harsh winter conditions.

Sheep wool and mixed fabrics, incorporating natural and artificial materials, an option for the toughest weather conditions, which is why professional freeride skiers choose this thermal underwear.

In addition to T-shirts and underpants, underwear also includes socks. They should also be selected from the above materials to ensure good moisture removal. Golfs are excellent for skiing.

Heaters

The next important component of a ski suit is insulation. The task of this layer is to retain heat and remove moisture from underwear. Insulation can be a separate part of clothing, or it can be an integral layer of the upper part of clothing - overalls or jackets with pants.

The second option is more suitable for professional skiers and snowboarders who devote a lot of time to skiing. A separate option for an ordinary vacationer in a ski resort is a more preferable solution.

Therefore, if you plan to go skiing for a couple of weeks, pay attention to separate heaters. This is due to the fact that skiing will take up only part of the total pastime, and simply moving around the territory of the complex in full gear will not be very pleasant due to the heat and heavy sweating. Having separate equipment, you can always put together clothes that are comfortable for walking.

It is necessary to select a heater according to the material of its manufacture and filler (if any). Here, as in the case of thermal underwear, both natural and artificial fillers and fabrics are used.

In general, heaters are:

• Downy (with filler);
• Sintepon (with filler);
• fleece;
• Poliartekovy;
• Tinsulateitov.

Insulation with fillers - an option for amateur skating. Their main disadvantage is the knocking down of the filler, due to which this piece of equipment ceases to perform its functions, although this does not happen immediately. Depending on the quality of manufacture, the insulation can normally last more than one season.

The heat-preserving ability of down and synthetic winterizers depends on the density of the filler. For a small and medium frost, a heater with a density of 60-80 g / m is suitable. sq - for a jacket and 60-60 gr / m. sq. - ski pants. At low temperatures, heaters with a density of 80-100 g / m should be selected. sq.

Fabric insulation from Fleece, Polyartek and Thinsulate are more reliable and do their job well, so it is better to choose such equipment if long-term skiing is planned.

The same conditions are taken into account in the case, it was decided to purchase outerwear, which includes a layer of insulation. That is, when choosing, you must definitely take an interest in the materials of manufacture and filler (if any), as well as density.

Protective equipment

The upper protective component of the equipment is the most important. It can include a separate jacket and pants, or be made in the form of a jumpsuit.

Quite serious requirements are put forward for the upper equipment:

• Wind protection;
• Waterproof;
• Vapor permeability;

Such equipment is made of fairly dense, but at the same time elastic fabrics that are resistant to mechanical damage, which are not blown by the wind, which eliminates the blowing of heat.

Waterproof and vapor permeable- one of the main parameters of clothing. That is, it should not get wet and at the same time remove steam from the body. To do this, the fabric for outerwear is made puffed and can include from one to three layers.

The three-layer fabric uses the top protective layer, membrane and lining. In a two-layer fabric, only the first two layers are used, glued together, and the lining is a separate component. The first option is equipment for professional skiers, while two-layer clothing is optimal for all lovers of winter recreation.

There is also a single-layer fabric in which the membrane layer is not used, and water resistance and vapor permeability are ensured by special impregnations, but this option can be considered amateur.

Since water resistance and vapor permeability are one of the main parameters and have specific values. The first parameter is measured in mm. v. Art. and characterizes the water pressure that the material is able to withstand. Water vapor permeability is measured in g/m. sq. and indicates how much moisture the fabric can take away.

The cost of the upper equipment directly depends on these two parameters. For beginner skiers, outerwear models with both parameters of 5000/5000 are perfect.

For severe weather conditions, you should also pay attention to equipment with indicators of 10000/10000 and above.

Choosing an outerwear

... you should immediately decide on the type - separate or overalls. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Separate ski jacket and pants do not always protect against snow penetration. To reduce the likelihood of this, it is very important to choose the right equipment. But such clothes are more comfortable, easier to dress. This type of clothing is considered more preferable, especially for a child.

Overalls better protect against snow penetration but not always convenient. Going to the toilet in such clothes can be a real challenge.

When choosing equipment, you should also consider the type of sport that you will be playing. Cross-country suits should be well-fitted to create less drag, alpine skiing suits use less fitted versions, while snowboarding and freeride suits should be opted for completely loose fitting suits. At the same time, in any case, clothing should be as comfortable as possible and not hinder movement.

Color is also important.. Bright ski equipment is not made in vain, but to ensure visibility. Women like bright colors more, so many women's ski suits are made colorful. When choosing a men's suit, you can choose models of more strict color tones, but make sure that there are bright inserts.

When choosing equipment for winter recreation, you need to pay attention to:

• processing of seams and snakes with adhesives, which will prevent the penetration of water through them;
• Has zippered pockets;
• The height of the lumbar part of the pants (it is better to take models with suspenders and a well-defined lumbar region);
• The presence of fastened ventilation "pockets";
• Hood;
• The presence of elements for connecting the jacket with pants;

All these conditions are observed by well-known companies specializing in the production of ski equipment, such as FASC, Moment, Rehall. The only drawback of the suits of such firms is the high cost.

Alternatives

Because of this, the question often arises whether it is necessary to buy a ski suit, for which you will have to shell out a lot, and you are only planning a one- or two-week vacation. And here you can do it in two ways - to buy used equipment or try to pick up things from your home wardrobe that are most suitable for active pastime.

The second-hand suit option is not the best, because it is very difficult to find a suitable model in which you will feel comfortable and free. In addition, it is not known how the former owner looked after the clothes. Ski equipment requires a special approach to cleaning and washing. And if the owner did not know how to wash a ski suit and did it in the usual way, then it is highly likely that the equipment has lost its qualities, which will quickly get wet and not keep warm.

As for the second option, it is more acceptable, it is only important to decide correctly what to wear if there is no ski suit. Almost everyone has good thermal underwear and things that are quite suitable as a heater - fleece jumpers, sweaters, pants made from natural fabrics. The only question left is with the top equipment, but it is solved by renting equipment that is available at every ski resort.

Having solved the issue with equipment, it remains only to choose a ski resort where you can have a great rest. And in this case, it is better to take advantage of tours to the Carpathians, which include not only skiing, but also an extensive entertainment program, for example.