Here’s a Ski Tip a la Ira Riklis: Learn to sideslip your skis.
Everyone needs to learn the valuable skill of sidestepping. It’s a way of getting out of trouble or out of a tight spot. It’s a valuable tool and can get you out of situations that otherwise could turn dicey. It could be a very steep slope or one that is too narrow. Perhaps the snow is too icy and you’re going too fast to confidently make turns.
Sideslip can get you down these runs safely. Even advanced skiers like Ira Riklis will encounter places he has to sideslip.
Practice:
If you sideslip a lot you can get quite good at it. Practice makes it seem effortless and natural.
- Find a short hill that’s not very steep.
- Stand across the hill so your skis are perpendicular to the fall line.
- Hold your arms held in front of your chest (as if you are a server carrying a tray). Put your weight on the inside of your downhill ski boot and roll your feet and ankles downhill. Your skis will begin to slide down but your job is to keep the skis perpendicular as you slide.
- To stop, roll your feet and ankles uphill again and dig your ski edges into the snow.
- Repeat in the other direction.
- Keep your shins against the front of your boots. Lean into it.
Hope these tips are helpful in your journey to expert level skiing.