Skiing guides

Downhill skiing is synonymous to alpine skiing, a discipline derived from the Nordic cross-country style and adapted to the steep slopes of the European Alps. In competitive skiing, downhill is all about speed, with some skiers averaging 80 mph on average. Downhill skiing as a recreational activity, usually just consists of descending a steep hillside on skis.

The downhill course
A course begins at the top or near the top of a mountain with a piste closed off to other skiers to avoid crashes. The trail is packed and groomed for just this purpose and red gates are placed to guide the skier along the designated course. The skier will then attempt to ski down the trail at high speed while keeping between the gates.

Depending on the skier or on the competition, the course may be designed to increase difficulty with conditions like challenging turns, skiing at high speed, skiing on flats or on extreme steeps. The course may also include jumps.

Your equipment
If you want to ski downhill, your equipment will be different from those used in alpine events ran at lower speeds. Skis are a little longer with low-profile, rounded tips for better stability. The ski poles are also bent.

If you’re aiming to increase speed and decrease drag, you may also exchange your warm, bulky clothes for skin-tight suits. A helmet is always required, so be sure to wear one.

So how do I stop?
Probably your first concern as a beginner is how to stop, even before you start gliding. The most common technique is snowplowing. This involves spreading your legs and the pushing the tips of your skis together to form an inverted ‘V’. The purpose of this slightly awkward move is to increase drag and therefore allow you to slow down and eventually stop.

Some things you ought to know
Downhill skiing will involve the most speed in snow sports so there are more risks than in other alpine events. If you want to learn downhill skiing, get lessons from a qualified instructor first and then try your skills on less steep hillsides. Gradually move to higher hillsides until you perfect your skill.

While ski resorts try to minimize risks by placing safety netting at specific areas of a downhill skiing trail, these will be worthless if you aren’t careful. Build your stamina, strength and technical skills first because it will take a lot of courage to take a mountain on and push yourself off the mountainside.

Skiing is much like every other sport, in that it does involves some risk. The same risk that you face everyday when you’re driving is also the same risk you’ll be exposed to when you ski. The majority of accidents that happen on ski trails are usually the result of carelessness and overeagerness.

Here are five dangerous things to watch out for:

1. Falling - probably the most common risk for beginners, although experienced and extreme skiers aren’t immune. Falling happens when a skier encounters weak snow or skis over a trail where someone has carelessly left footprints. Another cause could be getting cut off by another skier.

Falling on skis is potentially harmful in that the skier has little control over himself, since his skis will prevent him from trying to use his feet for balance. A fall could result in getting an arm or a leg broken or you could walk away with just a few bruises and bumps.

2. Snowboarders and Other Skiers – there’s also a danger posed by other skiers and snowboarders who are out of control. A skier who doesn’t watch out for them may fall out of balance or worse, crash into one.

3. Avalanches – this isn’t an immediate danger to beginners since avalanches usually occur on slopes frequented by more advanced skiers. Ski resorts try to obtain some measure of control by starting one on purpose a few hours before skiers go out. Avalanches only occur when snow is unstable but once it has fallen, it won’t pose much risk, so ski only on maintained trails.

4. Fatigued – skiing can be very hypnotic, especially when you’ve been doing it for some time and are just maintaining a rhythm. Sometimes you hardly notice that you are tired and so push yourself further to take a last run. This is risky because when your body is tired, your reflexes are slower and your judgment is unsure. You might make some mistakes and miscalculations that could cost you or another skier.

5. Ignoring the signs – every skier is supposed to understand their responsibility code so be sure to keep it in mind when you ski. Ski trails are also littered with signs and you ignore them at your own risk. Pay attention to every sign and marker and be aware of piste guidelines.

6. Overestimating your ability – maintain a ski speed that is appropriate to your ability and keep to terrain that you can manage. Respect nature and what it can do. You are there to have fun so do it without hurting yourself, or anyone.

If you like to cover a diverse terrain, like to travel in pack or alone at your own speed, then cross-country skiing is for you. Go over hillsides, glide through the woods and slide over pastures, it’s up to you. Your choice will only be limited by your ability and skill.

If you’re a first-timer, the only way to learn cross country skiing is to get an experienced and qualified teacher. It’s best to take lessons first before you venture out on your own. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you ski cross-country:

Body Position
Keep your upper body at an upright position but bent a little, although not slumped over. This will help you keep your balance best. Keep your legs at shoulder width. Try as you might, you won’t be able to balance with your feet together.

Bend your legs at the knees and ankles and keep your knees and feet aligned vertically with your nose. Keep your weight distributed between your toes and heels, which means that you have to balance on flat feet.

If you’ve already had some practice on balancing, you can now try to increase your speed. Don’t bend forward; just lower your body to remain stable. When you’re going downhill, resist the temptation of bending forward at the waist; you will slip and fall over.

Here are a few starting tricks to learn to keep you on your skis:
1. Sliding – keep your feet side by side and glide across while balancing yourself.
2. Poling – push yourself forward using the poles.
3. Steering – turn your foot and leg to steer the skis.
4. Pushing off – push yourself forward using the skis; also known as ‘kicking’
5. Weight Transfer – shift your weight from one foot to another
6. Edging – tilt the skis so that the bottom corner pushes into the snow
7. Skidding – move the skis sideways
8. Gliding on one ski – shift your body weight on one ski and glide across the snow using only that ski

So now how do I stop?
There are two ways to stop and no, you don’t need trees.
Wedging – bend your knees and ankles but don’t lift your heels. Push in with the heels and edge your skis, using the inner edges. Try to keep your upper body upright and not bent at the waist, just as you would be if you were seated on a chair.

Snowplowing – keep your skis flat and spread your legs. Turn the tips of your skis toward each other (like an inverted ‘V’). This move increases drag and will help slow you down and eventually stop.

Colorado is probably one of the first names that comes to mind when one thinks of skiing. This is a perfect place because of its low humidity and high elevation. Five to six months of the finest snow has earned seven of Colorado’s skiing resorts a spot on the continent’s 10 most popular. From giddy first-timers to hard-core extreme skiers, Colorado can offer the perfect run.

Here are a few of the best spots:
Telluride
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride boasts of a vertical drop of 3,522 feet. For easy access, there are two high-speed quads and one triple, all of them state-of-the-art lifts. That way you won’t have any excuse for not enjoying their steeps and bumps.

Telluride has a free gondola which provides transportation from downtown to the Mountain Village and to the slopes. It boasts of historic buildings, five star restaurants and some of the best spas you’ll ever find.

Steamboat
Steamboat Springs in northwestern Colorado, offers one of the best skiing locations in the Rocky Mountains. In fact, it’s known as Ski Town USA, the town where some of the best winter Olympians grew up in. It has more than 3,000 acres of ski areas and even beginners can take lessons from Olympians and World Ski champions at the resort.

Kids can ski for free and you’ll love the fact that Steamboat enjoys an average of 330 inches of dry, light snow annually. With almost 3,000 acres to ski on, it’s a great place for family fun.

Vail
Vail is a massive ski mountain at 5,289 acres. Blue Sky Basin is found there, with 1,500 acres of the best-groomed skiing terrain you’ll ever find. It averages an annual snowfall average of 346 inches.

Vail is legendary for its more than 4,000-acre ski terrain which includes the Riva Ridge and the China Bowl. It has more than 70 restaurants, has 10 high-speed quads and plenty of off-slope activities for an unforgettable vacation.

Crested Butte
Located in the Elk Mounted Range, Crested Butte has a ski village just three miles from a wonderful Victorian mining town. It offers skiing for all levels and some exciting 550 acres of ungroomed, steep terrain for the extreme adventurer.

Its modern ski village can house 6,500 guests and has a wide range of state-of-the-art amenities to meet every need and taste. It’s a bright and colorful skiing destination that’s never short on character and surprises.

Skiing is one of the best winter sports known to man and with the popularity it has gained over the years and with all the ski resorts popping up, it is has become a complicated task to choose a place that is just right for your skiing trip. For this reason, we came up with some of the best places for skiing.

One of the places you can choose from is in Colorado particularly an area called Aspen. Aspen is a popular choice among both Americans and Europeans skiers. It is one of the best choices there is because it can accommodate both beginners and experienced skiers alike. There is a drawback to this as the resort can be costly because of its popularity.

Another nice skiing place can be found in Italy in the area named Cortina. Cortina is actually one of the first ever resorts built and it still remains quite popular today because of the innate charm you will see when you visit. On the other hand, there is also a very charming ski resort found in the United States located in Vermont and it offers some of the finest amnesties you can find. The resorts here are also interconnected so you can go from one resort to another. Aside from this, they are also very accommodating to tourist with all the stores and food for your enjoyment.

Meanwhile, in France, they also have one of the best ski resorts around called the Chamonix. This is something that the country of France can be truly proud of because this resort is very well-known for its terrain. Also, this resort actually has the runs that are the longest that can be found anywhere on the globe.

The list of the best places for skiing wouldn’t be complete without including Switzerland. Switzerland has some of the best resorts you will ever find, the area in St. Moritz is probably the most well known, there is a hidden treasure in Zermatt because it has the freshest air and peacefulness we should all associate with skiing.

There are many skin resorts out there that are yet undiscovered. If you are adventurous enough why not try out the different slopes that are available. Skiing is truly an a fun and adventurous sport so trying out any of the skiing places listed above would surely be worth your time.

If you are a skiing fan then you probably know what alpine skiing is as this is one of the most enjoyable skiing types. Alpine skiing involves going downhill through the simple means of sliding. The extreme sensation of sliding downhill feels so exhilarating that most people see it as an aphrodisiac and with reason. Basically, alpine skiing involves a simple concept but the enlivening feeling it brings to skiers is anything but simple.

Cross country skiing is actually the forerunner of alpine skiing; in fact, the two are similar except that alpine skiing involves getting to slide downhill again and again. This is because of the technology that was made available so that people can lift up so that they don’t have to climb the whole mountain many times just to ski down again. This type of skiing is particularly engaging when different components like the mountain, snow, and people converge to making it a spectacular scene. This kind of skiing is really popular the world over with countries from Asia, Europe, and the United States enjoying this sport.

Alpine skiing is essentially a simple kind of skiing but even this requires you to have some kind of skill to be able to maneuver your skis so that you will be able go exactly where you want to go and to be able to go at a speed you are comfortable with. This is a test of a skier’s capability and many skiers grapple with this problem. However, there are techniques you can use to simplify these otherwise difficult maneuvers if you are a beginner.

Trainers suggest that you point your skis together at the front to control your direction. Those who are experienced in skiing do another technique that is using the knees to maneuver anywhere they want to go. This is quite a tricky technique but everyone aims to be able to do this because it poses many advantages compared to the beginner’s technique, plus it looks better.

There are many terrains you can try once you get the hang of skiing; most people try various kinds of slopes that range from the straightforward to the rough terrain and everyone can do this if they truly try to learn the art of skiing. There are many professionals that can help you and all you really need to have is the desire to learn as much as possible and everything else will follow.

Skiing is a very enjoyable and exhilarating sport, so much so that people often get caught up in the moment and don’t realize that they are being way too aggressive. Not that there is anything wrong with being aggressive, just don’t go over the top though because your skiing expedition can turn disastrously and no body wants that to happen.

There are some aggressive skiing tips you can put to good use and they will help in making your skiing trip enjoyable and disaster-free. One thing you must do before you hit the terrain is to stretch all the muscles you are going to use when you ski. Doing this will make your body more flexible and your body will be better able to cope with the strain you are sure to experience when you ski.

You should know your equipment, this is most especially important when you are an aggressive skier as the equipments are the ones that will take the strain of your force. You should also be comfortable will your equipment and furthermore, it should fit you perfectly. Making sure that all the right equipment is in order is one of the most important things you have to ensure in aggressive skiing.

If you know you are an aggressive skier or even if you just enjoy skiing then it is time to take up advanced lessons so that you will be able to enjoy it to the max because you know all the maneuvers. Taking lessons will also minimize the chance that you will encounter difficulties and ensure that you are going to be safe. Aggressive skiers should also note that prolonged exposure to the elements will cause dehydration and the extreme cold can bring out all sorts of sicknesses like cough, dizziness, and even nausea. So drinking enough water is essential to keep your energy level up and remain as aggressive as you want for as long as you want.

Also pay particular attention to your surroundings because you don’t know what you will encounter ahead of you and even if your concentration is focused on skiing look to your environment and make sure that you don’t harm yourself and other people. Think of skiing as something akin to driving, it is equally important to notice what is on your left and on your right.

Being an aggressive skier is enjoyable and you get to know yourself better because it pushes you to your limits. Because of this you get to be the best skier that you can be. But you also must be reasonable in your aggression, and the most important tip is to remember that your life is more valuable than anything else.

Downhill skiing is becoming more and more popular. Because of the challenges it poses and the amazing stunts done by its players, there is no contesting the notion that the recreational activity has truly become a worldwide sport.

Proof to downhill skiing’s popularity as a worldwide sport is the establishment of skiing domes with artificial snow and slopes in different countries around the world, from the tropical ones to the desert nations, including Dubai, where the world’s biggest skiing center is currently located.

A rising number of people are now getting more involved in this extreme sport. It is significant to note that these people are willing to invest substantial amount of money into buying the apparel and equipment when getting into skiing training activities.

Thus, different businesses related to downhill skiing are now thriving in areas where there are thick snow covering and downhill or mountain slopes. These businesses aim to respond to skiers’ question, “Where to ski?”

Ski clubs and resorts

Where to ski? There are numerous ski clubs and resorts out there that are catering to skiers’ needs for accommodations when they engage into this luxurious sport.

Ski clubs and resorts are abounding in the North American region in Montana and in several US and Canadian regions, which are characterized by snow-capped terrains and slopes.

These ski clubs and resorts are offering attractive vacation packages to skiers. Countless amenities are also being boasted. No wonder, people are really getting gaga over this sporting activity.

Choosing your destination

Skiing could make a great and fun activity during vacations. There are people who aren’t fond of becoming idle physically and mentally, and skiing could be a great activity for them, especially when they are breaks from school and jobs.

Choosing your skiing destination won’t be hard. Different travel agencies and sporting brokers are offering packages that could entitle you to a fun skiing experience.

Many years ago, the very cold, snow-covered and remote areas of the Montana were deserted and didn’t attract tourists. Now, the area is as hot as it can be, with many different ski clubs and resorts sprouting left and right and offering attractive skiing packages to tourists.

Skiing isn’t just a recreational activity and a worldwide sport. It can also facilitate for a great family bonding time. Ski clubs and resorts are now designed and structured in a way that each of the family members would be served.

Choosing your destination when you are planning a ski vacation is as easy as getting onto the bus and finally hitting the roads toward that dream destination.

You can opt to reserve a good skiing vacation package in Montana, or in Canada, or in other European countries. As the volume of skiing destinations increases, ski clubs and resorts are getting more competitive, in terms of services, amenities and even prices.

Making an accommodation

Making an accommodation for a skiing vacation is very convenient nowadays. Travel brochures and flyers are distributed on the streets. Travel agents are offering better deals for skiing packages at great destinations.

Because the times are evolving, people can also reserve accommodations at ski clubs and resorts around the world through online sites.

There are even special Internet sites that facilitate accommodation for skiing vacations online. It is that convenient. But, of course, accommodations depend on who is going.

Different packages are offered along with varied tag prices. For luxurious and elite businessmen, there are expensive accommodation packages. Same goes for the budget-conscious skiing aficionados.

More amenities

Because ski clubs and resorts must be as competitive as ever, there are several of them that offer tourists nightlife amenities.

Nightlife joints are fast becoming added attractions at ski clubs and resorts worldwide. It is because the ski vacation is treated as an extreme and ultimate vacation experience for tourists, that’s why they should also be given fun at nighttime after having adventure during daytime.

Nightlife also serves as an outlet for people to unleash their day-long stress from downhill skiing.

Thus, people only need to pack their things and get ready to travel to ski resorts and clubs located nearest them. Places to ski will never run out as long as skiing is hugely popular not just as a worldwide sport, but also as a recreational activity.

Having the perfect attitude and the required physical condition aren’t enough to make you an expert on skiing. Although those are essential, you’ll still need the help of the right skis and equipment before you can survive all types of slopes and courses.

The Different Types of Skis
Firstly, you’ll need to use the right type of skis for your intended sport.

Alpine Skis – Only people who have advanced knowledge of skiing or are already competing professionally should use Alpine skis. Because they’re extremely precise and speedy, Alpine skis don’t allow its owner to make many mistakes. They’re also exceptionally suitable for slopes and courses that require you to makes lots of turns.

Freeride Skis – Also like Alpine skis, Freeride skis are primarily intended for those who have mastered beyond the basics of skiing. Freeride skis are also better suited for tougher slopes or skiing courses where both the skier and his skis are expected to withstand various physical challenges. Freeride skis can also be used for powder skiing.

Telemark Skis – If you’re the type of skier who likes to go fast downhill, telemark skis are just right for you. Telemark skis are also great for tour skiing. Bindings in this type of ski are only attached at the toes.

Cross Country Skis – As the name implies, this type of skis are best used for XC or cross country skiing. They’re extremely slim and light to allow people greater freedom in movement. They resemble telemark skis in appearance because their bindings are also attached only at the toes. Waxing is regularly required for cross country skis to allow the skier to enjoy better and smoother movement.

Big Mountain Skis – Think of this simply as the Harley-Davidsons of skiing. Only the toughest and the best of skiers are able to use these skis effectively. These skis have a sturdy build to withstand all tests of nature.

How to Choose the Right Poles
When shopping for poles, there’s only one way for you to determine the right pair of poles for you, and that’s simply by understanding why you need them in the first place. Although poles won’t necessarily affect how you ski, they will prove to be quite helpful when you’re still in a learning phase. Poles help you keep your balance and control your speed. You can start worrying about how cool or ugly your poles look after you’ve mastered the basics…but till then, just buy what will help you keep safe.

How to Choose the Right Boots
Skiing boots are almost as important as the skis themselves. While having the right skis will allow you to move better and more quickly, having the right skiing boots will allow you to move in comfort and ease.

Skiing boots must always fit snugly: they can’t be too tight or too lose. Secondly, they must have a sturdy and durable build; they must be tough enough to keep your ankles and feet in position. Your toes must also have sufficient space to move because you’ll be using this part of the body when you need to make turns. It’s better to own a pair of skiing boots than having to rent every time you need them, because there’s always a chance that you won’t find a perfect fit. When you try to tolerate an ill-fitting pair of skiing boots, this could lead to lots of complications, with blisters being the least of your problems and foot sprains and other foot-related disorders as the worst.

The Need for Waxing
Even if you’re not using cross country skis, you’ll still need to wax your skis once in a while to keep it water-resistant. Neglecting this duty can lead to many accidents, accidents that could have obviously been avoided in the first place.

Since applying liquid wax to the bases of your skis is not a long-term solution, you should consider using hot wax instead.

As a last note of advice, always make sure that you store your skis and other skiing equipment properly during off-season. Keep them in a dry area, and make sure that your skis are properly waxed so they won’t get rusty.

Owning the right skiing equipment will definitely cost you money, but think of it as a useful investment because it’s also the one that will help keep you safe in times of crisis.

One of the most anticipated sports in the Winter Olympics is Alpine Skiing. This type of extreme ski sport is commonly known as downhill skiing, particularly because it involves moving down or descending from snow-capped hills using thin and long skis fastened to each of the athlete’s feet.

The younger generation’s rising interest in winter sporting events, such as downhill skiing, is partly due to the increasing availability of television coverage of such sports. Aside from television coverage, many popular Hollywood movies have also highlighted the excitement and danger connected with this extreme sport. Downhill skiing provides an adrenaline rush and exhilarating experience to people who want to test their limit and courage.

If you are interested in joining the growing number of skiing aficionados, you need to learn the basics of this sport and recreational activity. Furthermore, if you want to join Alpine skiing races, you need to devise a plan that will involve grueling hours of practice, conditioning, and strength and endurance training.

Training Session Planning

The five important parts of the training program that are needed to prepare you for downhill ski races are: endurance training, strength training, quickness or agility training, reflex training, and balance and coordination training.

Endurance training helps in improving your ability to perform at your peak in an extended span of time. Biking, long distance running, jogging, walking and water polo are some of the activities that could help develop your endurance. On-snow exercises and drills that improve endurance are long giant slalom activities, free skiing in different types of terrain, non-stop or continuous free skiing and some technical skiing drills.

Strength conditioning or training is essential in making the performance of the athlete better. This also helps in preventing injuries that are common to skiing activities. Although you can utilize weight machines and free weights in pumping iron, other machines that use no weights, such as pulleys, can also be employed.

Stomach and leg exercises, circuit and weight circuit training, running around trees and in sands, and hill bounding are some of the dry land exercises used to develop muscles and strength. Meanwhile, on-snow activities such as obstacle course, long giant slalom and over length slalom in various terrains and in different rhythms are used for strength training.

Agility training develops the participant’s ability to move parts of his or her body, such as the arms, legs, feet, body, and hands, as quickly as possible. This training is a vital element in preparing for most, if not all, racing competitions.

Quickness is achieved by running, different jump rope exercises, and stair climbing. On-snow drills that help the agility of the athlete include extremely fast freestyle skiing, ski exercises on medium steep or flat runs, and a number of drill courses, including pole drills and edging drills using wedges.

Reflex training is critical in Alpine skiing because such a sport needs a high level of motor skills, consistency, power and speed. If the action and reaction time of an athlete is slow, there is also a big chance of accidents happening, especially in downhill racing, slalom, Super G or giant slalom events. Soccer, basketball and other ball games help improve fast reflexes. Meanwhile, rhythm change maneuvers, ski bumps and flush drills are on-snow exercises that help improve speedy action and reaction time.

Balance and coordination training assists athletes in performing technical ski skills and movements perfectly. Activities that not only improve the posture of the participant, but also his or her balance include rope walking and balance beam exercises. Meanwhile, volleyball, soccer and tennis are essential in developing foot/eye coordination. Pole drills and bump skiing are some of the on-snow activities that are perfect in improving coordination and balance.

Training program implementation

After discussing the basic elements of training that you need in order to make you ready for a downhill race, the next step is put the program into practice. The key to a successful Alpine skiing training lies on your ability to implement the training program you have created. A perfect training plan, if not properly practiced or applied, could not help improve your chances of winning a slalom race, much less a downhill Super G event.

It is also important to note that the dry-land training is as important as on-snow preparation exercises. The dry-land exercises, which can be done even during the summer season, are important in honing your skills and preparing you for improving your Alpine skiing technical maneuvers and skills.