You might have come across slalom ski racers smoothly sliding through the course tracks in the championships or the Winter Olympic Games. Some part of you might have wondered what it is like to slide smoothly through those snow-covered slow and how you can manage to remain in a diagonal position always!
Well, we’re here to hold your hand through this step-by-step tutorial on how to slalom ski so that you can confidently go to a ski resort and surprise your family or friends with your smooth moves!
But before we move on to the actual sport, let’s have a look at what you’ll be needing for your gear and equipment.
How to Slalom Ski?
By now, you’d have accumulated all the necessary ski gear and equipment that you would need to start with this sport. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to nail the slalom ski sports.
Step 1: Find a place with Snow-covered Hills or Slopes.
So before you begin to practice your sliding skills, you need to find a snow-covered train. So if you are lucky, you might be reading this in the winter season and experiencing a snowfall. First, you should look for the nearest ski resort that offers snow-covered slopes for those having summer or spring weather.
Step 2: Climb to the highest point of the slope.
Look for a slope that is not having too many people on it, so you are not distracted or worried about being judged. So after reaching a snow-covered terrain, you need to climb the highest point of the slope. If you are a beginner, always take the help of a ski instructor or take someone who is experienced in skiing with you. Ensure that the slope is not too steep because you might have trouble controlling your speed, especially when going around the gates.
Step 3: Get your Position and Angles Right
Before you begin, make sure you have got the hang of the position you will slide down in and have had a fair practice with the skiing instructor. When you slide down, you will tilt and make an ‘S’ shape with your entire body as you circle around the gates. Have your goggles, helmet, and shin guards securely strapped to you and your ski poles in either of your hands.
Step 4: Begin Sliding Down
Now you can slide down slowly, and if you feel you are sliding down too fast, control your speed using the ski poles on either side of your hand. Always slide diagonally and use the curving technique to make curves around the skis. This will enable you to slow down, and it will be visible to you with the cloud of snow forming behind you.
Step 6: Maintain your Balance and Stance
So slalom skiing is like you are jumping from side to side while sliding down a snow-covered slope. So you will keep tilting from left to right, and for this, your lower legs should be properly activated to maintain your balance. When you reach one pole of the gate, your racing skis must touch it to mark the gate you crossed. Otherwise, it will not be counted, and you will be disqualified.
Your upper body must always remain stable and should not be tilting with your legs; otherwise, you will fall during the course of the slalom ski. In addition, the muscles in your ankle should be working, and they are a crucial point in helping you make those rounds around the pole gates.
Our Final Thoughts
Slalom skiing is a really fun and adventurous sport, despite the popular claim for daredevils. You don’t need to be a pro skier to be able to slide down those snow-covered slopes. Many helpful videos can individually guide you on different aspects of slalom skiing, be it the common mistakes of carving on skis or leaning to make parallel turns.
It is always fun to go with family or friends if you are nervous about trying winter sports. You really need the confidence and courage to give it one attempt because practice will make you effort. By now, you’d have a good idea of how to slalom ski, and we hope you use this for your next skiing trip.
Happy Slalom Skiing!
