Grantman Waldron
As a winter sportsman, you will find skis far more exhilarating, convenient,
and less expensive than snowshoes for traveling over snow covered fields and
other open areas. Skis are easier to use, and when sliding downhill and
gliding rapidly over level space, much faster time can be made than on
snowshoes.
First Things First
The beginner will certainly suffer many tumbles if he tries to slide down
hill at first, for the art of skiing must be mastered on level ground.
Never go skiing when there is a crust on the snow, for then the skis can not run
straight because there is no light snow to hold them in place by means of the
groove and the regular track. Do not raise the foot, as must
necessarily be done when walking on snow-shoes, but slide the skis forward with
a movement similar to that used in skating: a light and easy motion requiring no
more exertion than ordinary walking.
When going uphill, however, raise the foot slightly and press the ski down on
the snow quickly in order to avoid having it slide back. Keep going until
you reach the top if possible, for momentum once lost is not regained.
When ascending steep grades use the ski poles with quick, backward thrusts into
the snow as a person would walk with two canes.
Keep Your Balance
It is easier for a child three or four feet tall to learn to keep his balance
on skis than for a mature person. The best method of learning to slide is
to go rapidly forward for a few steps and then suddenly stop the motion and
allow the skis to glide ahead with their own momentum. This may be done on
level ground or on a slight grade, and will serve to give you confidence in your
ability to try the real hills.
You should take a gentle slope at first and go with a buddy when there is no
one else near to make fun of your first awkward attempts. You will do well
to keep in a sitting posture, if need be, in order to keep your balance and gain
confidence. As you feel more at ease, you can keep raising your body
correspondingly, but bend well forward which will keep you from falling until
you find your groove.
Slide Straight
Make your slide as straight as possible; you can learn to go around curves
later. Hold one ski slightly in advance of the other, and bend both knees
a little; this will give you better poise. Keep your eyes on the ski track
in order to look out for rough places, especially near the foot of the hill
where you will be at your fastest speed. It will save many falls if you
know just at what places to steady yourself, straighten suddenly to keep your
balance, or swerve the body to left or right. Keep each ski running
parallel to the other. Don't let them swing apart or come together: the
latter accident will instantly throw you down. The groove on the underside
is made to hold the ski in a straight course.
When sliding much depends on your attitude. If you fear a certain rough
place in the course, if you feel that you are going to fall, you almost
certainly will. On the other hand, if you are confident of your ability
and don't feel nervous as you approach the uneven place, you will pass safely
over it nine times out of ten.
Don't be afraid of falling, because you are not half as likely to suffer
injury in a tumble into the light snow as you are falling on the hard ground in
summer. Remember that you are elevated only an inch or so on your skis and
will not fall far through space.
To turn curves when sliding, you simply give your entire body a slight jerk
in the direction you wish to go, being careful at the same time to guide the
skis in the right course. It is difficult to keep balanced when first
attempting it.
When you come to a hill where it is too steep to ascend naturally on skis,
you can turn half way around and climb step by step sidewise, as you would go
that way upstairs, with the skis in a horizontal position so they will not slide
backward. Of course, it is difficult to do this, for the skis are certain
to turn in every direction but the right one (straight ahead), and you will need
much assistance from your ski pole. It will, however, save walking through
the deep snow. No one will want to attempt that, even the experienced
skier, except when it is necessary.
You can study instructions for using skis as much as you want, but without
practical experience you will have little knowledge of the art. These
suggestions serve merely to give you a few skiing basics, which must first be
learned in order to become an expert.
