How to Avoid Going Too Fast When Skiing
While skiing, gravity pulls you down the slope and can cause a skiier to go at a very fast, even dangerous pace. To make matters worse, skiis have no built-in braking devices. Therefore, you must learn how to avoid going down a hill too fast on your own. There are a couple methods of curbing your speed while on the hill.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Take lessons before taking on the slope. Make sure your instructor teaches you and demonstrates a few methods of slowing down. Try these methods a few times on a beginner slope before actually going up the hill.
-
2
Before going down the hill, make sure you are in a good, stable stance: with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend your waist, ankles and knees forward.
-
-
3
Going down the hill, if you find yourself accelerating speeds, turn your toes inward in the snow plough position, creating a V-shape with your skiis. The wider the V-shape, the slower you will go.
-
4
Turn uphill to avoid gaining too much speed on a steeper slope. Turn by adding more pressure to the opposite foot and using your body to maneuver; for example, if turning left, you would put more pressure on the right foot, and vice versa.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you find yourself going too fast and can't get into the snowplow position, turn both feet to one side, horizontal with the hill, and sit down; don't allow the situation to get out of control.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
