Winter Olympics – An Inspiration To Everyone

Team GB bought home four medals at Sochi 2014, including two for curling, one for skeleton and one for snowboard slopestyler, making it the most successful Winter Olympics for Great Britain since 1924. SportsDirect.com take a look at what effect this will have on the bigger picture when it comes to sport.

Although Britain is not renowned for having natural snow this didn’t hinder the Olympians, and it shouldn’t put people off from trying sports such as snowboarding or skiing. There are over 50 indoor centres and dry slopes available across the UK, as well as mountains up in Scotland where people can train, making winter sports ready available for people to give a go and try out.

Jenny Jones, who won bronze at the Olympics for snowboard slopestyler, told the BBC that winter sports are much more accessible than what people initially think. The coverage from Sochi highlighted winter sports in a very positive light and helped to make people more aware of winter sports.

However, the Winter Games didn't just help raise the profile of winter sports, it also covered women in sport, which perfectly coincided with Sports Minister, Helen Grant’s statement, saying that women should be asked what they want to do when it comes to sport.

Three of the four medals that Team GB won in Sochi were from female athletes which can only encourage and reiterate Helen Grant’s view. Media coverage obviously plays a major role in profiling women in sport, and undoubtedly women’s sport is not given as much airtime or attention as what men’s sport is, but with the success of female athletes in both the Summer and Winter Olympics there may well be a shift towards focussing on women’s sports.

 Ensuring that there are plenty of opportunities and choice when it comes to women being active and participating in sports also plays an important role in developing awareness and inspiring girls, and women, to take up something new and get involved.

SportsDirect.com have a range of skiing and snowboarding equipment and clothing is perfect for hitting the dry, or real, slopes, check it out at http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/skiing. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/sportsdirectuk and www.twitter.com/sportsdirectuk

SportsDirect.com Take a Look at Planning for a Skiing Holiday

In a bid to banish the January blues and take advantage of the sale period, January is the opportune time when people start to look at booking a holiday and see what’s available. Skiing can be an expensive holiday but with travel agents and online travel companies slashing their prices, it is worth taking a look at their offers across ski resorts. SportsDirect.com take a look at how to plan for a skiing holiday.

The majority of European ski resorts are open between November and March, with Christmas, February Half Term and Easter being the prime times for people to head up to the slopes, therefore being the most expensive. According to skicusine.co.uk, January has the best deals for European ski resorts and it tends to be a lot more quiet and peaceful, opposed to any other time in the year.

There is a risk of poor skiing conditions in the run up to the end of the season, however the days will be longer, leaving more time on the slopes, plus there is more chance of catching some rays from the sun and it therefore not being as cold.

For first time skiers it is always best to book onto a few skiing lessons beforehand and improve on cardio-vascular fitness as well as core strength to ensure that the slopes won’t be too challenging, fitness wise. Running, cycling, squat reps and sit-ups are all great ways to prepare.

When it comes to skiing equipment, most of it, such as ski boots and skis, can be hired from the resort, and it means no cost for transporting bulky items on flights, however there are some essentials that every skier will need. SportsDirect.com have a great range of ski jackets, trousers, goggles, base layers, hats and gloves that have all been especially designed for skiing. Their Helly Hansen, Nevica and Campri ranges all have a fantastic selection of ski clothing and accessories, and their prices won’t break the bank.

Even after having a few ski lessons on dry slopes,  it is always best to have a professional ski lesson to ensure safe skiing, and they will be able to provide guides as to which slopes to try out first and which ones to avoid.

Visit SportsDirect for their full range of ski wear and equipment. Join in the conversation on www.facebook.com/sportsdirectuk and www.twitter.com/sportsdirectuk.