SKIING TIPS AND TRICKS
Skiing is absolutely fun winter activity once you nail it. I always wanted to learn skiiing and gave it a shot in 2004 without taking any ski lessons nor did watch any beginner lessons in youtube and gave up thinking it is not my cup of tea. Later after 12 years I wanted give Skiing a honest try but this time I made it a point to take Ski lessons and also I watched quite a few Skiing beginner videos online before I hit the slopes and I got it after 3 days.
So my recommendations for Skiing are below:-
# Watch 4 to 5 you tube videos on skiing for beginners before you go take in-person lessons at the ski resort.
# Warm up with stretch exercises before putting your skis on. Invest atleast 3 to 4 hours for the first 2 days as a beginner. Don’t get disappointed if you don’t learn it the first 2 days even after investing 3 to 4 hours, trust me 3rd day will be a charm. :)
# Learn to wear the ski boots nice and snug. Ski boots should be tight around the calf muscles so that it will be easy for you to maneuver the skis.
# First learn on bunny slopes, then get on the magic carpet, next go up the using tow rope and then the chairlifts.
# I wouldn't recommend using Ski poles for the first 2 days as a beginner for 2 reasons. One it will get on your way, two you might depend on that to stand and balance instead of learning to do it yourself. Ski poles are typically used for speeding.
# Walk to a flat snow surface and walk around with your ski boots and skis on for some time until you are comfortable with it.
# Before you get on magic carpet give 10 feet gap between you and the person in front of you. So that if you fall you will have enough room to get up without hurting yourself and others next to you. If the magic carpet is wet and icy, wait for a pitch black surface to roll, that way you won't slide back on the magic carpet.
# If you going to the tow rope keep your skis parallel and firm, then hold the tow rope hard and strong. Go up the hill in half bent position.
# Once you get home from skiing the first day, take a nice hot shower and apply some muscle relaxants to the areas that are sore, this will get you ready for the next day.
#Check for Ski resort ride buses from your location. They offer 1 day trip, rental pass etc. For NC check out http://slopeandsail.com/
SEVEN STEPS TO LEARN SKIING
Step1: Learn edging with skis on a flat snow surface. This will help you stand still without falling.
http://www.yourskicoach.com/glossary/SkiGlossary/Edging.html
Step2: Get to a small bunny slope and try sliding down with your knees bent and body forward (Remember goal keeper position). Be prepared to fall, yes it happens the first few times.
Check below link to learn getting up once you fall down
http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/getting_up.html
Step3: Learn to stop your skis. Make a wide snowplow stop/wedge/pizza stop, it comes with lot of practice. http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/snowplough.html Later try the the hockey stop. http://www.mechanicsofsport.com/skiing/how_to_ski/hockey_stop.html
Step4: If you want to go slow on the slope make small wedge while sliding. If you want to go fast then keep your skis parallel to each other.
Step5: If you are on a slope and want to put your skis on, always keep your skis perpendicular to the slope. Then put the downhill ski first and then uphill ski. Once you put the downhill side of the ski make edging with it before putting on the second ski, so that you don't fall.
Step6: Learn to walk faster with skis, edge your skis and walk lifting one ski at a time and move forward sliding other ski side wards.
Step7: Once you know the basics you may now want to slide the slope making a zig zag move. To turn Right put pressure on your Left ski turning Right. To turn Left put pressure on your Right ski turning Left.
Things to buy and rent if you are a Skiing beginner: -
# I would recommend investing on Face mask with nose cover, Ski helmet, Ski gloves, Snow pants and Ski socks.
# Rest of the stuffs like turtle neck shirt, workout leggings and Winter jacket use the
ones you already have.
# Rent Ski boots, Skis and poles, wouldn't recommend investing on this until you are comfortable skiing big slopes.
HEAD TO TOE
# Ski head mask with magnetic nose mask (Can remove and put back the nose mask easily with gloves on as it is magnetic)
# Ski Helmet (Safety comes first) (You use this for biking and hiking as well)
# Optional: Ski Googles (As a beginner it is better not to use it, naked eyes give good view of the path)
# Optional but recommended: Turtle neck sweater with camisole inside (The more warmer you stay the longer you will stay outdoors to enjoy skiing)
# Winter/Ski jacket
# Ski Gloves
# Optional but recommended:Workout Leggings (I believe this reduces knee injuries as it holds your knees nice and tight)
# Snow Pants with side zips all the way to the knee
# Ski Socks (Socks lengthy up to the knees)
# Ski Boots:- Don't buy this until you learn skiing. Better to rent it the first few times.
# Skis:- Don't buy this until you learn skiing. Better to rent it the first few times.
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