While the shadow of skiing inspires snowflakes, beautiful scenery and hot chocolate, it's important to remember that skiing isn't easy. However, gaming is a thrilling sport that is suitable for those who like to pump up their adrenaline. If you've been wanting to try skiing for a long time but haven't had the chance, these tips can get you started. Keep in mind that while this article is about basic “alpine skiing” (downhill), it is not a substitute for actual training – read on and sign up for a training class and have fun in the snow!
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Part 1 of 5: Knowing the Slope Rules
Step 1. Learn how to differentiate the difficulty levels of the paths
You can see the difficulty level of the trail by a symbol on the trail marker or ski map. In North America, the difficulty level of the path is indicated as follows:
- The green circle indicates an easy or beginner path. The path is not very fast, has only a few obstructions, and is not too long.
- The blue box indicates medium difficulty. This path may have some obstacles or be steeper, you should not follow this path unless you have mastered the easier paths.
- Black Diamond (black diamond) signifies a difficult path. The trail has obstacles, is mogul (snow mountain), and is very steep, with a narrow path down. Don't try this path if you are not experienced. Even if you think you're ready, you're most likely wrong. Many people get hurt from trying the difficult path too early.
- A Double Black Diamond (two black diamonds), or a black diamond with an exclamation point, indicates a course that only trained skiers are allowed to use. Do not use this route unless you are comfortable enough with the other paths. It's better if you go with a partner. When you're ready for this double black line, make sure there's no "EX" in the middle. This indicates "Expert Only", the only thing that is more difficult than "heliskiing". (Skiing in which players are dropped from helicopters. These snow slopes are very easy to slide.)
Step 2. Be aware that this level of difficulty is only compared to other trails in the same resort
Therefore, the path marked by the blue box at other resorts may be more difficult than the black diamond path at other resorts. Because of this, when skiing at a new resort, you are better off starting on the green and moving up, even if you are an experienced skier.
Step 3. Know who has lane rights on the slope
The person in front of you (on your lower slope) has the right of lane. It is your responsibility to avoid them, even if they fall in front of you. For this reason, it is better to leave enough distance between you and the skier or snowboarder in front of you.
Step 4. Make sure you always control yourself when you are on the slopes
It's your responsibility to know which speed and difficulty you can control. Don't follow the black diamond just because of your confidence, even if you've never skied before. You risk injuring (even killing) others, or yourself, if you crash.
Step 5. Don't stop if you can't be seen from above
While it's very common to pause while on an incline, you should know that you shouldn't stop if you're blocking the path or are out of sight of passersby because someone else could descend the slope and hit you.
If you need to stop, try to stop at the top of the next part of the slope (the top of the hill)
Part 2 of 5: Wearing Ski Boots
Step 1. Put on your ski boots
If you rent it, ask the clerk for help to choose the appropriate size. You have to find your size and adjust the tightness. When worn, your feet should be motionless but not compressed. Your toes don't squeeze the front of the shoe when you bend your knee forward. The upper part of the shoe should protect your ankle.
- The easiest way to walk in ski boots is to take long strides, swinging the stiff shoe from front to back with the underside of your forearm while moving your body.
- When you have your shoes on, take your skis and poles outside. Skis have sharp edges and may also have rough and sharp edges, so carry them in gloves.
Step 2. Separate your skis
Find a flat area in the snowfield. If both of your skis are locked at the bottom, by pinching the “snow brakes” on the edge over the flat side (the purpose of which is to prevent skis from slipping off your shoes and prevent spraining your feet), stand the skis with the back facing up, holding the skis that have brakes on them. “inside”, and gently rock the ski that has the brake “outside”.
Step 3. Insert your feet into the skis
Set the skis facing the same direction about a foot apart. Drive the poles into the snow beside each ski, a few inches to the side and near the front of the ski rim. Grasp the sticks and, one at a time, insert the flange (wheel rim) on the front end of the shoe on the fore brim of the ski and push the flange on the heel of the shoe against the rear rim of the ski, until it clicks. Slide the shoe back and forth to make sure the ski is in place. If not, try again.
Step 4. Learn how to take off the skis
To remove it, or to screw it in or retry a failed fit (or if it fails to re-attach after removing the shoe), press the lever behind the shoe until it is level with the ski. It is easiest to push using a pole by inserting the pointed end into the groove.
If you fall and have difficulty standing, remove the ski on the “ground side” standing using the other ski and pole, then put the ski off again
Part 3 of 5: Learning the Basics of Skiing
Step 1. Take a ski training class
While this isn't the first choice for everyone, as these classes are usually expensive and unpleasant, they are the quickest way to learn the basics of skiing. Look for beginner classes offered at ski resorts and on snow mountains.
- It's best to take classes a few weeks before climbing the mountain, as they fill up quickly. Take an age-appropriate class (or you may accidentally enroll in a children's class)
- Many resorts offer cheap lift ticket packages, rentals, and beginner classes. You can come and register right away. Several short beginner and intermediate classes are conducted throughout the day. This class is great for dealing with stiffness, as a refresher, or building confidence for bigger hills.
Step 2. Practice how to walk on skis
One of the first things you should learn is how to move on skis. You'll be wearing your skis when you walk to the lift, if you fall and have to pick up a loose ski, and more. One of the most common ways to move on skis (without going downhill) is to make sure the skis stay level and propel yourself using the poles. With your hands together, stick the pole, lean back, into the snow next to you, slowly roll your arms back, repeat. This method allows you to use your shoulder muscles instead of your weaker arm muscles to pull back. Drag in one direction to turn. Don't slide the skis back and forth as a warm-up or move your arms alternately: cross-country skiing uses special hinged ski edges to aid in movement of the skis and paraffin to help the parts of the ski that are stressed during the ski shifting process propel you forward. This method is great for starting downhill as the skis are already in a level position.
- “Herringbone” (a technique named after the fishbone pole left by the ski in the snow). Point your skis against each other, then step forward. Tilt the front of the ski into the snow and push it forward. Bend your knees and lean forward slightly so you can use your stronger leg extension muscles to propel yourself forward instead of using your weaker leg rotation muscles to swing the skis one at a time under your torso. You can climb the hill this way. Split the skis wider as the hill gets steeper, and if you start to shift backwards. Use poles to keep them from falling, and keep them away from skis so they don't trip.
- You can also do the "side-step" way when climbing the hill. Push off the snow using skis, just like herringbone. Make sure the skis are perpendicular to the slope so they don't fall off easily, use the poles so they don't slip to the side, here, move forward or backward, not sideways, from the start.
- “Skate skiing” is the fastest method.. Navigate the skis like a “herringbone”, but allow yourself to slowly slide forward with one foot under you and move by slowly pushing sideways and kicking out while moving the skis in the opposite direction, still moving forward, like ice skating.. You will gradually shift to the herringbone movement on steep surfaces.
Step 3. Know which technique works best for you
The forearms are stronger than the forearms, especially in untrained men and women, so as a beginner use herringbone and skate skis as much as possible to avoid fatigue in your upper body.
Don't climb hills until you have mastered the basics of skiing
Step 4. Use the most common ski posture
Bend your knees and lean forward. The length of the ski will prevent you from falling forward. Leaning back won't stop your movement, but will make the ski difficult to control. Place your hands on the rope that feels like a ski pole and hold the pole on each side of you. When sliding, the pole should be ready to go, but you won't need it.
Don't lean forward excessively. Ski racers sometimes use the “French egg position” which is to lean forward towards the thighs to reduce air resistance while gliding, but this prevents the waist from twisting and the hands cannot balance or move the pole to turn
Step 5. Make sure you don't shift in any direction
Separate the front end of the ski as wide as possible (herringbone) to prevent yourself from sliding backwards, and the rear from sliding forward. The muscles used to push the legs outward are stronger than the muscles that push the legs in, so separating the skis is easier than bringing them together.
Step 6. Practice how to quit
Bring the front end of the ski closer together, then push the heel out to form an opening and tilt the front into the snow. This formation is commonly called a "pizza", "wedge", or "snowplow" after the traditional peg-shaped “plow” (a snowplow). Don't put your skis on top of each other, it can make you lose control.
Step 7. Learn how to turn
Once you've mastered "pizza" you can learn a quicker way to quit. The trick is to turn so that your skis are perpendicular to the downhill slope. Turning is also an important part of skiing (as is stopping.) To turn, all you have to do is point your feet (and skis) away from your body and parallel to the direction of the turn. You as well as your skis will turn. To carve out smoother turns, swing out the ankles of the skis to get the skis into the snow and follow the turns, this is better than wasting snow to make turns like any other technique. If you want to stop while making a turn, put your feet in a "plow" position then turn and up the hill. You will slowly stop.
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Later, you can stop by simply turning and pushing the snow hard enough that you will stop in an even position.
A very fast parallel turn before the body can adjust, followed by pressing the top of the ski into the snow, is a movement known as a "hockey stop". This takes practice
Step 8. Learn a good way to fall
If you're going to hit a tree or other people, and you're a beginner, don't try to dodge them, you're more likely to hit something else. Try to throw yourself to the side. If possible, fall face-up, as there is less chance of injury if you fall face-up to a hill (because there is less distance to fall than falling down). Try to fall on your waist and shoulders. Don't try to support yourself with your arms, as your forearms are more likely to be injured than your hips or shoulders.
Try to be as calm as possible if you fall. If you feel like you're going to fall, don't strain your body as it will cause more injury. When your body is tense, your muscles become tight and easily pulled
Step 9. Learn how to use the chairlift
Walk on your skis up to the chairlift. Wait until the officer calls you, then wait in the loading area. Wait for the chair to come, and let the chair lift you up. Usually, lifts have enough room for two people per seat, so make sure you and your friend are next to each other when the seats come. When the chair reaches the top, lean your skis forward, then push yourself away from the chair as it twists. Use chair movement to lift you up and away from the lift.
- Remember to always remove the pole strap from your wrist and tuck the pole under one arm. Leaving the pole on your wrist can be dangerous and make it difficult for you to get on the lift.
- Never lean out of the chairlift while in the air, if your skis or gloves fall off. You can pick it up later. Leaning too far out of the lift could result in you falling and possibly causing serious injury and even death.
- If you fail to get off the chairlift when you reach your destination, don't panic, and don't try to jump down. You can press the button that shuts off the elevator, and someone can help you down.
Part 4 of 5: Trying Bunny Slope
Step 1. Start on bunny hill
Bunny hill is a small slope, usually equipped with a tow rope. Take the carpet lift, tow rope or chairlift on bunny hill.
- Carpet lifts are large conveyor belts. The trick is to push yourself up to the end, then climb with your pole on top of the belt, ready to restrain yourself if the belt stops suddenly, usually the fault of a small child or novice. A few feet from the end of the belt, lift your pole so it doesn't catch on the end of the belt and lean forward to lower it.
- If there is a tow rope, wait for the handle to come in, grasp it, then let the rope pull you up. Do not drag yourself or sit on the rope. When the rope lifts you up, release it then use a herring board to get off the lift.
Step 2. Prepare yourself above
Be aware of other people, especially if the bunny slope is at the foot of the other slope there may be people sliding at high speed. Allow yourself to slide down the slope, but slowly. Make sure the front ends of your skis are close to each other. When you reach the bottom, bring your skis closer together and make a wide angle. This will get you to a stop quickly. If you fall, make the skis point to the side of the slope, not down. Get up, get ready, then continue down the slope.
Step 3. Go down the slope
For the first time downhill, you may be better off going into the “pizza” position (which is the easiest for you to control.) After you've gone down the bunny hill a few times, you may want to start turning. To do this, rest your weight on the ski facing a direction that is “not” your turning direction. This will cause your torso to swing sideways behind it so it swerves through the snow in front of you. Lean back and push the skis into the snow and then make a slight turn for a sharper turn. Plan your moves in advance: the turns will be very wide the first time. Give yourself enough space to stay away from obstacles. Once you know how to do this, you can go down the hill by making a zigzag turn.
Look ahead. If you stare at your skis as you slide, you could bump into trees, other people, or anything that gets in your way
Step 4. Lean in the right direction
If you lean back too much, you may have difficulty turning, which can cause you to lose control and crash. If you lean forward excessively, your skis will become difficult to control and you will tire quickly. A good technique is to bend your knees slightly, and extend your arms forward, as if holding a tray of food.
Part 5 of 5: Trying the Harder Path
Step 1. Start trying the more difficult paths
Once you've mastered bunny hills – where you can take lifts, walk on level ground, slide downhill, make two-way turns and stop easily – you should be ready to try beginner hills. Consult with your coach. Ask if you're ready, then get ready to hit the mountains!
Step 2. Start with the beginner path
Read ski maps for suitable trails. Usually this path is close to the base area. Look for a green line that starts at the top of the elevator and ends at the base area, or a group of green lines. Take the elevator, then start sliding down the path.
Step 3. Try skiing without using the “pizza” technique
After you've covered many trails, you should learn to glide using a technique that allows you to move slowly. Once you get used to using the green line, try to keep your skis parallel as you descend the slope. Parallel skis will help you move faster. For turns, instead of using the pizza technique, try to turn as you go down a slope to control your speed.
Step 4. Try a path of medium difficulty
Before choosing this route, make sure you know how to turn and stop. This skill is very important. Choose a path that starts at the top of the elevator and ends at the base area, or a path consisting of blue and green. As you go along this path, you will notice that it is much steeper and tiring. Do not worry. With a lot of practice, this path will become easier.
Step 5. Play in the middle lane for a while
This is your chance to get comfortable with your skis. Practice all the techniques mentioned above. Enjoy your time! Go through all the intermediate paths and find the one you like – then slide it over and over again!
Step 6. Try the black diamond path
Skiing on this trail is a time when this activity can become dangerous. By this time, you should have given up the pizza technique and should now be using the parallel technique, as well as turning on your way down the mountain. If you still can't do this, please stick to intermediate trails, as you could get injured and bother other experienced skiers if you try the difficult trails too early. You should also learn to turn using the tip of your ski first.
If you get lost on a trail you're not good at, ask someone else to call a ski patrol. They will usually take you down the toboggan. Don't be afraid to ask the patrol or other officers if you have any questions about a trail or mountain
Step 7. Try gliding moguls
Moguls are piles of snow that are created on several paths. Only experienced skiers try to slide the moguls, as this is very challenging and can cause you to fall many times. When gliding moguls, you'd better circle them. To control your movements, try to climb the mountain each time you circle the mogul.
As you gain more control over the mogul, you can face your skis down the slope, which will allow you to move faster down and around the mogul
Tips
- Synthetic thermal underwear, light jackets, and snow pants are great for snow sports because they don't absorb water and get wet, but they absorb and wick away sweat easily. Except in very cold weather, cheap synthetics should work.
- Even if you should try to stay on your feet, don't be afraid to fall. Everyone will fall the first time skiing. Even professional skiers will fall down sometimes.
- Since the cold weather, lifts, and gravity aid in your movement, it's easy to forget that skiing is a very tiring activity. Drink water at least every 1-2 hours even if you are not thirsty.
- Polarized goggles or goggles are great for snow, as they will block the reflection of sunlight ("glare") instead of clouding the wearer's view.
- While sometimes it's good to try a ski trail that challenges you because it's fun and you can practice a lot, don't try to use a trail that you have no control over. This way, you'll be safer, and other skiers won't have to avoid you, and the ski patrols will have a good time in their warm cabin.
- Bring a map of the mountains. These are usually provided at ski resort lodgings. This can be very helpful if you get lost. Also, pay attention to the “To Base Area” sign (to the base area); these signs will direct you to the inn below.
- Seek professional advice. Make sure you have the equipment you need. Ask someone at the rental shop or ski patrol if you think you're missing something or are in doubt.
Warning
- Never cross your skis. This will hinder your control, causing you to fall.
- Read and follow the “Skiers Responsibility Code”. This is a set of rules that skiers must obey, just like the rules of the road. These rules should be printed on the route map, as well as on the sign at the lift base. Usually also on a sign at the lift ticket booth (and sometimes printed on the lift ticket itself).
- Always pay attention to your surroundings. If you fall in a crowded place, watch out for skiers around you, so you don't get hit by someone else's ski.
- Skiing can be very dangerous! This is a “motorsport” (motor sport), but just like skydiving (parachuting), we will be separated from the motorbike before playing and not protected by any vehicle. Stay on the path that you are good at. Don't ski on slopes that are too fast or too steep for your abilities. Practice new techniques on easier slopes first. If you're not ready but try a new slope, you run the risk of injuring yourself or others.
