Ask Bert, the Expert!
For Beginners
As a beginner, you are the bravest of them
all...learning a new sport, building confidence
as you go. Your questions are unique and Bert
has some answers!
Here are his latest FAQ's
from Beginners like you!
FAQ's:
How do I Stop without using the Snow... ?
I've fallen and I can't get up...!
How
do I get off the chairlift?
Why do I keep catching an edge ?
How can I keep my skis from crossing?
Is there an easier way to put on boots?
Q. How do I Stop without having to use the "Snow
Plow" technique? My knees are killing me!?
A. "Snow Plow" is a dated term for a
"wedge," which describes the outward angling of
the ski tails to form a V pointed in the
direction you are skiing. It's a good beginner
technique for slowing down and stopping before
you hit the parking lot! The "Christie" or "Stem
Christie" is also a dated term for a "stem turn"
that begins with lifting your uphill ski and
angling its tail outward. Then you continue on a
straight traverse with all your weight on the
downhill ski, as your uphill stemmed ski glides
clear of the snow. You prepare to turn by
bringing the stemmed ski back so its tip is even
with the unstemmed ski.
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Q. I've fallen and I can't get up! How do I get
up from a fall without looking foolish?
A. First, if you can control the way you
fall at all, try to fall backward and to one
side, using one hip as a shock absorber (easy
for me to say!). Keep your knees close together.
Swing your skis horizontally across the slope
below your body and draw your feet up close to
your hips. Push down on your poles, pushing
yourself up onto your feet.
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Q. How do I get off the chairlift? I'm fine
on the slopes but the lift is a problem!
A. Whether you are loading onto a detachable or
attached lift, the best way to avoid a fall
while unloading is to be prepared. Observe
all signs posted by the resort in preparation,
such as "keep ski tips up," "raise bar." Just
before unloading, hold your poles high to
prepare to unload. Look ahead, observing any
obstructions or icy conditions on the landing
pad, and always plan your direction ahead of
time - left, right, or straight ahead. If
possible, ask your companions where they intend
to go, so each person stays out of the way of
the others. If you are unsure of yourself, plan
to go in the same direction as your companions
and adjust your direction after you ski off.
Most resorts have ample space to rest upon
unloading, to allow you to change your direction
after you unload. But specific conditions and
terrain will dictate this possibility.
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to Top
Q.
Why do I keep catching my inside ski edge?
A. You are probably "over edging" your skis.
Try flattening them out by rolling your ankles
outward. Skiing takes some coordination, eh?
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Q.
How can I keep my skis from crossing?
A. You are probably sitting too far back on
your skis, or over edging, or incorrectly
shifting your weight or your lead ski could be
too far forward. Here's where a ski instructor
could really help you by observing your stance
and diagnosing the problem for you. But in
general, try focusing on these basics: Keep your
weight forward, press your knees forward, keep
your weight on the outside ski and flatten your
skis to avoid over edging.
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Q.
Is there an easy way to put my boots on? It's
exhausting!
A. To ease boots on, try
not to take any short cuts. Unbuckle all buckles
and snaps and be sure to pull apart the boot's
shell as far as it will go. Loosen any tension
adjustments if necessary. Buckling up is easier
if you first snap the buckle second from the
bottom, then the bottom, then the others (for
front buckle boots). On rear-entry boots,
tighten any adjustment near the midfoot first
and the top ankle buckle last. Don't tighten
further until you wear them for a few minutes -
then tighten them to create the snug fit,
without pain! And for goodness sakes, buckle
your own boots! The exercise and stretching will
benefit you on the slopes.
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By Bert, The Expert. Copyright © 2011
Weinmann Marketing. All rights reserved.
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