Am I too light? How can I prevent the small bumps in the snow from controllign my skis?

Question

I am a good beginning skier, I took the sport naturally. But, I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 95 pounds, so I'm thin. Though, my legs have muscle thanks to ballet. In case your thinking this is really thin, it's not for my height. So don't tell me to gain weight, it's not necessary.

Problem: I live in Illinois and we don't have the nicest runs in the surrounding resorts so there are small bumps in the hard snow. When I go over these areas my skis shake, I feel like I lose contact with the snow becuase I'm too light, and fear losing control. How can I press into the snow and keep better contact while going over these small bumps?

In general I think I float over the slopes because no matter what I try, I fly down the slopes faster than any of my friends. I'd rather go slower as a beginner.

Answer 1

weight shouldn't matter, lean back more and use the back of your boots to put more weight on the back of your skis, the bumps shouldn't matter if you're on your edge (which you should be) work on keeping your skis straight and togeather while turning by puttin pressure on the outside ski and stay back in you boots the whole time.
It's largely because of the snow conditions in the east, there is no easy fix, just lots of practice and you will get there.

Answer 2

Go to Youtube and search: "Ski Tips for Bumps and Ice". They give really good tips. The same poster has a like two more clips that are also good, but they basically reinforce the same thing. It shouldn't matter how light you are. I've had ten year olds flying past me on intermediate slopes with great control. No matter what, have the confidence to take on the hill and you should stay safe.

Answer 3

Yeah, it sounds like you are a little out of control...probably due to the eastern type of hard pack skiing you are doing. I imagine that you aren't really using your edges much to carve turns.

If you don't do that, you will likely gain speed quite quickly.

No matter your physique, you should still be able to ski the terrain.

To do this, you will really need to learn how to edge...

...and to learn how to edge you really should consider taking lessons.

Have you taken lessons at all? Did you learn on your own? If so, that is a HUGE MISTAKE, and you need to get your butt to the ski school office and sign up for beginner lessons.

If you already had a beginner lesson, but then no more, it would be a great idea to still take another lesson. You would be surprised at how much you will improve in an hour!

I really sounds like you are half out of control. If you hurt yourself, or someone else, you will be responsible.

Go get those lessons!!