How to Ski: the Ultimate Guide

 As one of the most rewarding and thrilling winter sports activities skiing is not for the faint of heart. If the idea of hurtling down slopes of snow at breakneck speeds seems impossible it is due to the inherent complexities of the sport which requires lessons and time to perfect. From finding the best ski resort for the activity to honing in on the basics of the sport, here are some guidelines on how to take up skiing during your next winter vacation.

1. Select the Perfect Base

Skiing in Whistler Mountains|Image via Pixabay

Those who wish to learn how to ski should first and foremost find a location in which to practice the sport in tranquility. Just like a surfer must pick a beginner-friendly beach in which to crash and burn on his first time out in the water, skiing enthusiasts must also determine which ski holiday destinations are more suited to one's needs. From the Swiss Alps to the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre and innumerable other Whistler Ski resort  facilities, the choices are truly endless but two factors that can help one narrow down the choices is budget and proximity. Choose a location that's closer to home so that the likelihood of enjoying frequent ski holidays is further enhanced and always vacation in ski hubs that are within your budget as it can be an expensive activity to pursue.

2. Find an Instructor

While it is true that ski resorts and most accommodation providers located near skiing hotspots offer ski lessons and instructors, they may not always be the best option or the most affordable. Those who are serious about learning how to ski may wish to enrol for a short course at a local winter sports centre or any other formal coaching service as the rates are not only more budgets friendly but the calibre of coaches at your disposal will also be of a higher quality. After securing an instructor it is necessary to purchase your own skiing gear even if rental facilities are available at the resort or the training centre. This is due to the fact that every piece of equipment including your ski outfit must fit you perfectly for safety reasons.

3. Finding Balance

The first step in learning to ski is finding your balance once the ski boots are on one's feet. It is necessary to make sure the weight of your foot is equally distributed between the calf and the shin with most of the weight being felt nearer to the heel than the front of the foot. After attaining balance, it is then time to learn how to "walk" with the skis on by sliding one ski after the other.

4. Straight Running

Straight Running refers to moving a few feet along a gentle slope and while this may seem fairly easy and straightforward, practising the straight run forces skiers to get their body in the right position. Facing down, both shoulders and hands should also face the ground while the skis must face sideways. Pointing the skis towards the slope, travel downhill slowly by using your weight to move the skis. Use the poles to propel yourself forward with slightly bent knees.

5. Learning Control

Controlling your movements on the snow is just as important as learning how to glide effortlessly across the surface. This is known as a Gliding wedge and determines how well a skiing student can control the speed in which he or she moves. The skis must assume a V-shape to stop charging ahead and the technique used to slide both ski tails together is what's required at this stage of the learning process.

6. Mastering the Basics

Other moves all those who are skiing for the first time must learn to include linking wedge turns which are useful when navigating a turn in a slope. This is an advanced step that skiers will only need to perfect after they have tackled straight gentle slopes for a while.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Scuba Dive in the Maldives? - A detailed guide!

Image
 The Maldives are a collection of over 1000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Clear blue skies, year-round sunlight, and magnificent snorkeling and diving adventures make this coastal paradise famous. This archipelago is perfect for beach lovers, honeymooners, scuba divers, friends, and anybody else searching for a great holiday. Did we mention world-class surfing? Keep reading to learn why the Maldives is the best surfing holiday destination! Everyone's destination!  The Maldives has something for everyone - surfers and non-surfers alike will enjoy the great meals and different activities. If you are traveling with surfers, you're in for a surprise! Make the most of your surfing holiday by discovering some amazing waves and avoiding the crowds. Also, book a surf boat for the finest surfing holiday ever! If you are going just for a surfing holiday, make sure to find accommodation with  Maldives all-inclusive deals . For instance, check out places like VARU by Atmosp...
Read more

How to Get to the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Image
Grand Palace is one of the most historically and culturally significant places in Bangkok. While Bangkok has many other attractions, the Grand Palace is one that defines the cultural side of Bangkok. This former residence of the royal family is still used for important state events and ceremonies. 1. The historical importance of the Grand Palace Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand|Image via Unsplash The Grand Palace was home to Thai kings for thousands of years. While this isn't where the royals reside now, the place hosts official ceremonies. The palace is massive and sectioned into two parts: the Royal Residence and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. The royal residence further comprises three parts: the Inner Court, the Outer Court and the Middle Court. The Inner Court was limited to female residents of the palace, the Outer Court was where the state ceremonies were held, and the Middle Court is where the royal events would take place. 2. As a tourist highlight The palace still has g...
Read more

How to Travel Around the Maldives – Getting About a Tropical Paradise

Image
Since the Maldives is made up of numerous small islands, transport within the country is not like what you would usually expect when travelling to other destinations. Here, the two main modes of travel are either by seaplane or boat though you get a few other options too depending on the island. With that in mind, these are some things you should know about the various modes of local transport before you visit the Maldives.   By Seaplanes Seaplane Transportation in Maldives |Image via Pixabay One way to get about the Maldives is by way of seaplane which as you might expect, offers breathtaking views of the islands and atolls. Such means of transport are usually reserved for getting to islands and resorts that are located a great distance from the main international airport and the capital, Male. You do get domestic planes (that are not seaplanes) too, though resorts will usually offer seaplane services for direct access to the respective private island. Keep in mind, however, depen...
Read more