Successfully transitioning from skiing forward to backward is the hallmark of an advanced downhill skier. Skiing backward, also known as skiing switch, is not only fun, but is helpful in troubleshooting your stance and weight distribution. Learning to ski backward is helpful for skiers who have a tendency to have too much backward lean, as well as develop a feel for aggressive edging when skiing more challenging terrain. A natural reaction is to lean into the hill in steeper terrain and skiing backward will help you to better trust your balance.
Step 1
Position your skis in a herringbone, or "V," so you are facing up the hill you wish to ski down backward. You should be stationary and not sliding downward. If you start to slide, apply more pressure to your inside ski edges.
Step 2
Release the pressure, gradually, on your edges until you begin slide downhill.
Step 3
Brake hard immediately until you come to a complete stop. Do not slide down the slope more than few inches. As soon as you begin to slide, brake.
Step 4
Repeat the sliding and braking a few times to get a feel for your balance and moving backward.
Step 5
Increase the sliding distance to four feet before braking. You are now ready to make the transition from forward to backward skiing.
Step 6
Ski slowly downhill in a forward position.
Step 7
Make a sharp turn into the hill until your ski tips are facing uphill.
Step 8
Look over the shoulder that is on the same side as the direction you just turned. If you turned to the right, look over your right shoulder.
Step 9
Scissor your feet into a reverse snowplow so that your front ski tips are angled out and your rear ski tips are angled in. This is the opposite of the snowplow you use when forward skiing.
Step 10
Stop your downward motion by digging your ski edges into the slope. This is the same move you practiced earlier.
Tips and Warnings
- Note the position of your ankles and knees and feel how much pressure your shins feel when you are braking backward. You should feel most of the pressure in your shins. Practice turning left and right when skiing backward to improve your confidence and balance.
- Start your practice on gentle slopes with plenty of space to work. You do not want to be speeding downhill in a backward position until you have the skills to turn and stop.
References
- "Hot Dog Skiing;" Bob Mann; 1977
- "Ultimate Skiing;" Ron LeMaster; 2009
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