The Basics of Skiing

There are various techniques important in learning toHalf "snow-plow" position
ski. Below are some of the essential ones you willRunning obliquely down a slope a less pronounced
need to know."snow plow" position of the skis will, as a rule, suffice
Traversing uphillto brake, and control the skis.
Making your way up a long slope you will find theWhen you come to learning your first turns, you will
least tiring way is it "tack", just like a sailing-ship.find this position, and the practice it gives in the
Both skis parallel, at right angles to the line of thedistribution of the weight, of great importance.
slope.Place the weight on the outer (lower) ski by bending
Weight on the right ski and the left ski raised andthe corresponding knee. This ski should be edged a
pointing in the new direction. Left pole thrust into thecertain amount, while the upper ski should be flat on
ground close to the left foot.the snow, with comparatively little weight on it.
The right ski is lifted up and brought parallel to theWith this distribution of the weight you will be able to
left, with the right pole thrust into the ground by thecarry out your first turns. Changes of direction are
right foot. By placing the weight on the poles you willdetermined by torsion, or rotation, of the body.
prevent any tendency to slide back."Snow plow" turns
Your "tack" is now complete, and you can continueLearning to "snow-plow" will teach you the correct
to ski uphill, with knees well flexed.position of skis and body required for executing turns
"Snow plowing" downhillto the right and to the left. Transference of weight
You've reached the top of the hill, and you're nowfrom one ski to another, combined with body torsion,
going to ski down for the first time. Your firstwill enable you to change direction at will. Every
problem is to determine your speed, and to havemovement must be carried out rhythmically, and your
your skis under complete control as you ski downhill.skis should retain the full "snow-plow" position while
For this purpose the "snow-plow" position is thethe turn is being carried out.
correct method of braking.Ski straight down hill, with your skis in the full
The full "snow plow" position is flat skis, knees bent"snow-plow" position. Place the weight on the left ski,
forwards, and not inwards. Assume a wide "snowand at the same time thrusting the left hip forward.
plow" position, with the weight on the heels. Sit wellYou will find that you are turning to the right.
back, with the knees flexed forward. The body fromTransfer the weight to the right ski, thrust the right
the waist up should be leaning slightly forward. Allhip forward, and you will turn to the left. Continue to
muscles should be relaxed, and the hands should beski downhill, turning alternately to left and right.
held close to the knees. In this position you will bePerfect these techniques and your skiing will become
able to brake, edging your skis as required.a lot more enjoyable.