Cross Country and Downhill Skiing

There are two types of skiing, cross country and downhill. Cross country is over relatively flat land, as opposed to a slope, and requires skis with bindings that allows the heels to lift off the skis. In this type of skiing, you propel yourself using the forward motion of your arms and legs. Cross country skiing can be done almost anywhere there is open land and snow. Downhill skiers participate in their sport on mountain slopes with lifts to carry them to the top of the trail so they can ski downhill.

Image by Jeremy Bronson via Flickr

Special equipment is necessary for skiing: skis, ski boots and poles. These three items differ for downhill and cross country skiing, so be sure to specify which kind of skiing you do. Most ski areas have ski stores where you can buy or lease the necessities. For a young skier who’s feet will grow, it might be less expensive to lease the equipment. For either type of skiing you should wear a ski suit for warmth and protection. You will need heavy mittens,a hat and heavy ski socks to were over ordinary socks.

Goggles or sunglasses are needed to protect your eyes. Even on cloudy or hazy days there will be glare on the slopes. On the east coast of the U.S. winter temperatures can reach brutal lows. Take all precautions to avoid frost bite. Dress warmly in layers that can trap air between them. If you feel any tingling or numbness get to the lodge and warm up.

Reading instructions can in no way teach you to ski. Any mountain of any size will have ski instructers. Take advantage of it. You can expect lessons for gliding across snow, holding the toe in place and allowing the heels to lift off. Poles are used for forward movement. Students learn to navigate small hills and how to create tracks in the fallen snow. A half day of lessons should give you enough information in basic skiing techniques to begin skiing with your buddies.

Image by Jeremy Bronson via Flickr

In downhill shiing you can expect to learn lift riding:

Either going up the mountain on a rope-tow, “a moving rope that you grip.” A T-bar or J-bar, “a metal bar you lean on.” A chair lift, “a seat” or for more advances skiers, a gondola.

You will learn snowplowing:

This is the basic V-shaped position for beginners. With knees bent, the tips of the skis are kept together while the rear ends point outward.

You will learn to stop:

Widening the snowplow will be enough to bring you to a halt but eventually you will be able to stop by drawing your skis sideways.

You will learn to keep safe:

Mountain etiquette will keep you from hurting yourself. Show off behavior “hot dogging” is unusual for beginners. You will learn to avoid out of control skiers and snow machinery as well as to signal ski patrol for help.

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