Pro Ski Tips - Learning How to Snowplough

With the huge range of well-priced last minute ski holidays available to some of the best destinations in Europe, even those who have never skied before may be tempted to give it a try! Most resorts have plenty of facilities aimed at 'newbies' to the sport, and some last minute ski holidays may even include a few lessons at the local ski school.

For the total novice, a little insight into some of the basic techniques may give you a head start. Apart from being able to stand upright on skis, learning to 'snowplough' is usually the very first thing you'll need to tackle.

The Snowplough

This ski position is when the skis are positioned in a ‘V’ shape. It's great for beginners, as it offers a great deal of stability and also an easy way to control speed. To do the snowplough, the tips of the skis need to be 10cm apart - i.e. far enough apart that they won’t hit each other but close enough together to maintain the stability. The wider the stance the easier it is to remain upright at slower speeds, and the ‘V’ shape provides the ability to control the speed.

The Aim of the Snowplough

The idea of the snowplough is to allow beginners to slide straight down a gentle slope in the direction of the fall line, in a controlled fashion and without having to turn. The goal of the technique is to learn to control the speed first before the direction. When snowploughing, you need to make sure your body is held fairly rigid. You should also ensure that your weight is in the middle of the skis’ length, and over the balls of your feet.

Controlling Speed

Being in this position necessitates that your skis travel sideways, offering more resistance than if they were pointing straight down the slope. The snowplough is effective as a brake: the wider the stance, the stronger the braking force, and the narrower the stance, the faster you will go.

Top Tips

Don’t lean forwards or backwards.

Always practice on a gentle slope to build confidence. You'll be able to concentrate on your technique and remain in control at all times.

Always be patient with yourself and try not to panic if things start to go wrong. Becoming panicked only causes mistakes and creates more fear – causing your learning to be inhibited.

Take some professional ski lessons as the instructors can show you the best slopes on which to learn and the best exercises and drills to master the basic ski techniques.

Even if you're a complete novice, a few lessons on the slopes will see you enjoying the thrills and challenges of skiing. Consider investing in the services of a qualified instructor, book one of the budget friendly last minute ski holidays, and get ready to find out why so many people consider this one of the most exciting leisure activities in the world.

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays in La Tania and other fantastic locations. If you're looking for last minute ski holidays in catered or self catered chalets, we can help. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.