Tips to Ski Better and Improve

Choosing Alpine Skis

Don't overestimate your ability when selecting your equipment, but don’t underestimate it either. You should choose skis that match your technique, skill level, discipline (piste, all-mountain, freestyle...), and your ambition to improve. To help with this, feel free to reach out to us. We will take the time to guide you in finding the equipment that suits you best, considering these key factors. If you’d like to get an initial idea of which ski model would be most suitable for you and refine your choice, you can check out our guide on how to choose skis. And if you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available free of charge by phone, email, or live chat. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Choosing Ski Bindings

Selecting the right ski binding should be based on the skier’s build and needs. For instance, a pin binding designed for ski touring would not be the most suitable choice for piste skiing. It's also essential to adjust the release setting (DIN value) of the binding according to your weight and skiing style. An 18.9 stone (120 kg) aggressive skier will require a significantly higher DIN setting than an 11 stone (70 kg) beginner skier. Make sure to adjust your bindings (or have them adjusted by a professional) according to your weight and skill level. An incorrect setting can not only impact your performance but, more importantly, affect your safety. Proper binding release ensures that, in the event of a fall, your boot detaches from the ski, preventing excessive torsion of the knee or leg that could lead to a fracture. The DIN setting determines the force threshold at which the boot releases from the ski, reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall.

For more information on DIN settings, visit our dedicated page to understand and calculate your binding release value.

Maintaining Your Gear

Taking care of your skis is essential for an optimal experience. Edge sharpening improves grip and turning control. Waxing the bases, on the other hand, enhances glide, particularly on flat sections, making your outings more enjoyable. Regular waxing also helps protect your skis while they are stored, keeping them in top condition during the off-season. Storing them in a ski bag not only makes transportation easier when the time comes but also shields them from dust and potential impacts. For more tips on maintaining your gear, we recommend browsing our guides on ski waxing and end-of-season maintenance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Just as Important for Skiing

While wearing a ski helmet is not mandatory in most resorts, it is highly recommended to protect your head in case of a fall. Similarly, there are back protectors, impact shorts, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads available for added safety. Naturally, essential gear also includes gloves, mittens, and ski goggles. For those looking to venture off-piste, make sure to carry avalanche safety gear such as an airbag backpack or the essential trio: avalanche transceiver (or beacon), shovel, and probe.

How to Get Better at Skiing? Take Lessons!

Ski lessons are a crucial investment for improving efficiently. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate skier, or an advanced piste skier looking to venture in the backcountry, certified ski instructors will guide you with clear explanations and tailored drills.

The fundamentals of skiing, such as posture, ski control, and turn management, are often covered in the initial lessons. For example:

• Parallel turn drill: Slightly lift the inside ski during a turn to apply more pressure on the outside ski. This exercise improves your balance and helps you maintain control over your trajectory.
• Dynamic posture: Bend your knees, keep your upper body straight, and align your shoulders over your feet. In this position, you stay in control of your skis rather than the other way around.

Ski schools such as the ESF (École de Ski Français) and the ESI (École de Ski Internationale) offer professional instruction with a variety of options: private or group lessons, half-day, full-day, or week-long courses. If you want to hone a specific skill, such as jumping or tackling steep slopes, you can request a customised training programme.

Piste or Off-Piste: Practice to Progress Quickly

Practice is the key to developing your skills. Alternate between groomed runs and off-piste sections to build versatility.

Start with slopes suited to your level before gradually increasing the difficulty:

• Gentle slopes: perfect for refining your movements at a moderate speed (green and blue runs).
• Steep slopes: ideal for improving technique and boosting confidence (red and black runs).
• Off-piste: the edges of the piste are great for beginners to experience skiing in powder snow. This allows you to get a feel for uneven terrain while staying close to the safety of the marked runs. It helps improve balance and responsiveness while remaining accessible. Before venturing further, ensure you have a solid technical foundation and suitable skis. If you plan to go in the backcountry, always carry essential safety gear: a shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver (beacon), and ideally, clothing with a Recco system.

Integrating specific exercises into your training is essential. For instance, do multiple laps focusing solely on carved turns or practice skidding to control your speed.

How to Overcome Fear

Fear of speed or steep slopes is natural but can hinder your progress. Here are some steps to help you overcome it:

1. Improve your technique: A lack of control can increase anxiety. Work on your turns and learn how to use your edges to brake efficiently.
2. Practice on quieter slopes: This reduces the stress of collisions with other skiers.
3. Slow down on steep sections: If fear starts to take over, skid to reduce speed and regain confidence and control.

Take your time and progress at your own pace. The worst thing you can do is rush and skip essential steps.

Watch Others Ski

Drawing inspiration from skilled skiers is an excellent way to learn. Observe how others ski around you. Ask more experienced friends for advice. Watch tutorial videos to understand turning techniques, proper posture, and how to ski more fluidly.

To take it a step further, ask a friend to film you on the slopes. By reviewing the footage, you’ll easily spot areas for improvement. A stiff posture or leaning too far back are common issues that can be identified and corrected. Professional skiers use this method to refine their technique—you can do the same. You can even share your videos with an instructor for more personalised advice.

Have Fun

Improving at skiing ultimately comes down to one key factor: the joy of skiing. Whether you love speed, jumps, or simply cruising down the slopes with friends, the best way to progress is to enjoy every moment. Skiing is a sport that offers a wealth of new sensations to experience.

Learning and honing your skiing skills in a fun and enjoyable environment encourages natural progression. When you're having fun, you’ll feel more comfortable trying new things, overcoming fears, and improving your technique more quickly.

5 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Skis

It can be tempting to borrow a friend’s skis to save money when starting out. While it might be good for your wallet, it’s not great for your progress. Skis that don’t match your height, ability level, or skiing style will hold you back rather than help you improve. Having the right equipment is essential.

2. Looking Down

When learning to ski, it’s common to focus on your skis, constantly checking if the tips stay parallel. Bad habit! Look ahead instead. Keeping your gaze forward will help you avoid other skiers, trees, and obstacles while allowing you to ski more confidently and fluidly.

3. Being Too Stiff

Trying too hard to get everything right often leads to stiffness, making skiing more difficult. Skiing is all about flexibility and fluid movement. The more relaxed you are, the better your experience will be.

4. Judging Your Ability by Piste Rating

Piste ratings are only a rough guide, and difficulty levels can vary greatly between resorts. Weather conditions also play a major role. You might find yourself comfortably skiing a black run in one resort but struggling on a blue run in another. Don’t overestimate your skills just because you managed one black run, and don’t lose confidence if you struggle on an easier slope elsewhere.

5. Setting Unrealistic Goals

Progress comes from small victories. If it’s your first week on skis and you decide that by the end of the week, you’ll be skiing a particular black run, you might end up disappointed. As mentioned earlier, the key is to progress at your own pace with goals that match your ability and ambitions. Don’t push yourself too hard—enjoy the experience. That’s the best way to improve!