Easier Tips for Learning How to Ski
Many people feel that they face a chicken and egg
situation with ski vacations: they don't want to go on a
skiing vacation until they know how to ski, but they can't
learn how to ski without going on a ski vacation.
However, it doesn't have to be like that: even if you are
your family know absolutely nothing about skiing, it's okay to
go ahead and book a ski vacation. In fact, learning to ski
together can be a great family experience and a lot of fun too!
You may not realize it, but getting started is a lot easier
than you might think, and with just a very little bit of
instruction, you could be skiing down a mountain soon after
your arrival in the ski resort.
Many ski resorts have a ski school on the premises, so when
planning your family ski vacation, you simply need to choose a
resort which has one. Ski lessons are usually reasonably price,
and group and private lessons are also generally available,
should you want that option. The main thing that you need to
remember, is that the ski instructor may get busy, so if you
want to start skiing as soon as you arrive, schedule an
appointment in advance.
During a typical first ski lesson, the instructor wll begin
by familiarizing you with the ski equipment, and getting you
used to moving around while wearing it. In particular, it may
take some time to get used to your ski boots, this is because
they are inclined slightly forward, which is in fact the ideal
position when skiing down a mountain. Walking in ski boots
tends to easiest if you keep you knees slightly bent, and don't
worry, before too long, it will seem completely natural.
The first maneuver that the instructor will teach you is
called "the snow plow", or simply "the plow". This is a simple
technique that you can probably learn within about an hour. The
purpose of the snow plow is that it allows you to control your
movement, and in particular to stop! Basically what you do is
position your skis as if they were a snow plow, and slowly move
the backs of your skis outwards, away from your body, to stop
yourself. You also can control your direction of movement by
simply bending your knees and leaning to one side or the
other.
Once you're able to move around a bit, how to guide
yourself, and how to stop yourself using the snow plow, you're
reading to start skiing! It really is that simple. Take the
lift up the mountain and give it a go: You can control your
speed using the snow plow, although obviously you'll want to
start slowly.
Most ski resorts have a variety of trails suitable for
beginners, intermediate and expert skiers. These are usually
marked with green emblems (for beginners), blue (for
intermediates) and black (for expert skiers). When starting
out, you'll want to stick with the green trails, but once
you've progressed and gained some confidence, you'll eventually
be ready to move up to the blue trails. You should however be
aware that black trails really are for experts, and can be
dangerous until you've gained both the experience and had
sufficient instruction to handle them.
By S.Tanna. First published at http://www.vacation2ski.com/a1_learning_how_to_ski.php |
For more information about Ski Vacations, please visit
http://www.vacation2ski.com/
Video: How to Get Off a Ski Chair Lift
Kent's Clinic Ski
Instruction Video DVD - more ski video for
skiers of all levels. You can watch this instructional
DVD as a both a beginner and experienced skier and
still improve on your skills. Good investment.
Learn
Downhill Ski Basics in a
Weekend Personally, I
think taking a ski lesson is essential to learning the
sport, but even the lesson can be intimidating. Knowing
just some basic information beforehand can give you
a giant headstart, make your lesson more enjoyable and
can help speed up your learning curve. What you'll
learn >>
- Tips for beginners on equipment, clothing and safety on
the slopes
- Lots of easy-to-follow illustrations
for faster learning
- Helps relieve beginner fear and build confidence &
gives you a "head start" on your
first lesson
- Get Started >>
Learn Downhill Skiing in a
Weekend
 201 Things
Every Skier Should
Know (Little bits of ski
advice to make your life easier!)
If you want to know the "inside ski scoop" that the
experienced skiers know - stuff like when and where to rent
equipment, how to walk in ski boots, where to attach a lift
ticket, which goggle lens color is best, how to get cheap lift
tickets and find short lift lines - you'll want to
Check This
Out.
What to Get: Ski Gear
You can rent equipment first to get a feel for what type of
skis, boot and poles that you want. Carve skis
are better for packed, groomed trails because of their carving
ability, whereas fat skis have a better float
for powder conditions. Ski & Snowboard
Outlet 
When shopping for ski boots, most
importantly, get something that's comfortable. Try them on with
socks specific for skiing - thin, synthtic or wool-blend
mid-calf socks. Your toes should brush the end of the boots,
but not be squished, and when flexing your knees, your heals
should stay down. Don't be afraid to wear them around for 20
minutes to really get a feel for the fit.
Ski goggles offer lots of benefits. They
prevent snow and ice from getting in your eyes, most have UV
protection and fog reduction. Something else to note in regards
to lens color: Black/Polarized reduces glare, green/Silver
enhances contrast, which is helpful in bright conditions,
Yellow/Amber/Gold brings out shadows useful iin low light
conditions and Clear Lenses are good for dark, cloudy
conditions or sunset.
Of course there are gloves, ski jackets, helmets, ski pants
and other ski clothing which are important to get. Don't
underestimate the comfort of staying warm and dry. Look for the
most water resistent and wind resistent clothing you can
afford. And remember good quality ski clothing can last you a
long, long time.
Get great prices and equipment at Evogear >>
Ski & Snowboard
Outlet
Where to Go: Ski Destinations
Ski
Resorts
Get profiles, locations and reviews of ski & snowboard
resorts worldwide- Ski
Schools
You can find ski schools at virtually any ski resort, and
these ski schools will offer different levels of
instruction from beginner to experienced. You can usually
take group lessons (for a lower price) or schedule your own
private lesson. So you may want to decide which resort or
mountain you want to ski at, and then contact them about
lessons. Here's a list of ski
schools
Who to Ski With:
- Find
People to Ski With
Find people in your area who are interested in skiing, and
make new friends who enjoy spending time on the slopes as
much as you do.
- Skiing
Groups
Find a group
of beginner and experienced skiers near you
and around the world through a free online service
called Meetup.com. Skiing can be a very social group
sport, and it can speed up your learning curve, making
sking more fun and exciting.
Skiing Articles &
Resources
Ski Organizations: US Ski & Snowboard
Association | Professional Ski
Instructors of America
| 
Ski
Resorts