Many beginner skiers are too concerned about how they look when they ski. We are talking of course about poise and stance rather than clothes here, although there are probably a few people out there that have this problem also! Looking 'right' is neither here nor there when it comes to skiing - all that matters is that you can glide down the slopes confidently and effortlessly.
Attempting to look 'right' when you ski can force you into stiff, awkward shapes and positions that will severely reduce your ability to ski properly. Many skiers make the mistake of putting their legs and feet too close together in an attempt to look like the experienced skiers they see in competitions, or try to face their body rigidly in one direction.
While it is true that many top skiers ski with their legs close together in certain situations, this is really only something you should attempt to do after many years of practice, and you should certainly not start out by copying this stance. Skiing with legs close together is something that ski instructors and competition skiers do on comparatively easy slopes in order to ski even faster.
On tougher slopes, you would see them adopt a much more flexible stance that allows them to react to the changes in terrain quickly. It is this stance that you should be aiming for. You should stand with your legs about hip width apart, almost as if you were a goalkeeper facing a penalty kick. You also need to balance against the centre of the feet, moving back and forth within your boot to find a centre point where you are supporting yourself, rather than being supported by your boots. Use your arms to help you balance, and don't worry about what you look like. The important thing is to be ready to move and react to anything the mountain can throw at you.
Now you have your stance sorted out, you will be ready to take on the slopes for real. One of the best places to learn to ski is in the French Alps, as many resorts can offer guaranteed snow, and first class ski schools. Alpine Elements are currently offering some amazing ski deals that include flights, accommodation, and passes for resorts in the French Alps.
Bansko-ski-packages.com
26 December 2009
