Downhill skiing is best learned under the guidance of a certified ski instructor, but the sport may seem counter-intuitive, especially if you've never played in the snow. Skiing requires a delicate balance between controlling and shaping your movements and allowing your body to surrender to the forces of gravity. Your sense of balances changes when you ski. Imagine how you would walk if your feet were at least four times their size. You would have to adjust your alignment to maintain dynamic stability. This is how your body reacts on skis. Pre-trip preparation and knowledge of what to expect may lower the downhill skiing learning curve.
Before You Go
Step 1
Practice balance exercises on a daily basis. Stand on one foot and lift the opposite leg from the floor. Keep your working heel flat on the floor, but shift your weight forward and back toward your toes and your heels. This is how your weight transitions during a ski turn. Perform for as long as possible and then switch sides.
Step 2
Stand with your feet in parallel alignment and separated at hip width apart. Bend your knees slightly and shift your weight so that you balance on the little toe of your left foot and the big toe of your right foot.
Step 3
Transition to the other side by flattening both feet and then shifting you weight so that you are on the big toe of your left foot and the little toe of your right foot. This simulates the carving movements used on the slope.
Step 4
Find a steep hill. Walk down the hill making a series of connected "S-shaped" patterns with your feet. Note that when you turn left, your left foot leads, and when you turn right, your right foot leads. This mimics your skis' edge-engagement sequence during a turn.
Putting on Your Gear
Step 1
Put on one pair of thin, over-the-calf ski socks.
Step 2
Go to the gear rental area to get your boots and skis.
Step 3
Put on your ski boots. Pull the boot tongue forward and slide your heel into the boot.
Step 4
Adjust the Velcro power strap at the top of the boot. Buckle the boot and then shift your weight forward so that your shin touches the boot tongue. Repeat with the other boot.
Step 5
Go outside with your skis. Find a flat area. Use your poles to scrape the snow off the inside of your bindings. Scrape your boot heel against the upper part of the binding to remove any accumulated ice. Slide the toes of one foot into the toe piece. Then, push down with your heel on the heel piece to snap the binding into place.
On the Snow
Step 1
Shift your weight forward so that your shins are touching the boot tongue. Bend your knees slightly and perform a small jump. You will be able to jump if you are in the correct alignment. If you are not able to jump, you probably have too much weight on your heels or toward the tail of the ski.
Step 2
Take off one ski and use your free foot to help you scoot around in a circle. This will simulate the gliding on snow sensation. Repeat on the other side.
Step 3
Find a short, easy slope serviced by a magic carpet or surface lift. Ride to the top and stand at the top of the slope, facing downhill. Bend your elbows and rest them against your waist. Keep your forearms parallel to the snow, and hold each pole with the baskets facing down.
Step 4
Shift your weight toward your shins and let your body glide down the hill. Turn left by shifting your weight toward the big toe of your right foot and the little toe of your left foot. Flatten your feet and reverse the turn to the right.
Step 5
Stop moving by creating a wedge position. Slide your tips toward each other and slide your heels apart.
Tips and Warnings
- A ski helmet protects your head and keeps you warm. Your goggles protect your eyes from sun damage. Slopes are less crowded during the middle of the week.
- The downhill skier always has the right of way. If you stop on the slopes, move off to the side. Look uphill before resuming your run. Wait until faster skiers have passed.
Things You'll Need
- Skis
- Ski boots
- Ski poles
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Ski clothes
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