While some skiers opt for leisurely rides on mellow slopes, others prefer to take a more adventurous approach. Freestyle is an extreme discipline of snow skiing that involves high-flying tricks and high-speed maneuvers. Big name contests, including the X Games and Winter Olympics, showcase freestyle skiing as a main event. Olympic freestyle skiing has consisted of moguls, aerials and skicross, but another prominent freestyle discipline, known as half-pipe, received approval in April 2011 for inclusion in the 2014 Olympics. Participate in each of the freestyle disciplines to determine your favorite riding style.
Step 1
Ride a pair of twin tip skis when participating in freestyle events to avoid catching an edge. Carry your skis to a freestyle course that features large mounds of snow, known as moguls. Bend your knees to a 45-degree angle as you begin to ski down the freestyle course.
Step 2
Shift your body weight between the edges of the skis to navigate around the moguls. Lean back as you ski up one of the freestyle jumps. Extend your legs to jump vertically off the apex of the ramp.
Step 3
Rotate your shoulders quickly to perform a freestyle spin. Lift your knees towards your chest to maximize the airtime of your jump. Grab the outer edge of your skis for extra style points.
Step 4
Lower your eyes to the ground to spot your landing. Lean forward to keep the underside of your skis parallel to the ground. Bend your knees as your twin tip skis descend onto the snow.
Step 5
Test your speed capabilities on a freestyle racing course. Lean into the sharp turns of the skicross course to maintain your speed. Attempt to pass friends and fellow racers to increase your standing in the freestyle race.
Step 6
Drop in to a large U-shaped ramp known as a half-pipe to perfect your freestyle skiing tricks. Lean back as you ascend the steep walls of the ramp. Extend your legs to jump as you reach the apex of the wall.
Step 7
Lift your knees towards your chest to soar above the top deck of the ramp. Rotate your shoulders while grabbing your skis to perform a freestyle maneuver. Spot your landing and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Things You'll Need
- Twin tip skis
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