Ski Techniques

Downhill Ski Techniques

The Professional Ski Instructors of America certification advisers developed a performance model based on specific ski skills. The skills include balance in constantly changing terrain, the ability to pressure and place your skis on edge to carve...

Cross Country Ski Techniques

Cross country skiing encompasses a range of techniques, from the freestyle or skating style to the classic, diagonal-striding style that most people associate with the sport. Telemark skiing is a form of downhill skiing in the cross country skiing...

Parallel Turn Skiing Techniques

Ski instructors love to debate the merits of two methods of ski instruction. Some teach beginners the classic wedge position. When students show confidence and understanding of the movements, as well as on-slope balance skills, these instructors...

Backcountry Ski Technique

Backcountry skiing is a form of cross-country skiing in which skiers traverse untamed snow off the trail and often deep into the wilderness. This type of skiing can be dangerous because it is often in remote locations where rescue missions can be...

Roller Skating/Skiing Techniques

Roller skating and skiing share many of the same techniques, so practicing one sport can develop your skills in the other. For either sport, practice balancing on flat ground until you learn to stay upright. Then move to gentle slopes, where you...

Downhill Snow Skiing Techniques

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...

Alpine Skiing Technique of Leaning Forward

As you ski down the trail, your instructor might tell you to get out of the backseat. The backseat is ski instructor lingo for keeping most of your body weight on the tails of your skis. "Get forward," another instructor cue, describes the safest...

Ski Tuning Techniques

Alpine skis are expensive pieces of equipment, and they can get ruined quickly when they're not properly maintained. Hot wax is applied to the underside of skis to protect the ski from damage, and it also improves the performance of the skis by...

Ski Pole Techniques

A ski pole's usefulness is proportional to the skier's skill. Correct poling technique enriches the skiing experience, but On the Snow equipment editor Allen Smith warns that improper ski pole use may hinder technique. Novice skiers, who have not...

Ski Wax Techniques

Keeping your skis waxed and ready for your next day on the slopes will assure the best performance and longevity of your gear. With a few special tools, good wax and an old household iron, you can fine-tune your skis at home and get the most out...

Nordic Track Ski Machine Techniques

The NordicTrack ski machine is an aerobic exerciser that simulates the action of cross-country skiing. It provides cardiovascular exercise and a total-body workout by using sliding footplates with ropes and pulleys that provide resistance for the...

Techniques for Downhill Ski Racing

World-class skiers often win downhill racing events by a fraction of a second. Ski coaches train their racers to use event-specific strategies. Their best racers have the ability to determine the fastest and most efficient line down the slopes and...

Nordic Ski Wax Technique

Nordic skis--or cross-country skis--can vary slightly in their composition in order to accommodate different types of snow and terrain, but several aspects of skis are universal to all types. One universal requirement is the application of ski wax...

Downhill Ski Racing Technique Tips

Downhill ski racing is a competitive sport, being a prominent fixture of the Winter Olympics and a popular winter activity for many. Downhill ski racing can vary, as each course offers different challenges and hazards. No matter how talented a...

Techniques to Improve Skiing

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, good skiing techniques help to make your winter experience fun, enjoyable and injury free. Learning the correct way to ski gives beginners a good foundation before advancing on to more...

Telemark Technique for Cross Country Skiing

Telemark cross-country skiing takes fitness and strength. Northern Europeans and Scandinavians used cross-country skiing as a means of travel during snowy winters. Telemark originally referred to the smooth turning technique skiers used traveling...

How to Become a Good Skier

According to the International Ski Federation, the first documented existence of skis dates back to 6300 B.C. In 6000 B.C., the word "ski" was first used in Finland. Throughout history, skiing was used as a mode of transportation, as rudimentary...

How to Drop in Skiing

Dropping off of a natural obstacle such as a rock, cliff or cornice on your skis is a thrilling experience and requires advanced skills. Before you drop in, check the snow quality and stability of your line, advises SkiingtheBackCountry.com. With...

How to Overcome Muscle Fatigue From Skiing

Skiing can be a vigorous exercise that works the legs hard. It increases the activity of large muscle groups such as the gluteus, hamstrings and quadriceps. It is common to experience tired muscles after skiing, especially on cross-country trails....

Ski Blades Vs. Skis

While the sight of grown-ups on ski blades invokes images of adults on kids' bicycles, ski blades, also called snow blades and ski boards, are not designed for children. Ski-blading combines techniques used in snowboarding, ice skating and...

Skiing Definition of a Crossover

During the winter months, many people enjoy heading to the ski slopes, and although most people start on the bunny hill, progressing to more advanced parts of the mountain requires a skill known as a crossover. In fact, as you advance from moving...

5 Things You Need to Know About Side Stepping

Side stepping is one of the most basic of moves in skiing, but also one of the most essential. Knowing how to side step develops your confidence and helps you become more in tune with the skis under you. Start with a surface that is flat and...

Telemark Ski Training Exercises

Telemark refers to a skiing technique that utilizes a series of rhythmic body movements. According to Telemark Tips, Norwegian born Sondre Norheim has been credited for developing the Telemark style in the late 1800s. Unlike the traditional alpine...

Beginner Snow Ski Tips

Learning to ski can be an exciting and challenging experience. Skigreat.com recommends that beginner skiers take lessons to learn and practice ski techniques correctly. Speak with a professional ski instructor about safety guidelines to ensure a...

How to Stand Up in Snow Skis

If there’s one thing more embarrassing than falling down on your skis, it’s not being able to get back up. Taking the occasional tumble is inevitable, so you should practice how to get up after a fall, just like you practice any other...

Skiers Prone to Sore Calves

The calf region is not a common injury for skiers; however, there are several scenarios that make skiers prone to sore calves. Beginner skiers are the most at risk for sore calves, but this does not exclude the most advanced skiers from a...

Ski Instructor Training

Before you start training to be a ski instructor, you should take lessons to ensure you are a competent skier. Once comfortable on the slopes, you can apply to training programs in the area where you wish to teach. Keep in mind that training...

Difference Between Skate Skis & Cross Country

Cross-country skiing originated as a means of transportation in cold winter climates. Today, cross-country skiing is an excellent cardiovascular form of exercise and a competitive sport. You keep your skis parallel in the Classic kick and glide...

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