How to Ski - Beginner Tips
So it is almost that time of the year again when you imagine yourself rocketing down an alpine slope, leaving powdery snow behind you. If you have been putting off the plan to learn skiing year after year, trust me you are missing out on some serious fun. Not only is it a great family sport but it is also an immensely enjoyable adventure for yourself.
There are several things that you can learn before setting foot on snow, and learning them can be just the right push to get you started this year. Here is a quick guide on how to start skiing quickly and safely!
Skiing Tips for Beginners
Practice on the Flats: Once you are in your skiing gear, push your way around on the flats rather than heading to the top of a slope. Press your shins against the front of your boots to keep your body weight forward and balanced. Get used to holding your poles by your side and being strapped in you your skis.
Position and Ski: For your basic skiing posture, keep your feet shoulder width apart, elbows forward and chin up.
How to “Pizza/French Fries”: The first technique that beginner skiers learn is the snow plough. This position looks like a slice of pizza and that’s why you have probably heard the term “Pizza/French Fries” when it comes to skiing. This technique is the most important lesson for a skier as it has two main uses; braking and turning. To get into this position, the skis have to look like two French fries laid out straight next together. Then both heels are simultaneously pushed apart and the inner edges of the skis are pushed into the snow. As a result of this position, the typical form of the plough resembles a slice of pizza. Never let the tip of your skis cross each other - you will fall.
When your skis look like French Fries you will go fast and straight. When your skis are angled in like a slice of Pizza, you will be able to break and turn. Remember to use those edges. The more pressure you put on your heels and inner edges of your ski, the harder you will break.
How to Turn on Skis: Learning to turn on skis not only sends you in the direction you want to go, but it also controls your speed. To turn on skis to the left, slightly drop your right shoulder toward the tip of your right ski, increase the pressure on your right ski. Hold that position as you move down and your skis will slowly make a turn to the left. Follow the opposite positioning for turning to the right.
Don’t look down - look where your are going! This is one of the hardest things not to do. All of a sudden there are two pieces of wood and metal attached to your feet and all you want to do is look down and make sure they don’t cross, or worse, fall off. This is when the real accidents happen. If you’re looking at your tips, you’re probably not looking downhill, and therefore you’re probably not seeing that pack of ski schoolers up ahead or that big drop off to your left. Keep your eyes 10 feet in front of your tips, that way you can see the terrain in front of you, but also glimpses of your skis and any immediate terrain. It is always your responsibility to know the rules of the mountain and to stay in control.
Now that you are through the basics of skiing for beginners, there is nothing that should keep you from planning your skiing adventure this year. If you are headed to Lake Tahoe, find the best Lake Tahoe Ski rentals at Rock House Ski & Snowboard.