Blue Run – Ski Tips for Kids

The falling leaf

1316 SS Falling Leaf

“This one starts just like the side slipping exercise, but instead of just sliding straight downhill, you should ease your balance forward toward your toes. You do this by lightly pressing your shins into the front of your boots. The goal is to slide both downhill and a little bit forward at the same time. Next, move your balance over your heels by leaning back a tiny bit. You’ll start sliding in the opposite direction. Get ready because you will actually be sliding downhill and backward. It’s fun!”

Erase the Lightning

Blue Run, Exercises, Green Run, On hill

1314 SS Lightning Bolt

“The smooth slipping in this game is a great introduction to the skidding moves used in the beginner parallel turn. Not only that, but sometimes side slipping can get you out of trouble. Side slipping down a a short steep section of slope may be all that’s needed to get smoothly past a zone of steep trickiness.”

Smooth Slipper

Blue Run, Green Run, On hill

1315 SS Flat

“With just a little practice, you’ll be able to control your speed as you slip, but make sure you don’t let your uphill ski get stuck in the snow! At first you’ll have to concentrate on keeping it next to your other ski. Pretend that your ankles are tied together with a strong rubber band. Tip both shins uphill and keep that uphill pinkie in the snow. You can lightly brush that pinkie toe (and the ski) along the snow as they slip down the go line.”

Side Slipping

Blue Run, Green Run, On hill

1313 SS Roll Yer Knees

“This simple exercise will set you up with a whole slew of skills required for nice smooth French Fries (parallel) turns.
Start in the mountain stance with your skis across the fall line. Most of your weight will be on your downhill ski while your eyeballs and the jacket zipper are pointed down the hill. Slowly get TALL and gently roll your ankles a little downhill. Your edges will release and you’ll start to slowly slip into the go line. To stop slipping slowly, you’ll need to get SMALL and tip your shins uphill to get your edges to grab the snow.”