Mastering the rail slide takes plenty of practice and determination. It is a trick that should only be attempted by skiers looking to advance their skill set beyond the intermediate level. Safety gear must be worn at all times when attempting any new trick, and it is important to remember that if you are not falling, then you are not trying. Wiping out in an attempt to master a new trick is simply part of learning.
Step 1
Build up some speed. In order to properly clear the gap, you must find a proper speed at which to attempt the jump. Hitting the jump too slow could mean falling short of the rail, while hitting it too fast could send you sailing right over it. Practice gaging jumps on other ramps similar in size before attempting the rail ramp. Find a comfortable speed and stick with it.
Step 2
Commit to jumping. Once you have found your speed, it is important to not squander it with a timid jump. Hesitating to put full force into the jump could keep you from getting off the ground at all. Staying loose and nimble will increase your chance of landing the rail.
Step 3
Twist the skis. Before landing on the rail with your skis, twist them 90 degrees in the direction that feels most comfortable to you. Usually that means your dominant foot forward in the twist. Be sure not to over-rotate the skis or it could throw you off balance. Landing on the rail square is perhaps the most important aspect of the trick.
Step 4
Keep your balance. In order to get the most out of the momentum from your downhill descent, it is very important to keep a consistent balance. Keep your skis square, placing the most pressure on your forward foot. Stay in the squatted position during this phase of the trick. Keeping a lower center of gravity will help improve balance.
Step 5
Straighten your skis. As you begin to approach the end of the rail, cock you hips as you prepare to swing your skis back to their forward position. It is OK to begin slightly turning the skis before the end of the rail is reached. The most important thing that you can do at this point is do what feels comfortable. You spend most of your time with your skis in the forward position, so turn them in the way that seems most comfortable to you.
Step 6
Stick the landing. In preparation for your skis making contact with the ground, it is important to try to keep the front of your skis angled up as much as possible. Catching the front of your skis into the snow can spell disaster and leave you with a face full of powder. Once your skis make contact with the ground, stay low and ride it out.
Tips and Warnings
- When landing on the rail, try to transition into gliding across its surface, rather than attempting to "land" on it and then glide.
- All safety equipment must be worn whenever attempting tricks on a rail. The most important thing to remember is that you will wreck, and that's OK. Keep this in mind when getting equipped. The rail is a hard surface as opposed to the snow.
Things You'll Need
- Skis
- Skiing protective equipment
- Rail box or rail
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