Downhill skiing can be one of the most thrilling and exciting participant and spectator sports. Watching the best skiers in the world compete in an event like the Olympic downhill or slalom can be enlightening and educational. While those skiers are obviously going much faster, they use the same movements that recreational skiers use when they traverse the mountain.
One-ski Technique
This is one of the most basic techniques for skiers. When you are traversing the side of a mountain, you are balancing your weight primarily on the ski that is closest to the bottom of the mountain. As you change direction, you are switching your bottom ski from your left to your right and back again. Practice skiing on one leg to learn balance and confidence with downhill skiing.
Skating
When you are skating on the ice, you push off to the sides and back to move quickly. You do the same with your skis when you are on a flatter part of the course. You can use your ski poles to help get an additional push but it is your legs that do the bulk of the work and provide the impetus to get from one spot to another.
Slipping
This is the technique to use when you are on a less steep part of the mountain. As you get to ones side of the mountain on your run, you will turn around and change direction. As the tips of your skis change directions, you will slip down the mountain and maintain your speed. To do more "slipping," relax your ankles. To hold your position and come to a stop, tighten your ankles.
Carving
Carving is the process of digging the edges of your skis into the snow to gain control as you ski down the mountain. When you are skiing on very steep part of the hill, you need to dig your edges in and you can't slip or slide. This requires strong force in your core muscles, hips and legs. If you fail to carve on steep parts of the mountain, you will lose control and have a hard staying upright on your run down the mountain.
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