A unique part of skiing is its limited season. Without extensive travel and expense, we can only ski a few months of the year. This brings a process of relearning as we start again each year. It is important to be easy on ourselves during this time and not compare our skiing to what we were doing at the end of last season. Think of it instead as an incredible opportunity for reinvention and to break past one’s previous abilities. Here are some ways to ease back into the season while setting yourself up for your best season yet.
Balance is one of the most critical aspects of skiing. In order to get your season off to a great start, the best thing you can do is experiment in finding your balance. One way is to concentrate on your feet in your boots. Think about feeling your feet flat on the bottom of the sole of the boot throughout the turn.
Play with your stance. Do one run with your legs as wide apart as you can muster. Do the next run with your feet glued together 80s style but still using good form. Find a position somewhere between that feels natural to you.
While standing still, try hanging off the front of the boot. Then see how far back you can lean in them. Find a relaxed natural position somewhere between.
Remember that in order to maintain balance while skiing over constantly changing terrain, balance must be in motion. Keep your legs moving constantly through the turn without any static posed spots.
Choose terrain with which you are comfortable to figure things out. But don’t be afraid to once in a while throw in a more challenging run. This will prevent you from getting caught in a rut and make you a more rounded skier.
Look ahead when you ski. Not just for safety but to add flow to your skiing by anticipating where you will be a few turns out.
Mix it up. Everyone has a favourite turn shape that we like to revert to. If it is medium sized turns that are your thing, do some great big turns mixed with some short turns in the same run. This promotes movement and adaptability.
Ski top to bottom. Especially if you are skiing in Ontario. Our runs are simply not long enough to stop, rest, and re-gather part way down. If you want to get back in ski shape quickly or prepare yourself for skiing a bigger mountain, you need to ski longer runs. You should be a bit out of breath at the bottom. It shows you are pushing yourself. You have the whole lift line and chairlift ride back up to recover.
Ski loose. Chances are the skiers you admire on the hill have a relaxed ease to their skiing. Make a conscious effort to be loose and free. And have fun!
Hope something here resonates with you and you have an incredible start to your ski season! Hope to see you on the slopes soon!
