Although there is no exact method to determine how to ski well or how long it takes to master all the techniques and movements of skiing, these tips will be very useful if you are one of those self-taught skiers who want to ski for the first time or want to take it to the next level and improve your skiing skills. Experience always counts. And skiing is no exception. Enjoy every descent on the piste and learn from every fall to become an advanced skier. Here are 5 tips to help you ski well and keep progressing on the snow.
How to Ski Well?
Maintain the correct position
To ski well you must maintain proper body posture. It is important to keep the centre of gravity low, as low as possible, but as natural as possible. A position that is too forced will cause discomfort on the snow and will not allow you to enjoy skiing. Keep your knees semi-bent and your body leaning slightly forward to gain momentum and improve your aerodynamics. The head should be straight and the eyes should always be straight ahead. Try not to look down at your feet and skis, it’s a common mistake for beginners who want to make sure they are in the right position. The skis should be kept slightly apart, at hip width.
Master the wedge technique
The wedge technique is the most important technique for controlling the speed of descent and for braking on snow. Its secret lies in placing the skis in a V-shape, so that the front of the skis are together and the back of the skis are separated. Braking should never be abrupt, but progressive as you lose speed. Putting pressure on the inner edges of the skis will make braking more effective. The wedge position is achieved with the ankles bent and knees inwards, leaving the body relaxed and keeping the poles back to avoid contact with the snow.
Learn carving to turn
Carving is a technique used in other sports such as skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding. All these sports disciplines have one thing in common: they are practised on a board. Skiing is not practised on a single board, but has taken its name from this technique for making turns, as it is the same on any surface. To turn on the snow you must place your body weight on the edges of the skis, leaning your body to the side opposite to the side you want to turn.
Work on your fitness off the slopes
Skiing is a physical activity that can be strenuous. Skiers spend many hours on skis and snow, engaging core and limb muscles on every descent. If you are a beginner or have a sedentary lifestyle, skiing may lead to early fatigue. If you are a regular sportsman with an active lifestyle you don’t have to worry about anything and enjoy long sessions of fun in the snow. It is also advisable to do some stretching and warm-up exercises before starting the activity to warm up your muscles and limbs. We also advise you to take short breaks to hydrate and eat some food to replenish your energy.
Safety is the most important thing
Skiing is considered a risky sport, as are all activities on slippery surfaces. To this end, it is important to highlight some aspects that must be taken into account on the slopes and in ski resorts and that can have a direct impact on the safety of the sportsperson. Keep your equipment in good condition, and if you don’t own it, you can rent it for hours or days. Wearing a helmet and goggles or sunglasses is essential to ensure your safety. Poles are very useful to give you more stability and balance on skis. Stay on the green slopes until you gain experience and the confidence to take on more challenging slopes. We also recommend that you leave a certain distance from other skiers on the slope, so that you can ensure your own safety as well as the safety of other skiers in the event of a fall.