Got my wings, now what?

Hi all,

Just got back from our first ski holiday and really enjoyed it. I had basically three one hour lessons, and got the thumbs up from the instructor - I can't remember all the phrases and names so bear with me.

I think I'm parallel skiing, parallel turns, and parallel skidding(?). Checking the speed at the end of turns, looking down the mountain, using the full width of the piste (and keeping out of other people's way!).

Problems are that I tend to use my hips primarily rather than my feet for turning, so I'm working on that.

The other issue is that when my technique fails and my weight rocks back, is their any humanly possible way to get forward again? At the moment I come to a stop any way I can and start again.

Before I go to an instructor again I realise I need time on the piste to bed down what I've learned, but any direction would be appreciated.

Nice one!!
Sounds like you are doing very well and have listened and learned carefully if you are doing parallel skid turns after 3 hrs of lessons you are doing very well ..its almost impossible to comment on your skiing without seeing you do it..
but technique normally fails when your muscles are tired. so yes put in some time gaininq stamina and remember your technique
then you can only continue to improve
WELL DONE!

Great that you had a good time. As far as recovering from the back seat, it helps if you think in terms of pulling the skis back under you, rather than than trying to get forward again. This is a great concept to apply generally, that it is easier to move your lighter legs, and skis, than your heavier body.

You seem to be doing very well.
To add to what Trencher has put forward for recovery, when you are skiing, keep thinking about keeping your chest over your toes, and also keep your hands forward, and slightly wide. This is a slightly exagerated description, but if you try to keep the top half forward, you are likely to achieve a balance.
Be careful when you come to a change in terrain, ie where the slope goes steeper. Where this happens, compensate by leaning forward more.
Try to keep pressure forwards into your boots. (forward onto the tongue)

I always tell people imagine you have a pole going through your head knees and boots, and as Dave Mac says hands forward.

Ian Wickham wrote:I always tell people imagine you have a pole going through your head knees and boots, and as Dave Mac says hands forward.

Wickers: Perhaps you should reflect on your comments before posting! I can only imagine the sort of comments that this particular gem of wisdom will generate!!!!!

Wanderer wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:I always tell people imagine you have a pole going through your head knees and boots, and as Dave Mac says hands forward.

Wickers: Perhaps you should reflect on your comments before posting! I can only imagine the sort of comments that this particular gem of wisdom will generate!!!!!

No idea what you are talking about !!!!!!

Dave Mac wrote:You seem to be doing very well.
To add to what Trencher has put forward for recovery, when you are skiing, keep thinking about keeping your chest over your toes, and also keep your hands forward, and slightly wide. This is a slightly exagerated description, but if you try to keep the top half forward, you are likely to achieve a balance.
Be careful when you come to a change in terrain, ie where the slope goes steeper. Where this happens, compensate by leaning forward more.
Try to keep pressure forwards into your boots. (forward onto the tongue)

Hmm, that is very interesting. I did really struggle when the gradient got significantly steeper, counter intuitive to lean forward more when you're worried about speed :)

On a side note, it's also amazing how easy it is when you're well balanced and turning easily!

Thanks for the encouragement, and and advice all. I'm wondering where/when I can get some more practice in already :D