Ever wondered what it would be like to ride a bike with your feet off the pedals? You can experience this exhilarating feeling, known as “ollieing” on skis, and it’s a lot of fun. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be ollying down the slopes in no time.
The key to ollying is to keep your skis parallel to the slope. If they aren’t parallel to the slope, it’ll be hard for you to ollie properly. If they’re parallel, but you’re not driving straight- ahead, you’ll have difficulty negotiating turns because your skis will want to turn independently of one another. This can lead to dangerous situations if you’re not careful.
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Find The Perfect Skiing Location
The best spot to ollie is close to the piste, but not right on it. You want to be close enough to feel the rush of wind on your cheeks, but not so close that you risk jamming because there’s nobody around to catch you if you fall.
You should also check the weather conditions before you hit the slopes. If it’s storming, it’s probably not the best time to be skiing, especially if you’re a beginner. Take the time to build up your stamina and learn how to control your speed before you go during a severe weather condition. If the weather is nice, but you still want to practice, you can take a run up the mountain to get some speed and get used to the cold wind blowing in your hair.
Find The Perfect Equipment
The first thing you need to do to ollie is to purchase some good quality, ice-cooled skis. You’ll also need a helmet (safety goggles will suffice), a pair of snowboard boots, a pair of ski gloves, and ski trousers. Make sure that the equipment is approved by the relevant authorities for the level of skier you’re planning to learn on.
You might also want to consider a freeride gear set. This is an intermediate and advanced set of equipment that will make you feel like a real pro. It includes a helmet, goggles, jacket, and gloves (sometimes you’ll need a whole set of gloves if it gets really cold). When shopping for this gear set, make sure that the manufacturer’s website is responsive, because you don’t want to buy something that doesn’t fit you properly.
Learn The Basics
Make sure to learn how to ollie correctly and safely. Once you have your gear, take some time to review the appropriate skiing techniques. It’s always useful to watch YouTube videos of pros doing cool tricks, but until you feel confident enough to attempt these tricks yourself, it’s wiser to study an intermediate or expert skier.
Some key tips for ollying include:
- Look ahead and scan the terrain to determine the best line and the least amount of risk. If you don’t have a skier’s eye, get some coaching from a pro.
- Once you establish a smooth rhythm, pick up speed gradually to avoid any accidents.
- Use your arms and legs for balance and propulsion. Stagger your arms a little, like you’re paddling a canoe. You might want to reach above your head occasionally to grab some snow or ice for an extra boost.
- Bend your knees slightly to reduce the impact of velocity on your joints. It’s better to feel like you’re skating rather than hiking. This will also make you appear lighter on the mountain, which is a good thing because you’ll need all the speed you can get to maintain your balance on top of the snow.
- Try keeping an upright position as much as possible. This will help you avoid injuries to your back and neck.
- Control your speed by regulating your lean. When you’re skiing fast, your body leans forward. To go faster, you need to pull your body back. This will require some practice, but you’ll learn how to control your speed instinctively once you get the hang of it.
- Check the conditions frequently. Knowing what kind of snow you’re dealing with is essential if you want to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Changing your ski gear as soon as you notice the first signs of snow on the ground will greatly increase your chances of handling the white stuff successfully. Remember: snow adapts to you, not the other way around.
- When you fall, get up immediately and continue skiing. If you’re hurt or if you’re unable to ski, you’ll have to abandon the activity. It’s better to hurt yourself out there than at home.
- Ski until you drop. You’ll eventually find your limits, and this is the best way to discover them. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, because if you keep on skiing, eventually you’ll reach a point where you’ll start enjoying it more than before.
Get A Buddy
Having a partner is an invaluable asset when learning to ollie. Your buddy can help you practice on the slopes, take notes during your coaching sessions, and keep you company when you need it. If you can’t find a buddy, you can always practice on a snowmobile or in the gym. Remember: it’s all about the rhythm.
The best way to establish and maintain a good rhythm while ollying is to go at a constant speed. This way, your legs will work in unison with each other, and it’ll be easy to keep your balance. Make sure to vary your speed, though, so your muscles don’t get bored.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun. You’ll learn a lot, and it’ll be worth it in the end. Have a couple of days off work to enjoy some quality ski time with your buddies. You won’t regret it.