Skiing Basics on Slope: Beginner Lessons

Skiing Positions, Equipment and How-to Tips

One of the first things that a newbie skier needs to do is get the right equipment. This doesn't just mean skis, poles, and boots. Anyone that is going out on the mountain needs to ensure that they have the following things:

Skiing Equipment Essentials

• Pants, Jacket -Waterproof
• Helmet
• Goggles
• Dry Gloves, or mittens (mittens are warmer)
• Ski Socks
• Phone and/or radio
• Extra Clothes
• Balaclava
• Water
• Small First-Aid Kit
• Sunscrean/Lip Balm

Check out this website for some tips on choosing the right ski for your height and body type.

Preperation Tips for Your Ski Day

As you make your way onto the hill you should do the following three things in order to ensure your safety.

1. Have you looked at a map of the ski hill: Do you know where the easiest runs are? Do you know the easiest route to the bottom if you get yourself in over your head? Do you know where First-Aid station and the Main Lodge are?
2. Do you have the right ski equipment? Is the equipment that you are using appropriate for your skill level? Is your equipment safe (appropriate length, size, binding setting)?
3. Have you warmed up prior to skiing? Have you stretched your muscles to warm them up to avoid strains and other potential injuries? Watch the Skiing Warmup Exercise Video for some easy, step-by-step tips for warming up the whole body before hitting the slopes.

Ski Tips for Beginners

Some tips for successful ski runs on the hill are:

Think of your skis in terms of the shape they make on the ground: if you angle your ski tips toward each other and make a slice of pizza shape with your skis you'll slow down; if you make your skis parallel facing down the hill, ie the shape of French fries, you'll speed up.

Pizza Shape: This is also called a snowplough and is used to slow down and stop. To do this, point the tips of your skis together, then apply pressure by gently rolling your ankles and knees inward. The more pressure you use, the faster you will stop.

French Fries: This refers to the skis when they are facing down the hill in parallel position. This is a very good way to pick up speed but should only be attempted once the basic skills have been mastered.

Standing Up: You should always ensure that your skis are pointed horizontally (perpendicular) across the hill when you are trying to stand up; this way you won't end up sliding down the hill. With your skis pointed across the hill you should be leaning on one hip. With hand over hand, push yourself off the uphill slope into a standing position.

Stance: Your feet should be placed shoulder width apart to minimize falling down. You should then adopt the pizza position and gently point your skis down the hill.

Getting Moving: One of the best tips for beginning skiers is to omit the ski poles for the first couple of days as they can be a major distraction. One of the easiest ways to learn to turn is to place your hands on your knees, then if you want to turn to the left, use your right hand to press down on your right knee. This places pressure on the ski and brings the ski around to the left. This same principle applies for turning right.

Keep your head up at all times and look in the direction you want to go. When your head is facing the direction you'd like to go, your shoulders and hips will follow.