Pressure

Pressure is the next skill in the learning game. Skiing is more than just riding on the edge of the ski. Pressure must be put on the ski in order for it to carve the turn and give control. Think of the sound made by the skis when gliding down the slopes. Pressure is nothing more than taking that vibration of the skis and pushing it back into the snow by pushing on the edge of the foot.

Skiing professionals talk about educated feet, and this is the learner's goal: push on the snow while turning. Pressuring the skis is a very complicated balancing act. In order to fully gain control over the skis, first, know how much weight to focus on each ski for the appropriate terrain. On the groomed runs, experts have the majority of weight focused on the outside or downhill ski. In powder and and bumps, the weight should be more equally weighted so the skis can be used as a single platform, thereby not allowing one ski to sink more than the other into the soft snow.

Instructors like to bring clients up by giving them success, then slowly introducing them to the harder terrain. Through self education, skiers can gradually reacquaint themselves to the slopes. Furthermore, at $60 an hour, a pro can be an expensive tour guide. Start off on the easier terrain, then progress to the steeper runs control and confidence is gained. The first afternoon or second day should be the lesson day for any level skier. Make sure an experienced instructor who is full certified in PSIA (Professional Ski Instructor of America) gives you the lesson. These guys are highly skilled pros who are rigorously tested by their peers to insure a quality lesson.

Alpine Skiing School section in english version of WWW.SKI.BG is based on
"A Guide To Becoming An Expert: From First Time To A Lifetime"
by John Mukavitz Copyright © 1998