Q&A for How to Ski

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  • Question
    How can you find a great skiing or snowboarding instructor?
    Kent Bry
    Kent Bry
    Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor
    Kent Bry is a certified ski and snowboarding instructor and the director of Adventure Ski & Snowboard, a school based in the San Diego, California metro area. With over 50 years of skiing and snowboarding performance and instruction experience, Kent is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Adventure Ski & Snowboard is a member of the PSIA and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Kent holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from San Diego State University and is also a California-registered recreational therapist.
    Kent Bry
    Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    How can I learn how to ski before hitting the slopes?
    Kent Bry
    Kent Bry
    Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor
    Kent Bry is a certified ski and snowboarding instructor and the director of Adventure Ski & Snowboard, a school based in the San Diego, California metro area. With over 50 years of skiing and snowboarding performance and instruction experience, Kent is certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). Adventure Ski & Snowboard is a member of the PSIA and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). Kent holds a BS in Recreational Therapy from San Diego State University and is also a California-registered recreational therapist.
    Kent Bry
    Certified Ski & Snowboarding Instructor
    Expert Answer
    I would recommend training on a simulator close to home where you won't have all the expenses and other things involved with learning to ski. If that's not possible, definitely watch some videos and then take a lesson right when you get to the snow. Let them know you're a beginner. I recommend a private lesson if you can afford it.
  • Question
    Is 55 to old to learn to ski? Son has persuaded me to go, but I am not sure I will be able to do it.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, it's never too late to learn. There will likely be instructors there and very small hills you can practice on until you get comfortable.
  • Question
    How long does it take for a child to learn how to ski?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Since all children learn differently, and at different speeds, it is impossible to give a certain amount of time. Children do tend to learn quicker than adults, however.
  • Question
    How do I know if I am ready to ski a black diamond?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you are really comfortable with the blue intermediate runs, that would be the best time to attempt a black diamond.
  • Question
    What's the pizza technique?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is when you turn your skis inward to form a triangle. The tip of the triangle is in front of you and the crust of the "pizza" would be behind you. This will help you slow down.
  • Question
    How do I stand up again after falling?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Either take the skis off if it is safe to do so, or crouch with skis parallel and stand up.
  • Question
    At what age can I learn to ski?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can learn to ski at any age. Some people start as young as 3 years old, and other people continue skiing until they are 100 years old!
  • Question
    How about ZH goggles on Amazon? The price is sweet but I'm not sure if it is anti-fog.
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Almost all the ski goggles (except a few that are super cheap) are anti-fog. Check the details in the description to make sure they are before buying. Also check the Q & A section on the page.
  • Question
    I use my pizza technique all the way down and I still end up going way faster than a person on a hard slope. What can I do to slow myself down?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    When using the pizza technique, make sure that the inside edges of both of your skis are digging into the snow. Another method that is used more on steeper slopes is the side slide. To side slide, face your skis across the trail. Have both of your uphill edges dug into the slope so you don't move. When you are ready to move, slowly release the edges until you start to move. If you get going too fast, dig your uphill edges in again.
  • Question
    Which is better: skiing or snowboarding?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They're both good, but in different ways. Snowboarding is easier to learn. Neither is "better" -- it's a matter of personal preference.
  • Question
    Is the snow worse on the black diamond trail?
    Norman Paperman
    Norman Paperman
    Community Answer
    In most cases, black diamond trails will have similar snow conditions. What makes them harder is their steepness, terrain, obstacles, etc. Certain black diamonds may be more prone to icing over, and thus have better snow conditions, but this is the exception, not the rule.
  • Question
    Why are there so many shoulder injuries using Carver skis?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Carver skis are meant for carve turns. In a carve turn you are much closer to the snow, especially your upper body. Because of this, if you were to slip when entering a carve turn or go too low, your shoulder would be the part of you that would hit the ground and absorb the full force of your body when you fall. It is not the skis themselves that are more likely to injure someone, but it is the type of turning that they are meant for that causes more shoulder injuries.
  • Question
    Are ski goggles absolutely necessary while skiing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on which ski road you're skiing. On green roads, you don't really need them, but they're definitely recommended for more advanced runs.
  • Question
    I have weak ankles that crack when I walk, though I am only 12. Is it safe for me to ski with bad ankles?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I think that you should be very careful. Do not go on any courses above green. Also, see your doctor for help.
  • Question
    How do I turn properly when skiing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Put weight on your outside ski while pushing it away from your body. Also, keep in mind the outside ski should be kept parallel to the inside ski.
  • Question
    Every time I want to get of the ski lift, I end up falling. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try removing your skis on the ski lift so you don't fall due to the weight unbalance.
  • Question
    How do I know what symbols mean on a ski map?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There should be a key in the corner of the map that tells you what each symbol is. Otherwise, ask around for help, such as at the kiosk or other skiers.
  • Question
    How long before I go skiing do I need to practice?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You don't really need to practice before skiing. The best practice comes from doing trails and gaining experience. If you feel like there's a need, about 3-5 weeks in advance will be fine.
  • Question
    What is the hardest part of skiing to learn?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Once you learn how to do parallel, then you can basically do any trail. I recommend taking lessons until you get there, though.
  • Question
    How do I ski with tiny boots?
    Da genius
    Da genius
    Community Answer
    It is recommended to ski only with boots that fit your foot perfectly. Skiing with boots too small can be very uncomfortable and can be a safety hazard as you won't have the needed control over the skis. Change those tiny boots for ones that fit and if you cannot, then wait out the skiing until you can.
  • Question
    Do I have to wear a helmet?
    VampireQueen_5
    VampireQueen_5
    Community Answer
    Wearing a helmet is not required unless the ski resort explicitly states otherwise. It is still recommended to wear one though, especially if you are going on an intermediate blue slope or harder, or if you are a beginner.
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