How do I become a better skiier?

Answer 1

Rob has it right Breezer. Practise makes perfect but exercise will help you as you begin. Several weeks before you head up to hills start will simple half knee bends. Put a low foot stool on the floor and sit (on it) and stand and do sets. Five, 8, 12 at a time. Another exercise is to put your back to the wall and slide until your thighs are parallel to the floor - you'll look like you are sitting with out a chair and the wall acts as the back (of your seat-less chair). Is sounds easy but it ain't try to get used to staying in the position longer and longer each time. Get the TV in front of you.
Eat well and get a bit of jogging in too.
Best to ya!

Answer 2

I think practice is the best answer, but you would also do well to get a lesson first. This can be doen with an instructor on the hill, or you can get a DVD. My favorite is the Breakthrough on Skis series by Lito Tejada-Flores.

As for practice, most people that I know achieved their greatest gains by skiing several days in a row. Just going one day at a time isn't going to do it for you. Try going 3-5 days in a row (a vacation) and you will get better fast.

Of course, if you are going to ski several days in a row, your legs need to be in shape. I think bicycling and skating/ blading are the best ways to prep, but there are lots of other things you can do, and even some ski specific exercise machines you can use. finally, when I need quick muscle recovery, I use Calcium/ Magnesium / Zinc tablets. i learned this years ago from some weight lifters, and it really does seem to take the soreness out.

Finally, RELAX. i can't tell you how many stiff skiers I see out there. I understand why they are stiff, but if you don't loosen up, you're not going to ski well.

Good luck

Answer 3

Take a lesson.

Please, do NOT just get a DVD. There is absolutely no substitution for face to face lessons, be it a private or group lesson with a qualified instructor.

I agree about the practice makes perfect thing and skiing with people who are more skilled than you as well.

Please do everyone on the hill and yourself a favor and take a lesson though, it'll help immensely...

I've been skiing for years and am comfortable in pretty much any kind of terrain at most speeds and I still try to take a lesson or two a year, just to stay on my game . No matter how good you are you can always learn something from a lesson.

Answer 4

Practice Makes Perfect!!!

Answer 5

Take a few lessons. Vary your skiing experience when you go to ski slopes so that you're trying the easy slopes to work on your technique and the harder slopes to work on your balance and skill. Make sure you have the right size skiis and gear for your height, weight and skill level. Find a ski club or season pass to get frequent chances to get out on the slopes.

Oh yeah and -- watch out for the snowboarders!

Have fun.

Answer 6

Lessons and Clinics are great...but costly. If you want to get better without breaking the bank, ski with people who are better than you. You'll get better....fast. Just make sure that when you are a better skier you let some newbies tag-a-long with you. It's good Karma.