Skiing techniques
Different skiing techniques can help beginners master the basics of the sport, whilst helping to add new skills and increase the confidence of competent intermediates and advanced skiers. Like all sports, skiing is a challenging skill that must be learnt and requires plenty of practice, however mastering various skiing techniques can help all skiers get to the next level in terms of their ability.
Techniques for skiing - From learning to snowplough, to discovering the joys of carving
The first skiing technique that beginners are taught is the snowplough or wedge, which involves angling the end of each ski out to the side in an A shape, whilst digging in the inside edge into the snow. The snowplough technique must be practiced on a wide and gentle slope without any obstacles, and once this is mastered, skiers can try steering and turning. This skiing technique involves pressing down on one ski, which results in your body moving to the opposite direction. Parallel skiing is a more advanced and elegant method - a skiing technique that involves keeping both skis parallel to each other, whilst shifting weight between the two of them in order to turn. A further more advanced skiing technique is carving - where skiers just rotate their knees and feet, and create a smooth arc without any sliding or skidding. Carving uses extreme precision, and proper positioning, with specific carving skis available for this particular skiing technique.
Skiing techniques - Take a lesson to advance your skills, and get yourself to the next level
Freestyle skiing is an advanced skiing technique, of which there are two branches. The first incorporates skiing techniques such as mogul skiing and aerial jumping, whereas the 'new school' branch includes halfpipe, slopestyle and skiercross. Racing is both a recreational and competitive skiing technique, and an exhilarating and challenging way to ski, whereas off-piste skiing takes skiers over ungroomed slopes with unpredictable terrain and requires a different kind of control and skiing technique. As well as varying downhill techniques, there are also different techniques used in cross-country or nordic skiing - either classic, where skiers move in a gliding motion, or freestyle, where the movement is more like ice-skating.
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