Tips for Skiing on Level Ground

by Expert Village

Summary: Ski on level ground, traverse a slope, or ski up a small slope by using the tips and techniques in this free beginner ski lesson video on non-downhill skiing situations.

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Transcript for: Tips for Skiing on Level Ground

"Hi! This is Dave Smith with Hillcrest Ski and Sports in Gresham, Oregon on behalf of Expert Village. In this tutorial we will cover beginning skiing. In this clip we're going to cover how to get around on your skis when you're not going downhill. At ski areas there are many areas at the bottom of the hill or the top of the hill where you won't be going downhill, but you'll have to get around on your skis such as in the lift line. There are three techniques I'm going to show you right here, skating, traversing across a hill and ascending a small hill. First, I'm going to show you two techniques for skating across flat areas while on your skis. The first skating technique my skis will be moving straight forward and straight back as if they were in parallel tracks. I'll use my poles to help me gain forward momentum. The second skating technique is a little more advanced. It involves sending my skis out to the side one at a time much the way an ice skater would move and keeping, using my poles to gain forward momentum. To traverse across a slope, you want to have your skis perpendicular to the slope facing across this hill not down the hill. Keep your weight on your uphill leg and then skate across the slope using your poles to help you along. There are two methods to ascend a small hill. In the first you'll be in the same position as when you're traversing a hill with your skis perpendicular to the slope. First, you'll move the uphill leg uphill and follow it with the downhill leg. You'll continue doing this until you've reached the top of the slope. The second method involves using a wedge shape. You'll be facing uphill with your tails together and your tips spread apart. Once facing uphill, basically you'll waddle like a duck until you've reached the top of the slope. These two methods can be very useful when you're just beginning. Instead of getting on a chairlift you may just ascend a small slope so that you can come back down at a slower rate of speed."

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