If you have not tried skiing yet, then there is no better time than winter to start learning it. There is a learning curve to every new thing you try your hands on and a mere guide or quick tips will not make you a professional. However, before going to a professional to start your learning, read this quick guide to give yourself a perfect head start before moving to actual lessons. Also, knowing the ski etiquette and basic rules to be followed in the resort is as important as your skills for your safety. Follow this guide to learn the basics to be followed during skiing.

  • Be confident on skis before you start

Get yourself comfortable on the skis before the start of your ski trip. Try moving around on a flat land on your ski to find the balance while moving forward. Position your skis parallel to one another and try to reach forward using the poles, slightly tilt them, towards yourself and push down to start the movement in the forward direction.

  • Ensure you're protected on the slopes

Wear all the gears that can protect you from the icy wind on the mountain and are waterproof too. You need to wear the protective gears for safety of your body especially if you are a beginner as chances of injury are high. Your ski instructor will tell you all the ski gears necessary for you to wear before the start of the activity.

  • Practice your positions for skiing

The correct skiing posture might seem a little awkward at first but soon after some practice, you will realise its value. A general mistake new skier tends to make is to lean backwards while opening their arms to slow down. Instead, try to bend your knees and ankles enough that you can feel the weight of your shin rest on the front of your ski boots, this is the ideal way to slow down. Now, when you start heading out you would want your weight to be evenly distributed on your leg. Put your hand on the ski poles straps and keep them on sides after leaning a bit forward. Once, you start to gain confidence in this posture then you will be able to control your turns and stops.

  • Practice the "snow-plow" wedge for downhill skiing

Spread the tips of the ski in the form of the English alphabet “V” to stop yourself from sliding backwards. Similarly, while moving forward on a slope the ideal way to slow down or stop is to spread your heels and bring the ski tips together. This position is called beginner’s wedge or pizza slice by the ski instructors and is a classic manoeuvre taught in the ski schools as a lesson to beginner level skiers. You can also turn slowly using the “snow-plow” by bending your knees and moving the legs in the opposite direction of your desired turn. For example, if you want to turn right then push your left leg in the forward direction. This easy tip will let you turn efficiently after practice.

So, this was the set of tips for beginner level skiers to start their learning about skiing on the slopes. You can also access and research more ways to enhance your skiing skills. you should join a ski training school to practice on your skills and soon you will be able to attain mastery over skiing on icy slopes. If you have any questions regarding skiing, do share them with us.