J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by badlandskid

I agree. I was trying to type what I do on the slope with minimal success. At the point of begining to break with the edge of the ski I am already on my side (hip). Very good point.

First I must point out that keeping your body parts protected (KNEES especially in this instance) should be a top concern. Skis going in opposite directions is not a good thing!

If I go head first I;
1) try to keep my boots together, skis facing in the same direction, keeping my knees bent. (I think of my boots being tied together)
2) Once I achieve that, I roll onto my back, feet in the air and try to swing my feet down hill. (Keep knees bent)
3) as my skis come down I turn onto either my right or left side so that my skis are parallel to the fall line.
4) at this point I slowly begain digging the edge of my ski closest to the slope into the snow to start the breaking process. (slowly straightening my legs)

If you have lost a ski/skis you can still use this technique. If your skis stay on and you do it right, you can get proficient enough to pop you right back on your feet! I learned this quickly out of necessity. The clowns I ski with love to dust those who happen to fall and dont get back up fast enough! :oops:

Another point is what to do with your poles? On my back I keep my arms in... tips of poles pointed toward my feet. When I start to do the turn I keep my hands together, pointing the tips upslope. That will help keep you from taking one on the chin if the tip of your pole digs into the snow.

Any time you get limbs flying in all directions you increase your chances of something bad happening. That is the main reason why I don't sprawl. If you ski more difficult terain, it is imperative to get back up (or stop) rather quickly as you don't want to go over an exposed rock or stump in the down possition, sprawl or on your back. I have found the technique I described above, or tried to :wink:, gets me back on my feet rather quickly.

I agree with Bandit whole heartedly. Try different rental gear. You will soon learn what you like/want to do.

When I got started, other than a ski jacket, my first purchase was boots. I still have em. As you try the different ski types, mix in different terrain. It will give you an idea where you think you will be skiing in 5 years. Personally, I like almost any type of down hill terrain, runs, snow conditions as it is much more enjoyable than say.... WORK!

Because I am willing to ski as much of the mountain as my ability will let me, I chose a ski that works well in all areas. At the time I was ready to upgrade I spent a lot of time reading reviews. I suggest doing that as well. I don't remember the websites I checked for that but I bet many of the members here could point you to such info.

Chances are if you really take to skiing, you will be upgrading gear in a few short years. With this in mind, get equipment that is suitable for your skill level now. If you are budget minded, don't go all out at the beginner/intermediate stage. If money is no object then by all means, have at it. My first skis were cheep but they did the trick. I spent considerably more when I upgraded to an all mountain, expert ski.

And I think the biggest thing is when you step out of your vehicle, standing in the resort parking lot looking up the mountain, you should have a big :D all over your face!

I hope this helps.