If you’re reading this, we assume you either have skis in your collection or are planning on getting some soon. It’s that time of year when the snow is almost gone but everyone is still talking about it. If you’re looking for a way to make the most of your last bits of skiing, here are some tips on how to skin on skis.
Table of Contents
Choose The Right Equipment
The first and most important step to skinning on skis is to make sure you have the right equipment. You don’t want to end up with ski boots that are too small or big, bindings that are too loose or tight, or a helmet that doesn’t fit firmly but keeps sliding off your head during a fall. If you’re planning on using metal skis, make sure you have the right equipment, including helmet, gloves and metal ski guards. Don’t forget to check the sizing chart before buying a pair of ski boots. Your ski instructor can also help you choose the right equipment, so don’t be afraid to ask for his or her advice. This is also the time of year when stores are getting rid of old equipment and salespeople are getting a bit desperate, so be sure to bargain if you want to get the best deal.
Get The Right Technique
The second step to skinning on skis is to get the right technique. When learning how to ski, your instructor will usually show you one or two basic techniques that you can use on any kind of slope. These are called the push and pull technique or the butterfly technique. In the push technique, the skier pushes off with his or her boots and leans backward, propelling the body forward. In the pull technique, the skier pulls back with the boots while pushing straight ahead with the body. When executing the push and pull technique, the skier should keep the same base angle throughout the turn and stay as close to the snow as possible. Using more than two techniques at a time (e.g., climbing, skiing, and surfing) is usually not advised because it takes practice to master one technique and it’s usually not necessary to use multiple techniques to have fun on a snowboard or ski.
Find The Right Location
The third step to skinning on skis is to find the right location. When you’re skiing, you don’t want to be anywhere near large bodies of water or strong winds. Likewise, avoid areas where there are a lot of people or busy roads. You also don’t want to be near bushes or trees, especially not tall ones, as you might lose your balance and fall. Another dangerous place to be is on top of a hill, especially if there are no signs prohibiting skiing or other snow activities. Be sure to check the weather before heading out, as conditions can change quickly and the snow might not be in the best condition. Especially in springtime when the snow is melting and in summertime when the heat is rising, finding a quiet place is the key to having fun without any risks.
Practice
The fourth step to skinning on skis is to practice. Like with most sports, the more you do it, the better you’ll get. During your first few days on the mountain, it’s best to do what the locals do and take it easy. Do some learning drills, go up gentle slopes, and take it easy. Once you’re feeling comfortable, you can increase your training and do some advanced things, like skiing off the piste, going down the same mountain in the opposite direction, and turning over for an additional style. If you’re planning on taking your ski holidays regularly, it’s best to build up your training progressively, starting with a couple of days a week and working your way to a full week at some point. In addition to getting advice from your ski instructor, you can also read online tutorials or watch instructional videos to learn more about skiing techniques and improve your practice session. As you get more experienced, you can start taking more adventurous routes and trying out new things, like skiing off-piste, racing, or taking an additional run with family and friends.
Have Fun
Last but not least, let’s not forget about having fun. Skiing is a form of recreation that should be enjoyed by everyone, even if you only have a couple of days a week available. Make sure to find a partner and ride together as often as possible, especially if you’re a beginner. Partnering with someone who has more experience will help you improve your skills quickly and have fun while doing it. Racing is also a great way to have fun while improving your skills and competing against others. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the experience, even if it’s only for a couple of hours a day.
With skiing, as with any other sport, it’s all about finding the right equipment, getting the right technique, and making sure to practice enough. Make sure to have fun while doing it and take it easy at first, especially if you’re a beginner. After all, the key to enjoying any experience is to do it with ease and comfort. If you want to improve your skiing experience, all you need to do is follow these tips. Have fun!