Ski advice day offers complete pre-holiday check

Somerset people planning a skiing break can get themselves and their equipment properly prepared at a special Ski Advice Day at the Hurley Clinic in Taunton on Saturday February 4.

Somerset Snowsports Servicing has joined forces with the osteopaths and the sports massage therapists at the Hurley Clinic to provide a unique complete pre-holiday check over in advance of the school half term when many people head for the slopes of Scotland, Europe and beyond.

From 10 am to 3pm at The Hurley Clinic at 21 Staplegrove Road, Taunton on Saturday February 4 skiers can get advice and pick up exercise sheets from experts while enjoying a glass of Gluhwhein to get in the holiday mood.

Osteopath Alexandra Bath, who once lived in Meribel in the French Alps, learned to ski on wooden skis with wire bindings but has thankfully adapted to the latest carving skis, said: “The most common injuries to skiers involve the knee ligaments.

“Every year we also treat people who have suffered from cramping feet, painful shins, lower back pain and other aches and pains from using muscles that are not normally used.

“Many of these problems can be prevented by ensuring you are not skiing on sticky bases and dull edges and by some preparation to your own body to build strength and flexibility before your holiday.

“We are holding this special day to help people with pre-ski exercises and post ski stretches or to help them with existing injuries or worries and at the same time they can check their equipment to ensure it will not cause them any problems.”

Qualified ski technician Stewart Collins, who runs Somerset Snowsports Servicing, will be giving help and advice about equipment on the day. He is also able to take skis and snowboards away for hand-servicing and repair, a technique that enables equipment to last longer than those serviced by mechanical means.

Huw Hurley, osteopath, former fitness instructor and lecturer in sports injury and rehabilitation will be giving postural assessments and treatment advice along with Alexandra Bath while Annouska Collins a Bsc (Hons) Sport Massage Therapist and snowboarder will be carrying out free taster sports massages.

Skiers can visit, The Hurley Clinic, 21 Staplegrove Road, Taunton TA1 1DE on Saturday 4th February between 10 am and 3pm or call 01823 618233 for details.