Alpine skiing, also known as downhill skiing, is a fun, exhilarating and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It utilizes many skills such as balance, confidence, coordination and determination. Knowing the basic techniques paired with practice can help you achieve a higher level of self-confidence and skiing ability.
Step 1
Bend your knees and flex your ankles so the needed shin-to-boot contact remains constant. This contact between the shin and inside of the boot tongue is needed for balance. Find a comfortable stance and keep your arms about waist high, shoulder width apart. Doing this helps you keep your weight centered.
Step 2
Glide down the hill as you begin to roll the skis to their uphill edges. Midway through the turn, roll the skis so they are flat on the snow with all four edges in contact with the snow. Continue the roll to the skis' opposite edges, which will now be their uphill edges. 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 skis' 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 in this manner allows the design of the ski to turn the skier instead of the skier forcing the ski to turn.
Step 3
Shift the weight from the uphill ski to the downhill ski during the turn. The majority of the skier's weight should be on the downhill ski at all times. The skier can accomplish this by slightly lifting the uphill ski off the snow during the turn. This is a great drill to practice because it allows the skier to become comfortable with shifting her body weight.
Step 4
Keep your shoulders square and facing downhill while your hips and lower body rotate in the direction of the turn. Before the turn, reach forward and lightly touch the ski pole to the snow using it as a guide for the turn. For example, when finishing a turn to the left, swing your right arm forward, lightly touching the pole on the snow surface and follow with a turn. This technique helps the skier with stability and rhythm while skiing.
Step 5
Practice on a beginning hill and gradually work up to a larger hill.
Tips and Warnings
- On a beginning hill, balance 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 the 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.
- These instructions are intended for individuals who have previous experience skiing. If you are a beginner, there are other techniques better suited to help you in the learning process.
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