How to be a better skier - Knowledge is speed

If your next vacation is aimed at a snow-capped mountainous location and you want to try your hand at getting better at skiing, here are a few things you might want to know.

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 Packing for the trip

Whether you are a first-time skier or someone who has done this before, you should know that you have to definitely pack warm and waterproof outfits. The challenge in skiing begins, even before you get into your skis. It is very important to pack thick outfits as well as clothing that has thermal-based layers. These outfits will keep the snow and water out while the thermal layer you are wearing underneath, will take care of the sweat and keep you warm throughout the day. You must also equip yourself with goggles and a safety helmet.

 Choosing your resort

There are many ski resorts in the snowy mountainous parts of the world. And if you choose to stay at a Whistler hotel the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, for instance, you could ask your hotel staff to point you in the right direction for any beginner ski sports centres in the area. Most of the resorts in the area also act as beginner-friendly ski resorts too. Before you make your booking, you can also find out if your accommodation offers skiing lessons to amateurs. Some of these hotels will also rent out the gear and show you the tiny hills to practice on.

 Bending your knees

If there was ever one Golden Rule that people will keep repeating during a skiing lesson, it is that you must bend your knees. It is a natural instinct for a human to get nervous and stiffen up. Especially when you're planning on skiing down a slippery slope. But if you stiffen your legs and keep your knees straight, you will lose your balance for sure. Instead, when you are sliding down the slope, keep your knees bent and be as loose and flexible as possible. So, you can adjust and go over the curbs and bumps with ease. The more you let your knees relax, the smoother your ride will be on the snow.

 Navigating the short turns

This is a skill you definitely must master if you want to advance your skiing techniques. Sharp turns are parallel turns that happen one after the other and are mainly used on the narrow runs in the slopes. The elegant technique keeps you travelling down the slope without changing your speed too much. A pro tip you must keep in mind when doing sharp turns is to turn the skis along with your legs.

 Curving

If you want to experience some speed while you are skiing down the slopes of Whistler mountains, then you have to learn how to do a true curve. This is one of the most graceful acts a skier can do and is something similar to drifting for a car racer. To do the curve like a pro, you must get your skis on edge as early in the curve as possible. For instance, if you are pointing straight down the slope, bend the knees over so that the ski edges dig into the snow and tilt your skis right across the slope.

 Handling the steeps

This might be for the more advanced skiers as it is an exhilarating and quite exciting experience. You need to have a lot of control over your skis and an extreme level of confidence to handle this. The less experienced skiers should stay away from this as you might topple downhill if you are not ready for this part of skiing.