1. Know How to Traverse
When you begin to learn the side slipping technique, it is best to be very familiar with downhill traversing. This technique sets you up for diagonal side slipping because in the traverse you do, many of the same motions required for diagonal side slipping. Among the similarities are that downhill traverse requires you to steer your skis with your knees and steer back up into the slope. Let your skis flatten out slightly and you have a nice diagonal side slipping technique.
2. Not for All Terrain
Side slipping is a technique used on steeper slopes, and therefore is for those with more advanced skills. Make sure you run on packed snow when using this technique and be sure the conditions are proper for more difficult slopes. Check your lodge ski report for closed slopes and weather updates, especially since the higher, more difficult slopes may have closings, and these are the very slopes you'd need to practice this technique. You may decide to start side slipping on lower slopes, but the technique is better executed on a slightly steeper one. Make sure you also have a safe run out, and a short slope to start out on.
3. Body Positioning Determines Speed
To determine the rate of decent in a side slip, you use several body maneuvers. For instance, to slow down your motion, drive your knees up and into the slope and forward. To speed up your decent, simply do the opposing motion, drive your knees down the slope. Controlling the motion is as important as learning the technique, so take as long as you need to master the skill. Motion control limits your chances of injury, as well as, enhances your overall enjoyment of the skill.
4. Wax the Blades
In order to side slip well on a wider variety of conditions, you must have wax on your ski blades. If you don't make it a habit to wax your skis, you simply will not be able to side slip on anything but icy conditions. Take the time to check your skis in for maintenance before you attempt to learn any new technique.
5. Precursor to the Parallel Turn
Learning to side slip is an important first step to learn how to make a parallel turn. Be sure you know how to completely control your side slip, both in speed and direction, before attempting to learn to parallel turn. Become an expert in your side slipping technique and you'll be able to slip right into parallel turning.
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