Joanna James
Whether you're new to skiing or are an intermediary skier, there are a few neat techniques that can take your ski skills to the next level. Here's a list of impressive tricks that even those who are learning the ropes can pick up and use to elevate their aptitude on the slopes.
While the name of this technique may make it seem complex, switch skiing actually refers to backwards skiing. Those who are used to centrally mounted twin-tip skis will find this trick easy to perform as all you have to do is stagger the feet while looking out over your shoulder, in the direction of the foot that's further back. This lets you open up your shoulders while travelling downhill and have a sense of direction as to where you're heading. It's necessary to keep both feet close together while practising this move for safety reasons and bring them apart only once you've gained more experience.
Those who are trying on freestyle ski techniques for size during a stay at Chatrium Niseko Japan or any similar Hirafu ski resort in Japan will find this trick both indispensable and fundamental. To achieve a stealthy pop, it's crucial to flex not only your knees and hips but also your ankles by assuming an athletic posture. Avoid crouching but lean forward instead as this is the position from which you must jump and move your weight forward over the shins. This move can be practised while wearing ski boots, so don't rush to click into your skis until you feel you've perfected this move. The Pop technique is most useful when you come across a jib or are readying for a jump.
While this may seem challenging and even terrifying, it's important to approach a 360° with a can-do attitude. Taking off at a mid-range speed and assuming an athletic pose, you must wind up the shoulders ever so slightly to achieve what's called a "set" among skiers. The next step will involve turning your shoulders and arms in the opposite direction and then spinning back to the first direction as you try to pop up. The rotation will start at this point and you will need to keep your eyes in the direction that you want to spin into. It's essential to have a solid posture when you pop out of the kicker and keep pressure on your feet to prevent landing on your backseat.
This technique involves turning the skies in the air prior to landing and requires a counter-rotation. To achieve this end you must turn the upper body to the opposite direction of the lower body while bending your knees up in the air. Performing a successful Shifty is all about air control even though it appears to be a complicated move to onlookers.
Popping onto a box also requires getting into an athletic stance and keeping the bases of your feet flat the entire time. As the box is naturally slippery, it's the only way to stay upright and maintain your balance while attempting this trick. Do not attempt to turn or edge on the box but pop back only once you reach the end.
Although a relatively high jump is required to have sufficient air time for a Safety Grab, it is not impossible if you manage to grab one ski under the boot or binding while lifting the legs. Release the hold on the boot once you start falling downward leaving plenty of time for a smooth landing.
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