How to Stand Up on Cross-Country Skis

When learning to cross-country ski (and even once you are accomplished at it), falling over is simply part of the process. Learn to laugh at yourself and have fun with it! Knowing how to get up makes the prospect of falling seem much less intimidating.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Once you have fallen take a minute to collect yourself. Check to make sure you still have your poles, your skis, your gloves and your goggles.

2. Once you feel ready, prepare to stand up. Get your skis parallel to each other and shuffle around on your side until your feet are perpendicular to the slope of the mountain. This way your feet will not slip out from under you and speed downhill when you attempt to get up.

3. Once you are in this position gather your poles in your back (uphill) hand.

4. Push off your back hand and crawl hand over hand towards the front of your skis until you are squatting over your skis.

5. Separate your poles and use them to help push yourself to your feet.