How to Get up After a Fall When Skiing

To get up after a fall when skiing, you must be in good shape. It is very important that you meet the physical requirements of skiing before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Ski area
• Skis, boots and poles

Instructions

Get up After a Fall When Skiing

1. Find your skis and step back into them. Many times, when a skier falls, the boots are forced out of the bindings and one or both skis are left sliding down the hill. If this is the case, you should just retrieve your skis and step back into the bindings to continue skiing.

2. Look around and wave your arms if there are other people skiing towards you. You will want to be sure that they see you so that they don't crash into you. They may also be able to provide some assistance if you need it.

3. Pull your legs together to your side. Be sure that both skis are parallel to each other and facing in the same direction. One ski should be right behind the other one with the edge of each ski halfway planted in the snow.

4. Bring both your arms with your poles to the same side of the body as your skis. Wrap your wrists around the loops at the top of the poles and get a strong grip on the handles.

5. Jam your poles into the snow, side by side and sticking straight up. Your hands should still be on the handles and your arms should be stretched upwards.

6. Pull yourself up by placing pressure on the tops of the poles. Use your back muscles to pull while you use your thigh muscles to dig your heels into the skis and push yourself up using your legs.

7. Position your legs straight ahead with your poles back on either side of your body. Bend your knees and continue skiing down the hill.

Tips & Warnings

• If you realize you are hurt when you try to get up after a fall, then flag down another skier and ask her to notify the ski patrol. Likewise if you see a skier in need of help, notify the ski patrol or a lift operator as soon as possible.

• You may want to practice falling and getting up a few times at the base of the mountain, before you go up on the chairlift.