Ski Like a Kid

I recently spent a day instructing 6-8 year olds. For someone used to skiing with and instructing adults I was reminded of a valuable lesson from the kids.

Skiing is fun!!! It shouldn't be about countless drills and thinking of a myriad of technical instructions as we make our way down the hill. Instead, ski like a kid. Look for the "funnest" way down the hill. Take advantage of of dips, rolls, and the sides of the run. Get some air! Ski where the snow is untracked and ungroomed. When you open your eyes to the possibilities, you will find areas of familiar ski hills that you have never before thought of skiing.

Concerned that this will impact your ability to improve? It's actually quite the opposite. Skiing up and down an embankment on the side of a run improves both balance and pivoting skills. Skiing through and over dips and rolls helps with pressure control and timing. Skiing less than perfectly groomed snow prepares you for an all-mountain experience when you travel.

But best of all you will remember why you began in this great sport and have fun! So next time you are on the hill watch some of the kids. See where they go. Then go tap that terrain and have a blast skiing like a kid!