Flowing down a mountain on a pair of skis can be an almost magical experience. But for some folks, it’s closer to a series of linked recoveries punctuated with ego-bruising falls. The difference between these two experiences… is only partly about skill. So why is the bruising one so common?? Because, well, quite simply …
SKIING IS NOT NATURAL.
Whaaaat? Consider that every ski area has a ski school, and those schools’ primary customer base is novice skiers and kids.
Chapter 1: Driving with one foot on the brake pedal
Upon stomping into ski boots and click-locking them onto a pair of skis, our adventurous human friend suddenly realizes that they have entered a parallel universe – a slippery universe of sliding, where your feet don’t stay where you put them. Worse, it is a universe where most of their instinctive movement patterns no longer serve them. In fact, they mostly backfire. Given that the feet have been elongated into something functionally a cross between an ankle cast and giant clown shoes, they try but can no longer walk. As a life-long Earth-walker, they feel like they’ve been placed on another planet trying to drive their Avatar (see the movie) with zero training. Exhilarating, perhaps, but crazy dangerous. And… outfitted with a pair of sticks with straps (are these some sort of crutch?) and expected to wear a helmet (so it really IS dangerous!).
“Do I really need to take lessons?? Why is this so hard? Why did my friend ditch me on the top of this mountain? Maybe I should walk down…”
Ski instructors – universally enthusiastic, well intentioned, patient and friendly – rarely address this very fundamental human disorientation. Beginning skiers are typically put through odd regimes – scooting around on one foot (fine if you were a skateboarder, but if not…), then taught to stand with toes pointed inward forming a ski wedge (piece of pizza) – a completely foreign way to stand! Hello, is there any other place in life people move around pigeon-toed?? Beginners are admonished to adopt an “athletic stance”, meaning bend at your knees and ankles (but NOT at your waist, which is your powerful inclination), hands in front (to ward off trees perhaps?). And no surprise, our first-timer is exhausted within 2-4 hours.
In a nutshell, they’re imprinted from the get-go with a defensive stance, physically and emotionally. The curriculum in essence: First, learn to use the brakes (that uncomfortable wedge) and hopefully stop. Then, stand that way to make a turn… by leaning away from where you want to go.
Progress comes very slowly this way – skiing is just NOT natural! (If it was natural, ski schools would look a lot different, focused on advanced skiing and specializations like racing or terrain parks).
As you graduate from the “bunny hill” by riding a lift (how do you get off?) and entering a highway of other skiers streaming by. Why? You’re driving with one foot on the brake pedal!! And there begins the possibly life-long battle to “get out of the back seat” accompanied by “stop looking at your skis”, “don’t throw your shoulders around” and “face the FALL line” each time you encounter something steeper than what you normally ski.
Rather unfairly, those who return to ski school a subsequent season are encouraged to ditch the wedge … and ski with feet parallel (french fries)… like REAL skiers do. So much easier said than done. More lessons the next year to undo that unfashionable “stem” habit you so dutifully learned.
The all too strong tendency is to focus on physical technique, but not on presence, relaxation and self-confidence. As a sage instructor once observed; “We teach ‘em to stop, but forget to teach them how to GO!”
Chapter 2: Is there an alternative path?
It is unfortunate, but VERY FEW ski areas provide terrain truly sculpted for the needs of first-timers. Far too many have beginner areas that are… well, imagine teaching five friends to roller skate… using the breakdown lane of a highway.
Building the physical and emotional stance that will propel rapid acclimation to this new universe of sliding is all about having your very first ski-sliding experience be one free of awkwardness and body-fear. The goal is to imprint a feeling of “wow, how cool is this….” Just imagine seeing people of all ages having their first experiences sliding on terrain fully dedicated to shaping that all-important first experience – relaxed, tall, smiling, and completely free of concern about stopping. A lot like going on a ride at an amusement park. Not a “lesson”. And certainly no contorted body positions!
From the perspective of whoever might be your guide (ski instructor) this comes down to a few things – properly fitted and adjusted gear, a slope with almost no pitch and a flat or even slightly uphill runout. Then, very gradually lengthening your straight runs, adding a bit of speed. “This is FUN (and not even scary!!)” Done at your pace, building success each iteration. Instructors have little need to talk about or correcting your technique, mostly simply reminding you to stand tall, look where you want to go, smile and laugh (which insures breathing!) The magic trick is to go slow with the progression early on, focused on solidifying a foundation of the right feelings … then add maneuvers. Turning in this setting is as simple as turning your head to look at where you want to go, and aim your belly button as well. A completely natural movement pattern you already know how to do. Quite a bit like swiveling on a bar stool in fact!
From here, steering a sweeping turn until you run out of speed. Then the other way. Pretty soon you’re linking what instructors refer to as “wide track parallel turns” back and forth across the hill.
Most important – hey… you’re skiing!! Wooohooo!
At a very basic level you now have the essence of skiing – sliding down a slippery hill tall, relaxed and smiling. Turning left. Turning right. Speed up. Slow Down. Stop. Laugh. (Pause) Let’s do that again!!
Did you happen to notice what is NOT in this picture? NO WEDGE SKIING. (It’s not necessary with this approach. And so no more “Mark Of The Beginner”!!