1. Get Up and Down First
Before trying to tackle any of the tricks, flips and drops that freestyle skiers perform, make sure you are proficient in the basics of skiing. You should be able to get up and down the toughest mountain terrain with no problem. You should master the art of one ski, or slalom, and be able to perform basic tricks such as jumping off lifts straight away, stopping on a dime and quickly recovering when you head in the wrong direction. Snowboarding can be an easier sport to start with to get used to doing some of the tricks you will explore in freestyle skiing.
2. Up and Over
Freestyle skiers are more acrobats than anything else. As they leave the high jumps, they grab their skis and turn themselves upside down in the air, before landing back on two skis and continuing with the run. There are an endless variety of combinations and directions that the freestyle skier can attempt, including 360-degree turns, backflips, flatspins and corkscrews. Extreme freestyle skiers race down the highest mountains toward the tree lines that others avoid. Freestyle skiing is a risky, exciting sport.
3. Get the Gear
When you start to get into freestyle skiing, you'll need to consider investing in new skis. Twin-tipped skis are a must for backwards skiing, which is done eventually by all freestyle skiers. Twin-tipped skis are turned up on both ends, unlike regular skis that are flat in the back. They allow you to turn and not worry about which way you land. The footings on twin-tipped skis are more centered as well, making balance a little easier.
4. From the Top
Many freestyle skiers enjoy heli skiing, which is for experienced skiers who enjoy the fresh powder and virgin slopes at the very top of the world's highest mountains. You will want to rent or invest in what is called fat skis for the soft white powder that lies on the tops of the mountains you'll travel. Wider skis, ranging from about six to 10 inches in width. They float easier on top of the snow and allow for more stable navigation around natural obstacles that you might encounter. Snowboards work great under these conditions, too.
5. Get Ready
Toning and working out your legs will help you enjoy the skiing experience much more as well as help to avoid injuries. When not skiing, any sports that involve running will leave you with firmer legs and thighs. Jogging, biking, and walking all involve continuous movement. Couple that with speed and long distance and you have a perfect recipe for shapely legs and thighs. The aerobic benefits from long distance running also speed up your metabolism and grab that extra stored fat from the thighs to fuel your movement.
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