How to Avoid Going Too Fast When Skiing

While skiing, gravity pulls you down the slope and can cause a skiier to go at a very fast, even dangerous pace. To make matters worse, skiis have no built-in braking devices. Therefore, you must learn how to avoid going down a hill too fast on your own. There are a couple methods of curbing your speed while on the hill.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take lessons before taking on the slope. Make sure your instructor teaches you and demonstrates a few methods of slowing down. Try these methods a few times on a beginner slope before actually going up the hill.

    • 2

      Before going down the hill, make sure you are in a good, stable stance: with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend your waist, ankles and knees forward.

    • 3

      Going down the hill, if you find yourself accelerating speeds, turn your toes inward in the snow plough position, creating a V-shape with your skiis. The wider the V-shape, the slower you will go.

    • 4

      Turn uphill to avoid gaining too much speed on a steeper slope. Turn by adding more pressure to the opposite foot and using your body to maneuver; for example, if turning left, you would put more pressure on the right foot, and vice versa.