Some people are naturally good skiers. I’m sure that, like me, you’ve seen them whizzing past after yet another blunder has left you lying in the snow. Unfortunately for people like us, most people are not good skiers. A few bad habits could really be stifling your inner-skier. This guide is designed to help you identify and get rid of your bad habits, and become a great skier blazing down those slopes in no time!
Eyes Up!
Did you notice that tree before you got a little too close for comfort? Didn’t think so. That’s probably because you were looking at your skis and not at what’s ahead! It can really hurt your cool skier look when you go zooming into a tree, so make sure to keep your eyes off the graphics on your skis, and keep them in front instead!
Stand Up Straight!
Leaning backwards upsets your balance. Not only does it mean that if you do stumble a little, you will fall backwards in an embarrassing (but unfortunately for you hilarious) way, but you will look a little too relaxed as you pick up speed down the slopes. So make sure that you stand up straight!
Hoist in Your Arm!
Many skiers make the critical mistake of not paying attention to what their non-leading arm is doing. If you simply abandon this arm and let it flap behind you when you turn a corner, it will pull you in the opposite direction to the turn, and you will lose momentum and balance. So keep that non-leading arm tucked in close to your body!
Don’t Force It!
Any sharp and forceful moves on your skis can make sure that you land flat on your face. If the ski cuts into the snow while you are zipping down the slope then your skis will stop dead, but the rest of you will keep going, much to your companion’s amusement. So make sure that you keep your movements smooth and controlled!
Have Fun Learning!
There is only thing worse than an embarrassing fall; an embarrassing fall after boasting that you’re a great skier! The most common mistake is thinking you know it all, so remember that no matter if you’ve been skiing 10 days or 10 years, there is always more to master. So (even if you think you’re great) be humble and enjoy the learning experience!
Hopefully you will find these helpful tips useful in preventing you slamming into the hillside at high velocity, or crashing and burning in front of your new found holiday friends. However, it doesn’t get said enough that the most important part of skiing is to have fun! But for most of us beginners, it helps if personal injury and the riotous laughter of onlookers is your idea of fun.
