Gliding and Going Straight on Skis

Introduction

Gliding straight on skis is one of the first skills beginners learn. It helps you become comfortable with sliding, develop balance, and understand how your skis move on snow.

Before learning to turn or control your speed through more advanced techniques, it is important to feel comfortable gliding down a gentle slope while maintaining a balanced position.

The goal is to stay relaxed, look ahead, and allow your skis to slide naturally.

Getting Into Position

Before starting to glide, make sure you are in a proper athletic stance.

• Keep your feet approximately hip-width apart.
• Keep your skis parallel and pointing straight ahead.
• Bend your knees and ankles slightly.
• Keep your upper body relaxed and facing downhill.
• Hold your hands in front of your body.
• Keep your weight balanced over the middle of your feet.

Avoid leaning backward. Staying centred over your skis will help you maintain control and balance.

Learning to Glide

Find a very gentle slope with plenty of space to glide.

1. Start with your skis parallel and pointing downhill.
2. Make sure you are standing in a balanced athletic position.
3. Gently allow your skis to slide forward.
4. Keep your eyes looking ahead rather than down at your skis.
5. Stay relaxed and maintain your balance as you glide.

Let the skis move naturally. Avoid making sudden movements or stiffening your body.

Important Points to Remember

• Look ahead: Focus on where you are going, not on your skis.
• Stay centred: Maintain contact between your shins and the boot.
• Keep your skis parallel: Avoid allowing the tips or tails to cross.
• Stay relaxed: Use your ankles, knees, and hips to absorb small movements.
• Keep your hands forward: This helps maintain a balanced position.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often make a few common mistakes when learning to glide:

• Leaning backward: Makes it difficult to control your skis and maintain balance.
• Looking down: Can affect your posture and balance.
• Standing too stiffly: Makes it harder to adapt to changes in the snow.
• Keeping your feet too close together: Can make balancing more difficult.
• Rotating the upper body: Can create unnecessary movements and affect your direction.

Focus on maintaining a relaxed and centred position.

Practice Exercises

To become more comfortable gliding, try these simple exercises on gentle terrain:

1. Straight gliding: Slide straight down a gentle slope while keeping your skis parallel.
2. Balance position: Practise maintaining your athletic stance throughout the glide.
3. Hands forward: Keep your hands visible in front of you while sliding.
4. Longer glides: Gradually increase the distance as your confidence improves.

Always practise on a gentle beginner slope with a clear, safe stopping area. Make sure you already know how to stop before attempting longer glides.

Source: We Guide You Sport · Parallel Skis Exercise: Straight Line & Stop on Flat

Final Tips

Gliding straight is the foundation of many skiing skills. Developing good balance and feeling comfortable sliding will make learning to stop and turn much easier.

Remember: - Start on gentle terrain. - Keep your skis parallel. - Maintain a balanced athletic stance. - Look ahead. - Stay relaxed and let your skis glide.

Take your time, build your confidence, and enjoy your first slides on skis!