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Article #233: The Basics of Skiing

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






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