| There are various techniques important in | | | | Half "snow-plow" position |
| learning to ski. Below are some of the | | | | |
| essential ones you will need to know. | | | | Running obliquely down a slope a less |
| | | | pronounced "snow plow" position of the skis |
| Traversing uphill | | | | will, as a rule, suffice to brake, and |
| | | | control the skis. |
| Making your way up a long slope you will find | | | | |
| the least tiring way is it "tack", just like | | | | When you come to learning your first turns, |
| a sailing-ship. | | | | you will find this position, and the practice |
| | | | it gives in the distribution of the weight, |
| Both skis parallel, at right angles to the | | | | of great importance. |
| line of the slope. | | | | |
| | | | Place the weight on the outer (lower) ski by |
| Weight on the right ski and the left ski | | | | bending the corresponding knee. This ski |
| raised and pointing in the new direction. | | | | should be edged a certain amount, while the |
| Left pole thrust into the ground close to the | | | | upper ski should be flat on the snow, with |
| left foot. | | | | comparatively little weight on it. |
| | | | |
| The right ski is lifted up and brought | | | | With this distribution of the weight you will |
| parallel to the left, with the right pole | | | | be able to carry out your first turns. |
| thrust into the ground by the right foot. By | | | | Changes of direction are determined by |
| placing the weight on the poles you will | | | | torsion, or rotation, of the body. |
| prevent any tendency to slide back. | | | | |
| | | | "Snow plow" turns |
| Your "tack" is now complete, and you can | | | | |
| continue to ski uphill, with knees well | | | | Learning to "snow-plow" will teach you the |
| flexed. | | | | correct position of skis and body required |
| | | | for executing turns to the right and to the |
| "Snow plowing" downhill | | | | left. Transference of weight from one ski to |
| | | | another, combined with body torsion, will |
| You've reached the top of the hill, and | | | | enable you to change direction at will. Every |
| you're now going to ski down for the first | | | | movement must be carried out rhythmically, |
| time. Your first problem is to determine your | | | | and your skis should retain the full |
| speed, and to have your skis under complete | | | | "snow-plow" position while the turn is being |
| control as you ski downhill. For this purpose | | | | carried out. |
| the "snow-plow" position is the correct | | | | |
| method of braking. | | | | Ski straight down hill, with your skis in the |
| | | | full "snow-plow" position. Place the weight |
| The full "snow plow" position is flat skis, | | | | on the left ski, and at the same time |
| knees bent forwards, and not inwards. | | | | thrusting the left hip forward. You will find |
| Assume a wide "snow plow" position, with the | | | | that you are turning to the right. Transfer |
| weight on the heels. Sit well back, with the | | | | the weight to the right ski, thrust the right |
| knees flexed forward. The body from the waist | | | | hip forward, and you will turn to the left. |
| up should be leaning slightly forward. All | | | | Continue to ski downhill, turning alternately |
| muscles should be relaxed, and the hands | | | | to left and right. |
| should be held close to the knees. In this | | | | |
| position you will be able to brake, edging | | | | Perfect these techniques and your skiing will |
| your skis as required. | | | | become a lot more enjoyable. |
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