How to Downhill Ski

Downhill skiing, also known as alpine skiing, utilizes many skills including coordination, strength, courage and balance. Skiing is an outdoor recreation and sporting activity that can be enjoyed by families, from the toddler years well into old age.

Step 1

Center your weight on your skis with your hands extended in front of you about belly button height shoulder-width apart. Your knees should be bent and ankles flexed, maintaining the shin-to-boot contact that is needed for balance. Be careful not to let your hands drop to the side because this will force your weight to shift to the back of the skis, resulting in a loss of control.

Step 2

Practice balancing on the outside ski or downhill ski by lifting the inside or uphill ski off the snow with each turn. This drill teaches the skier to transfer weight from one ski to the other and to move smoothly from one turn to the next. Try this next drill by completing one jump before the turn, helping you to get your weight up and over your feet to start the next turn. This drill helps you learn correct weight placement and how to properly move into the next turn. Practicing these drills will help you gain balance and better fluidity in your skiing.

Step 3

Glide down the hill while rolling the skis to the ski's uphill edges. About halfway through your turn, begin rolling the skis so they are flat on the snow with all four edges touching the snow. Continue the roll to the skis opposite edge; this will now be the uphill edge. The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) calls this the 2-4-2 rule, because the skier starts on two edges, moves to a flat ski on all four edges, and finishes on the ski's opposite two edges. PSIA states the more time you spend on two set edges, the more confidence and control you will have on the mountain. Edging using this technique allows the design of the ski to turn the skier instead of the skier forcing the ski to turn. Spend as little time possible with all four edges flat on the snow, as this is where speed is gained and control is lost.

Step 4

Shift the body weight slightly from the uphill ski to the downhill ski during the turn, just like practiced in the first drill.

Step 5

Reaching forward, lightly touch the ski pole to the snow at the beginning of the turn. For example, when finishing a turn to the left, swing the right arm forward lightly touching the pole on the snow surface. This technique aids in stability and the skiers rhythm while skiing.

Step 6

Keep the shoulders square and facing downhill while rotating the hips and lower body in the turn's direction.

Tips and Warnings

When possible, take a ski lesson to help you learn these techniques and improve your skiing ability.
These skiing instructions are meant for those who have previously been on skis. If you are a beginner, seek out beginning ski instruction.