SKI SCHOOL: After layoff, take your time

By Craig McNeil, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 25, 2008 at 5:16 p.m.

Text size

Get back in the saddle

From stepping to tipping

Get back in the saddle

More More Living

More stories »

Recently, I've talked with a number of folks who have expressed an interest in skiing again after being away from the sport for some time. The reasons for their absences varied from raising a family to building a business to injuries to simply the busyness of life. All had been ardent skiers before their breaks from skiing but now were looking to get back in the saddle again.

Realize that we're not talking about never-ever beginners here but skiers who had previous experience with a number of seasons under their feet but had been away from the slopes for an extended time.

Coming back after such a hiatus should be done wisely to avoid any setbacks or potential injury. Even if you are (or were) an advanced or expert skier when you stopped, don't fall into the trap of thinking you should be as technically proficient as you once were. That was then and this is now, and that's a big difference. And, as with any physical exercise, it's best to start slow and ease back into it.

In skiing, this means starting at the bottom, literally. Find a green run where you can practice the basics without worrying about the pitch of the slope or speed control. Avoid well-meaning friends or family members who want to take you to the top of the mountain so you can pick up where you left off. Big mistake. Better to be alone with yourself rather than feeling self-conscious that someone is watching you or that you're holding them back.

Confidence in skiing comes from your know-how. When you know you can change direction at will, slow down and stop, a world of skiing possibilities opens up to you again. Your confidence will build each time you feel the sensations of sliding as your control returns. But you have to do this in a safe environment (non-threatening runs or terrain) without any distractions.

This removes the fear of the hill and the worry about controlling your speed. Put your pride aside and start here. In the long run, you'll be glad you did.

1. Get back in the saddle

* If you're returning to skiing after time away from the sport, use a shorter ski. Try renting skis that are 130 to 150 centimeters, depending on your height and weight. A shorter, shaped ski will make it easier to apply the basics such as stepping or tipping while requiring less physical effort.

* When you first get off the lift, ski away, then step aside and out of the way of other skiers who are unloading.

* The first exercise is not to make a turn or to go downhill: Just make a simple traverse at a shallow angle across the slope. As you traverse, take small steps uphill until you stop (first photo above). This allows you to get a feel for moving on your skis again as you shift your weight and balance when you step uphill (second photo above). Don't worry if you don't do it perfectly at first. The object is to establish your balance as you step into the hill. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the angle of descent. Remember, you're not turning yet; you're simply stepping uphill from a traverse until you stop.

2. From stepping to tipping

* Stepping uphill teaches you to transfer (while maintaining) your balance. This exercise also demonstrates that by stepping out of the path of gravity, you'll come to a stop.

* Next, try keeping both skis on the ground, but this time, instead of stepping, you'll be tipping the uphill ski to the little-toe edge. Again, begin with a shallow traverse. As you move across the slope in your traverse, flatten both skis to the snow and tip the uphill foot to the little-toe edge (first photo above). Tipping the uphill foot and ski (while keeping both skis flat to the snow) creates the turning force necessary to change direction and help you turn into the hill. Continue tipping the uphill foot until you turn into the hill and eventually come to a stop (second photo above).

* Remember, when you first attempt stepping and tipping, you should begin from a shallow traverse, so speed is not an issue. Then gradually increase the angle of descent as you become more comfortable with tipping the foot and riding the skis into the hill until you stop.

3. Touch and turn

* Once you become secure in your ability to tip and change direction, it's time to try to make a complete turn. This is a simple progression and one most can do on non-threatening terrain.

* The direction you wish to turn becomes the tipping foot and ski (turning to the right, tip the right foot; turning to the left, tip the left foot).

* As you begin to turn, incorporate the pole plant. A flowing pole plant will help coordinate your timing with your action. This also acts as a turn signal: Touch and tip.

Craig McNeil is a certified Primary Movements instructor. To order his book, How To Ski the Blues and Blacks Without Getting Black and Blue, or to reach him, go to his Web site, HowToSki.net. Photos taken at Copper Mountain Resort.

Subscribe to the Rocky Mountain News