How to Freestyle Ski

If you are interested in learning to ski freestyle, then you should be an experienced skier or snowboarder. The art of freestyle skiing primarily consists of tricks and jumps that are done by skiers who have a high intermediate-to-expert knowledge of skiing. It also helps to be proficient in a sport such as gymnastics or skateboarding to understand the mechanics of performing certain skiing tricks.

Things You'll Need

• Snowboard
• Freestyle terrain park
• Experience skiing or snowboarding
• Correct freestyle-type skis

Instructions

Learn to Freestyle Ski

1. Purchase the correct skis or snowboard for what you are doing. Skiers that are interested in performing extreme freestyle moves should consider the length and width of their skis before entering the designated terrain at a ski area. Most use a snowboard, but skiers should use shorter and wider skis than in Alpine skiing to perform the same tricks.

2. Begin with the basic moves such as a mogul. A mogul is an advanced move performed with regular skis. Although the shorter, wider skis can get through the terrain of moguls, skis of standard length and width work the best.

3. Try the ramps in a freestyle ski park because many ski areas now have designated sections where extreme skiers can go to practice and show off their freestyle moves. The most basic component is the ramp. There are different sized ramps for different levels of skiers, but each requires exceptional balance to not only ride the ramp, but to land on your feet without injury.

4. Ski the half pipe in an extreme terrain park at your local ski area. The half pipe is a section of snow that has two snowy sides on either side of the trail. Freestyle skiers can go up and down the snow-walled sides for some extra fun.

5. Experiment on the rails. These rails are similar to skateboard rails and are primarily used by snowboarders. In many ski parks, the rail is at the top of a ramp, so the skier can ride the rail, then ski down a ramp and perform a jump trick.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are in good to excellent health before attempting any tricks. Freestyle skiing requires you to use muscles not normally employed during basic skiing.

• You may need to purchase different sets of skis or snowboards for the tricks you want to perform. Many freestyle skiers own a regular pair of skis, a snowboard and snow blades.