Skiing fast is a combination of technique and desire. You might want to get more speed to compete or just to feel the rush of cold air at faster speeds. Many skiers equate speed to a loss of control and regulate their speed by turning back and forth across the face of a slope. The absence of technique and a lack of desire for speed relegates these skiers to a particular level of the skiing experience. Similar to driving a vehicle or riding a bike, skiing faster takes practice and common sense.
Step 1
Select a moderate slope that has a consistent surface instead of one with dirt patches, rocks or trees. Take a position at the top of the slop with your skis parallel at body width. Your goal is to ski faster than you have in the past and learn how to go faster at will.
Step 2
Start down the slope with your knees flexed. Bend slightly forward at the waist. Hold your arms at shoulder width and grip your ski poles firmly with your hands at waist level. Steer directly down the fall line, which is the fastest line on a slope.
Step 3
Keep your skis parallel at body width. Go into a racing posture by bending your knees 90 degrees and leaning forward at the waist so your upper body is over your knees. You go faster when both skis are flat on the snow and your body weight is over your bindings.
Step 4
Make a gentle turn one way at any time you feel you might be losing control. Straighten up on the skis as you turn to slow down. Regain your composure and steer down the fall line of the slope.
Step 5
Assume your racing posture. Keep your body weight over your bindings and resist any inclination to lean forward or back, which reduces your control and limits your speed. Turn at any time to slow down.
Step 6
Find a steeper slope that has a consistent surface. Start down the fall line and assume the racing posture with your skis parallel at body width and your hands and poles at shoulder width.
Step 7
Keep your skis flat on the snow. Accelerate to the fastest speed you feel comfortable with before you turn to slow down. Steer down the fall line and immediately go into your racing posture to gain speed.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider using alpine racing skis or extreme skis that are designed for speed. Learn to hop and rotate your body at the same time to change direction quickly instead of turning with your skis on the snow.
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