| If you've always wanted to learn how to ski, | | | | you. You learn to guide yourself on your |
| the family vacation is the perfect place to | | | | skis by bending your knees and leaning in one |
| do it. Don't worry if you don't know a thing | | | | direction or the other, depending on which |
| about skiing. It's there waiting for you to | | | | way you want to go. You can learn all of |
| learn. Within half an hour of your first | | | | these techniques in an hour, even if you've |
| instruction, you will literally be skiing | | | | never been on skis before. |
| down a mountain. | | | | |
| | | | What's wonderful about skiing is that after |
| It can be quite easy to learn how to ski. | | | | you have learned how to snowplow and control |
| Most resorts offer skiing lessons on the | | | | the direction you want to go in on the skis, |
| premises. Lessons are usually reasonably | | | | you're ready to ski. You simply get on the |
| priced as well. Both group and private | | | | lift, head up the mountain, and give it your |
| lessons are almost always offered. However, | | | | first try. Remember to control your speed by |
| it's best to schedule an appointment for a | | | | snow plowing. Go slowly at first. If you |
| lesson before you arrive at the resort. This | | | | want to pick up some speed, draw your skis |
| way, you can learn to ski as soon as you | | | | back ever so slightly, pick up just a little |
| arrive if you wish. | | | | bit of speed, and then push your skis back |
| | | | out into the "snowplow" position to control |
| Most ski instructors will start by showing | | | | your speed. |
| you how to wear and handle your equipment. | | | | |
| For instance, ski boots will incline you | | | | As a beginner, stick to trails that are |
| slightly forward. This is because when | | | | designed for beginners. Most resorts have |
| you're skiing down a mountain, this is the | | | | these trails marked with a green emblem. |
| position you'll be in. Therefore, walking in | | | | Trails marked with a blue emblem are for |
| ski boots for the first time might be a bit | | | | intermediate skiers. You may be ready after |
| difficult, but it will work just fine if you | | | | just one day for those trails. The trails |
| walk with your knees slightly bent. | | | | marked with a black emblem are for expert |
| | | | skiers. These trails can be dangerous for |
| The first maneuver you'll probably learn is | | | | people who don't have advanced skill levels |
| called the "plow," or "snowplow." This | | | | as skiers. Therefore, you should avoid the |
| technique allows you to literally use your | | | | trails marked in black until you have had a |
| skis as a snowplow. You make the back of | | | | lot of instruction and experience. You and |
| your skis slowly move outwards, away from | | | | your instructor will know when you're ready. |
| your body, by applying pressure. This stops | | | | |