Skiing Tips

Read these 30 Skiing Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Skiing tips and hundreds of other topics.

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Prepare To Look Good In Downhill Skiis

Traveling to downhill ski for the first time? Exciting time, huh? Lot's of decisions. To avoid injury, ensure great fun and increase skill level: PREPARE.

You'll need certain stretch and muscle building exercises to prepare your legs, balance, and core to downhill ski. Increase flexibility because even active movers and shakers “stove up” in certain weather conditions. I know, you're excited and feeling it. “I'm ready to go.” You visualize how good you're about to look and feel in your downhill skiis gliding down the slopes of wonderland, right?

Better stretch and strengthen your core a little more. Look good in downhill skiis longer. Cardio and breathing exercises are valuable. Always warm up and cool down when exerting yourself. I'm just saying prepare, prepare, prepare to downhill ski.

Downhill ski beginner slopes initially to gain confidence, balance and skills. Technical instruction will advance skills and help you master proper movement, posture, balance, and methods. Develop technical quality slowly. Better to move deliberately, if slow, perfectly; letting speed build as your muscles memorize the movements. Build confidence through practice, strength and skill building.

Equally important in preparation to downhill ski is equipment. Leading providers such as Rossignal downhill skis are knowledgeable and provide tips and resources for discovering “what to wear”.

   

Learning to ski

When you decide to learn to ski , it can be both lots of fun and very frustrating. Don't give up, it will end up a lot more fun once you get used to getting around on skis. When learning to ski, it's important to have a professional ski instructor teach you, you don't want to try to make this a do it yourself thing, or even have a friend teach you. Your friend may be a good skier but he may also have some bad habits that you would do better not to repeat. Learn the right way from the beginning and it will be easier for you, than if you learn something wrong and have to change the habit you already have. Another tip you should pay attention to is, don't try to do more than you're ready for. You may feel ready to tackle a harder mountain, but hold off, until the instructor says you are ready. If they say something is beyond your skill, believe them. It may not look it, but looks can be deceiving. You have plenty of time to be zooming down the mountains, take it slow and make sure you're ready so you don't hurt yourself, or anyone else.

   
What are the best foods to eat when skiing?

Skiing Superfoods

When I ski, I like to stock my pockets with energizing snacks to keep me going throughout the day. Since I live in Florida, I want to take advantage of every moment I have on the slopes, and stop for a meal only when absolutely necessary.

Eating a strong breakfast that includes fruit, protein and carbohydrates usually fill up even the most active skier. I like to eat nuts while riding the ski lift to the top of the mountain both before and after lunch. This gives me a little extra energy before giving it my all down the hill.

For lunch, its best to stick to a small nutritious meal, but I like to have some hot chocolate in front of the fire before heading back out! At the end of the ski day, I am usually exhausted…but I don't go right to bed. Night time is the time to load up on some extra calories after working the body so hard all day!

   
How long will it take me to learn to ski?

Learn to Ski at Your Own Pace

There is no set number of lessons or amount of time you will need to learn to ski. I have heard that the older you are, the longer it may take, but this is usually because younger skiers have less fear when it comes to the art of skiing. Many novice skiers can learn to ski in less than one week. A few lessons at the “bunny hill” may be all it takes to keep a skier from falling every two minutes.

But to really learn to ski, you will have to practice, practice, practice. Learning to ski can be a lifelong process, as there are always new tricks to learn, new skills to master. Just remember to take your time and enjoy it. When you learn to ski, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. Skiing is one of life's greatest workouts, and is truly great fun.

   
Where can I find beginner ski tips regarding safety?

Beginner Ski Tips - Protect Yourself

The popularity of skiing has been on the rise for a long time. With the greater ease of traveling today, more people are taking up what used to be an exclusive, seasonal activity. For beginner ski tips regarding safety, you should listen to safety concerns from those who have skied for years.

One of the most important of beginner ski tips is to wear protective gear such as a helmet when you begin. Too many people assume that snow is soft enough to absorb a fall. People who do ski know that hardpack can be worse than concrete if you fall wrong on it. To protect yourself from head injuries, you should always wear a ski helmet. Head injuries are far too common among beginner skiers. Don't let yourself contribute to this statistic.

Get a good helmet and wear it every time you hit the slopes. Helmets are not just for beginner ski levels. All skiers should wear protective helmets. This is more than a beginner ski tip; it is an essential piece of knowledge for any skier.

   
How do I position my skis when downhill skiing?

Positioning Skis When Downhill Skiing

Often I have difficulty explaining to people how their skiis should be positioned when downhill skiing. As a child, my parents would encourage me to make a “pizza pie” with my skis to improve what I now know is called downhill skiing. This basic position allowed me to maintain control of my skis and body while skiing.

After mastering the art of “getting down the mountain” a downhill skier can begin to do it with more grace and style. The “pizza pie” ski shape can be replaced by keeping the skis parallel. Of course, beginner downhill skiers find this a difficult trick to master, and will often end up crossing their skis. But if a downhill skier practices the parallel ski position on a beginner slope, they will soon be able to downhill ski on harder slopes. Practice makes perfect!

   
What is important to know about landing a ski jump?

Safely Landing a Ski Jump

A ski jump is a feeling of exhilaration that few exercises can match. It is also one of the most dangerous things that people do on skis. The majority of injuries from a ski jump are the result of a poor landing. The landing of a ski jump is difficult to master, but necessary if you want to get the rush without the bruises. The key to safely landing a ski jump is all in the knees.

When you are flying through the air, your impact will depend entirely on how prepared your body is to absorb the shock of the landing. A ski jump does not take place on fresh powder. The hardpack landing zone is as hard as it gets and the impact can be jarring if your knees are not properly bent. Bend your knees together and do what you can to absorb the impact of the landing while keeping your legs equidistant apart. Balance is the other key to landing a ski jump.

Practice your balance by starting with short jumps and moving up to larger ones gradually. If you can make it into the jump, holding your balance through the air can easily be taught. Practice makes for more than perfect when it comes to a ski jump, it also makes for safety.

   
How severe is the weather for a beginner skier who is not used to it?

Beginner Ski Tips - Bundle Up, It's Cold Out There

Most people who try skiing and choose not to make a life's hobby out of it have strong reasons for there decision. Among the most common reasons are due to discomfort. Many beginner skiers do not properly take into account the change in weather that they will experience when atop a mountain on a slope.

For an important beginner ski tip, read these ways that you can keep the temperature from keeping off the slopes. Essential parts to taking the weather into account are the same as if you were not swiftly moving down a hill on two skis.

  1. Dress warmly by wearing multiple layers of clothing, including gloves. Ski gloves are warm, but there are also liner gloves that can keep your hands even warmer when layered inside of ski gloves. You can find other beginner ski tips regarding gloves here at LifeTips.
  2. Protect your face. A bad windburn can keep many beginners from ever getting back on the slope.
  3. Wear good goggles to protect your eyes from the wind and a hooded jacket to protect the rest of your head.
  4. A wool lined hood is the best solution that I have found to staying warm on top.

Don't be pushed away from such a great sport because you didn't listen to these beginner ski tips about staying warm. Comfort is important on the slopes, so bundle up and you will get far more pleasure from your experience.

   
Where can I find beginner ski tips from professional skiers?

Beginner Ski Tips From Professionals

In almost any new activity that you try, you should look for advice from those that know what you are doing. There is a reason that there are teachers for everything from math to lawnmower repair. Hobbies and physical activities are no different. For beginners, there are always resources available to advance your education.

Beginner ski tips are a great example of how professionals can assist people who are new to the sport. There are resources all over the place where anyone can find beginner ski tips. There are ski shops where they have in house pros, just like golf courses. These pros are typically instructors as well and can provide a wealth of beginner ski tips.

Now, remember, many different people will present many different ski tips for beginners. The important thing is to weed through all of the beginner ski tips to isolate the ones that have the best effect on your skiing. Another great place to find beginner ski tips is on the Internet. LifeTips has many tips for people learning to ski. There are also online versions of many skiing publications and magazines.

Usually, professionals will provide tips and tricks for beginners in these. Do a little searching and you can find plenty of beginner ski tips online. Don't start your skiing education without the help that you need. Professionals are available to provide you with beginner ski tips and lessons. Take advantage of these pros by absorbing as much knowledge as they are willing to provide.

   
Can I drink alcohol while skiing?

Skiing and Alcohol don't work!

If there is one thing a skier should not do, its drink and ski. Skiing while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous. Skiing involved coordination of the entire body, and the slowed response alcohol can provide and severely limit your ability to ski safe.

When you ski, others are relying on you to stay safe to help them stay safe. Drinking and skiing puts not only yourself at risk but creates a hazard to all those on the mountain with you. Be safe and save the drinking for after your finish skiing for the day…and even then, do it in moderation, as no skier wants to start his or her day with a hangover!

   
Should a beginner skier rent or buy skis?

Beginner Ski Tips - Rent or Buy?

Skiing is not the least expensive of hobbies. For those that want to learn to ski, one of the best beginner ski tips that I can give you is to not dive in too deep right from the start. To get a whole new set of skis and ski gear can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. There are alternatives.

Many ski lodges or ski shops will provide beginner skiers with the opportunity to rent their skis instead of buying. Ski rentals are far less expensive than purchasing skis and you should think about this option if the costs have stood in the way of you learning to ski. As beginner ski tips go, saving money is a good one.

   

Feed Your Head

One way to be ready to ski when the season comes is to “think skiing” as much as possible. Read magazines on skiing even when summer heat sizzles your street. Check out skiing websites or ski resort websites to see what is happening, what events are coming up and what the predictions are for snowfall.

   
How do I ski steep powder?

Skiing Steep Powder

Steep and deep powder can terrify or delight. Try these measures for delight:

  • Keep your skis shoulder-width apart.
  • Weight your skis as evenly as possible. (The object is to float in the powder, and not to use your edges.)
  • Point your torso always downhill, and make aggressive, down-the-hill pole plants.
  • Turn with your lower body, and turn across the slope enough to scrub any unwanted speed.
  • And if you have the dough (and the life insurance), train at a Doug Coombs camp.

   
Are there good ski camps for kids?

Finding Ski Camps for Kids

In peak season, many ski resorts will offer ski camps for skiers of any level. These ski camps can be a great resource for beginners who are just getting their snow legs as well as advanced skiers looking to improve their skills. There are many ski camps across the globe. From Utah to Switzerland professional instructors are holding these camps to teach large groups of people what is often only available from an individual session or lesson. To find great ski camps for kids, you should research as much as possible. Skiing isn't the safest of pastimes and your children need to be safe. Be sure that when you choose ski camps, you check on their safety certifications. There are different certifications available for different areas, but most will have some sort that they will be more than happy to tell you about.

Also, look for the lowest instructor to camper ration you can find. The group lessons are great, but the fewer campers to each instructor will mean the most hands-on teaching for your son or daughter. Many intricacies to skiing are best taught one on one, so if you can find a great instructor camper ratio, your student will have a major advantage. You can find ski camps for skiers of any age or expertise level. Find a camp that specializes in teaching children how to ski and your kids will most likely walk away with far more than skiing knowledge, but probably a few new friends as well.

   
How old is too old for skiing?

Skiing is Only Limited by Your Physical Ability

Many people are amazed to know that my eighty five year old grandmother still takes ski trips every season. She loves skiing and takes all her grandchildren with her down the mountain. Many of my acquaintances are amazed, but the truth is, skiing is a sport that allows for various types of skiers to enjoy the slops.

Older members of the skiing community may chose resorts that cater to senior citizens. These resorts may have wider trails and more comfortable ski lifts. But most ski resorts are built to accommodate a wide variety of skiers. As long as a skier is aware of the risks and his or her limitations, there is no age limit to enjoying the sport of skiing!

   
Is extreme skiing dangerous?

The Dangers of Extreme Skiing

Let's start by reminding people that all sports are dangerous, if not practiced under the skill of a trained supervisor or if a participant does not receive the proper instruction prior to participating, Extreme skiing is no different.

Extreme skiing involves taking changes and trying death defying maneuvers at the speed of light. That being said, under the right conditions, extreme skiing can be worth the dangers this sport inherently comes with. Skiing between trees, jumping off cliffs, and even doing 360 degree flips all while balancing on blades no more than four inches wide is actually not simple taking a chance, its applying skill learned while training to be an extreme skier. Extreme skiing is not for the faith of heart, and carries with it many dangers, but just like anything, it is a skill that one learns, practices, and hopes to master. slalom skiing.

   
How long is the average ski trip?

Ski Trips can Last as Long or as Short as your Schedule and Budget Allows

Many people feel that unless they can take a ten day vacation, they will not have enough time to enjoy a ski vacation. Others worry that booking a ski trip for longer than a week will get boring, especially for young children. This could not be further from the truth.

A ski trip can be custom designed for your timeframe by a qualified travel agent. Even a long weekend can be the perfect ski getaway for a busy couple. When ski trips last longer, most families try to incorporate hiking, sledding, and other activities into their vacation. Most ski resorts would be happy to help arrange the perfect vacation in any time frame.

   
How do I keep my balance when downhill skiing?

How to keep your balance when downhill skiing

In order to keep your balance when downhill skiing, one must bend at the knees. To stay balanced while downhill skiing, one should keep themselves centered above the pelvis. Any minor variation in this basic position can easily cause a skier to loose his or her balance.

Downhill skiing can be difficult to master, but once one learns to keep their balance while downhill skiing, they will find the sport very enjoyable. By staying centered on the skis, once can truly begin to excel. It may take practice maintaining this position on the skis, but as will everything, practice makes perfect when downhill skiing.

   
What do I need to bring when I am going skiing with my family?

Packing for a Skiing Trip

Going skiing as a family can be the highlight of your winter. Ski trips include adventure, great activity, and bring about a new sense of family togetherness. However, getting ready for your ski trip can be anything but pleasant. Between figuring out how much of what to bring, parents can become frustrated at the daunting task.

Most importantly, lay out your clothing before putting it in your travel bag. Make sure you have both the inner and outer wear for your ski days. Many hotels have laundry facilities, check ahead of time so you can pack accordingly.

Bring first aid supplies and activities for tired children to play in the evening. Before getting too stressed, remember that most resorts have shopping nearby, so anything you forget you can most likely purchase while away.

   
What is a good way to start learning slalom skiing?

Drop a Ski - The Best Way to Learn Slalom Skiing

Slalom skiing is something that every skier will eventually want to try. Most learn pretty quickly that slalom skiing is nothing like your regular, two-ski day on the slopes. There are many ways to learn how to slalom ski. Everyone has there own tips and tricks on how to stay up on only one after being so used to two.

Since most are so used to having two to begin with, this is the key to your first try at slalom skiing. Dropping a ski is one of the best ways to learn slalom skiing. Start off on two skis, as usual. One thing, leave your boot a little looser than normal. Get going on a comfortable pace on the two skis. Once you feel ready, kick off the loose ski and slip your free boot into the back footing of the slalom ski.

The fact that you will already have speed and a rhythm will make the process of learning slalom skiing a little easier to bear. Don't be afraid to give slalom skiing a try. If you can get a handle on it, you will open all new kinds of fun on a hobby you may have been doing for years.

   
How can I get started in snow ski instruction?

Getting Into Snow Ski Instruction

Many skiers dream of becoming a ski instructor and getting paid to do what they love and teach others to do it too. Getting into snow ski instruction is tough because of the demand but there are ways to advance yourself quicker if you really have your mind set on it. Here are a few things you can do to give yourself a leg up.

  • Start at the bottom – The best way to get any job that is highly competitive is to get involved however you can. Many ski resorts and ski schools offer far more job opportunities than just snow ski instruction. Getting to know the people who work there by working in a different area at first can give you a personal edge when the time comes to go for the job you really want.
  • Certifications – Depending on where you want to become a snow ski instructor, there are different certifications that you can work towards. These typically depend on the state so check where you live to see what is available for you.
  • Camps and Clinics – Not every snow ski instruction career begins at a resort. There are many ski camps and smaller ski clinics that are always looking for competent instructors. Look around for jobs at these places and you can get the experience under your belt to get the edge over competition.

If your dream is to be in snow ski instruction, do whatever you can do get an advantage over the tons of other skiers who share your dream. These jobs don't always just go to the best skiers, so while your skills are important, they can only get you so far.

   
How has technology affected the ski lesson and skiing in general?

How Technology has Advanced the Ski Lesson

The affects of technology are apparent in everything you see today. Even the simplest of plastic gadgets was born from machinery and computer technology that has advanced drastically in recent years. The ski lesson and ski instruction in general have also taken advantage in these technological advances. Many ski lessons can now get beginner skiers started without ever hitting the powder by using computer models and other instructional tools.

A ski lesson without hitting the mountain may seem pretty dull. However, much of what it takes to start learning to ski can be taught without the risks that can come with a beginner jumping right onto the snow. With computer generated simulators, beginning skiers can learn the balance that is required to get going as well as the right methods of keeping their poles and skis in sync. Steering and learning to apply the right pressure to your skis can also be taught in a ski lesson that takes place in doors. Ski instructors are assisting the technology end of the industry by helping develop new tools to further enhance the ski lesson. Keep your eye out for the many state of the art teaching methods available from ski clinics and shops at many resorts.

   
At what age is ski instruction useful?

Even Preschoolers Can Learn to Ski

My mother swears that I was skiing before I could walk. Whether or not this is true is debatable, but I can tell you I was learning to ski before I was five years old. At my families favorite Vermont ski resort, I was enrolled in ski instruction from a very early age, and this allowed me to learn to ski and allowed my parents to ski enjoy their ski vacation.

Ski instruction is useful at any age. Even adults will benefit from instruction. As an experienced skier, I have tried to teach friends to ski to no avail. It takes a qualified ski instructor to patiently take a beginner skier to the next level.

   
Where can I find the best downhill skiing?

The Best Downhill Skiing in the World

There is much debate as to where the best place is to go downhill skiing. Americans often say that it doesn't take crossing an ocean to find great downhill skiing, but my grandfather, who has toured the world searching for the best downhill skiing locations swears by the slopes in Austria.

The soft snow, beautiful scenery and wonderful people make Austria one of the top locations for downhill skiing. While you may have a language barrier, if your true goal is to enjoy some fantastic downhill skiing, you must check out Austria for an out of this world downhill skiing experience.

   
Are ski videos a good way to learn ski tricks?

Ski Videos - Instruction and Entertainment

Far the seasonal skier who wants to keep advancing their knowledge when away from the mountains, ski videos can provide just that. There are many instructional ski videos that can keep your skills on an upward path by giving pointers that do not require you being on the slopes. Many of the biggest professional skiers and ski instructors have their won videos to provide their insights from experience. Because of the star power that appears in many of these ski videos, they can also be very entertaining. Many ski videos will also contain highlights from professional skiers.

These can include stuff you may have seen on TV as well as tricks and events that were never before televised or put on video. Learning from these guys is great, but watching them do what they can do is simply awesome. If you enjoy watching your favorite skiers but the season is off, getting ski videos featuring them is a great way to stay entertained and pick up some pointers.

   
Do I need special skis for landing backwards off of ski jumps?

Twin Tip Skis - Essential for Landing Backwards on a Jump

As skiers get more experience with jumping, they like to expand their skills. Landing backwards off of jumps is something that most freestyle skiers will eventually try for themselves. This little maneuver can be dangerous if you do not have the right type of skis.

If you are thinking of trying landing backwards, you should be sure to use twin tip skis. Twin tip skis were precisely designed for skiing backwards. The same reason that the are best for skiing backwards is the reason that they are great for landing backwards off of jumps. Twin tip skis have both ends of the ski raised from the ground. This allows a skier to not worry about a flat tip at the back of their ski grabbing at the snow when they land. The raised tip will allow for an unimpeded landing at the proper angle for landing backwards.

Because the footing on twin tip skis is centered more than the typical ski, you can also have an easier time keeping your balance when landing backwards. For landing backwards, only use twin tip skis or risk taking a major spill.

   
Can a child learn freestyle skiing?

Children and Freestyle Skiing

Many children are impressed with freestyle skiing. This adventurous sport is now featured in the Olympics and impresses most (if not all) with its difficult and creative tricks. Children can participate in freestyle skiing exercises as long as they are being supervised by an experienced freestyle skier.

Be warned, children often have difficulty with freestyle skiing due to their small but growing bodies. As long as they are wearing the appropriately fitting skis and apparel they should be able to enjoy most forms of freestyle skiing. Parents often will bond with their children while the family learns to freestyle ski together. Just make sure you are learning about this exciting sport under trained supervision!

   
Can I enjoy skiing even though I am disabled?

Skiing for Everyone!

Many new companies offer specialty ski products for those with a variety of disabilities. On the slopes, you are sure to see skiers with many physical disabilities. Skiing is a great activity for people with special needs to express themselves and enjoy time with their family as well.

As long as a disabled skier take the appropriate skiing lesion and wears the appropriate equipment, there is no reason for that skier to miss out on the excitement the slopes have to offer. Skiers have an uncanny ability to help each other and share the slopes!

   
When is the best time of year to go skiing?

Skiing throughout the Seasons

One of the beauties of skiing in the United States is that there seems to always be a state with excellent skiing for seven months out of the year. While the middle months (January and February) probably have the overall best ski conditions, skiers should not be surprised to find wonderful skiing conditions as early as November and as late as mid May. This is accomplished though the use of snow makers. These machines produce artificial snow. Skiing on this snow is no different than the real thing. Often, resorts use a snow maker to make the ski season last as long as possible, and avid skiers certainly adore taking advantage of the opportunity!

   

How to Ski a Mogul

You are poised at the top of the run, goggles in place, poles in hand; the air is crisp and you stare down the mountain, mentally planning your run. You notice a series of small bumps known as moguls, from the German word mugl, meaning small hill.
There are two schools of thought on how to skiing moguls. The Olympian skier carries his body as vertically as possible; speed is the most important element. His body carves tight twisted turns off the front trough of the bump, using the bumps as a mechanism of speed control. Skiing moguls was added to the official Olympic program at the 1992 games in Albertville.
The other school of thought on how to skiing moguls comes from the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). In this method, the skier rides around the front trough and up onto the back crest of the mogul, then pumps off the back side of the mogul in whichever direction allows easy transfer to the next mogul. The turning mechanism is the extension and retraction of the legs rather than a twisting of the hips, putting less strain on the knees.
Are you ready now that you know a bit about skiing moguls? Be careful of the corduroy (grooves made by snow grooming machines) and good luck catching air!

   
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Sherril Steele-Carlin