| There are various techniques important in learning to | | | | Half "snow-plow" position |
| ski. Below are some of the essential ones you will | | | | Running obliquely down a slope a less pronounced |
| need to know. | | | | "snow plow" position of the skis will, as a rule, suffice |
| Traversing uphill | | | | to brake, and control the skis. |
| Making your way up a long slope you will find the | | | | When 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 the | | | | distribution 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 and | | | | the corresponding knee. This ski should be edged a |
| pointing in the new direction. Left pole thrust into the | | | | certain 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 the | | | | With this distribution of the weight you will be able to |
| left, with the right pole thrust into the ground by the | | | | carry out your first turns. Changes of direction are |
| right foot. By placing the weight on the poles you will | | | | determined by torsion, or rotation, of the body. |
| prevent any tendency to slide back. | | | | "Snow plow" turns |
| Your "tack" is now complete, and you can continue | | | | Learning 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" downhill | | | | to the right and to the left. Transference of weight |
| You've reached the top of the hill, and you're now | | | | from one ski to another, combined with body torsion, |
| going to ski down for the first time. Your first | | | | will enable you to change direction at will. Every |
| problem is to determine your speed, and to have | | | | movement 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 the | | | | the 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 "snow | | | | and at the same time thrusting the left hip forward. |
| plow" position, with the weight on the heels. Sit well | | | | You will find that you are turning to the right. |
| back, with the knees flexed forward. The body from | | | | Transfer the weight to the right ski, thrust the right |
| the waist up should be leaning slightly forward. All | | | | hip forward, and you will turn to the left. Continue to |
| muscles should be relaxed, and the hands should be | | | | ski downhill, turning alternately to left and right. |
| held close to the knees. In this position you will be | | | | Perfect these techniques and your skiing will become |
| able to brake, edging your skis as required. | | | | a lot more enjoyable. |