Helping a beginner stucked before a steep one...

I started off last season with a friend (so we're both beginners) with a different preference for adrenaline surges. So wanting to cross from one run to the other, we came to a spot where it's really steep for about 300m.

My friend panicked, and the junction (which leads to an easier run) was 500m uphill, but walking back that distance was not an option as it gave an impression of a 5km hike uphill through the snow. After a 15-min hesitation, I tell you, she was just about to cry.

Finally, she tried also going down step by step using the edges of the skis to grab on to the slope. Might seem like a good idea for 300m, but just less than quarter of the way down, she soon realised that she has reached a point where it seems just too steep to even do that. So she turned forward and headed straight on downhill, yelling her hearts out down the way.

Obviously it was terrifying, but unavoidable as that's the only connection to the next lift, which allows us to ski down, unless we decide to walk 3 km on foot back to the point we began.

My questions is: How do I help a beginner conquer his fears and ski down a very steep slope? Are there any tricks to this?

There probably are all sorts of motivational talks you can give, but if were me I wouldn't be taking someone who was that scared there again.

Avoid that resort and plan your days using easier runs until she's more confident, as she'll probably refuse to ever go skiing again.

If you do get in that situation again, don't let her go straight down. By using the slope fully, from side to side, she will find it slower. She can also gather her wits at the side and not run the risk of ploughing into anyone.

Well, the thing is that all the runs for beginners in this area were fine with us in this area, some were a little intimidating, but they were all manageable.

It is just the exception of this silly stretch of 300m...

Just sounds like the run was too difficult, especially if it became impossible to sidestep. Beginner and steep don't go together really well.

Usually ends up a lot like this:

Why didn't the skis go off???

Obviously the correct answer revolves around getting proper instruction and planning where you ski but if you still end up in this position you need to deal with it.

Something I got my kids doing was to practise side slipping on your skis. Stand side on to the slope and moving your knees in and out alternate between letting the skis slip down a tiny amount and then digging the edges in to slow down/stop. This needs to be practised on easier slopes.

Hope this makes sense

So you're a beginner trying to teach a beginner, mmm. The issue here is that you managed to put yourselves into a situation from which you didn't appear to be capable of extracting yourselves safely. In the cold light of day, a 500 metre walk back up the piste carrying your skis, however unpalatable, is preferable to broken limbs, your own or anyone elses. Instruction is the answer. This will teach you slope awareness, side slipping, as already mentioned, a great technique easily learned. Instruction will give you confidence and a greater understanding of how to deal with this kind of situation. It isn't steep when you traverse across the slope, again, as already mentioned. I hope you haven't managed to put your friend off for life, and seriously, no matter what your level, tuition is important.
BTW Skiing insurance usually only covers you while on Piste, unless you've taken out specific policy.

Enjoy your next skiing )

Always carry your piste map and always stick to blues and greens