Most ski instructors start by showing you how to maneuver around with your equipment. When you are wearing ski boots, you will be inclined slightly forward – there is a reason for this…when you are skiing down a mountain, you will be inclined forward! Walking in ski boots the first time is a bit difficult – but it works just fine if you learn to walk with your knees slightly bent.
The first maneuver you will learn is called the plow, or snow plow. This is a technique that is done by literally using your skis as a snow plow. You make the back of the skis slowing move outwards, away from your body by applying pressure – and this stops you. You guide yourself on skies by bending your knees and leaning in one direction or another, depending on which way you want to go. All of these techniques can be learned in one hour, even if you have never been on a pair of skis in your life.
The beauty of skiing is that after you have learned how to snow plow, and how to guide yourself on the skis, you are ready to ski! Get on the lift, head up the mountain, and give it a try. Control your speed by snow plowing – go slow at first. When you want to pick up some speed, draw your skis back in to pick up a little speed, then push them back out into the plow position to control that speed.
