How to Downhill Ski & Grind Railings

Grinding on rails offers a bit more excitement to downhill skiing and involves popping onto a rail, sliding down, then dismounting. The art of grinding rails is in keeping your body and skis balanced. This freestyle skiing trick can be done on straight rails, rainbow rails, S rails, C rails or roller coaster rails, ranging from 7 feet to 48 feet long. Spinning onto or off of a rail adds a progressive element to grinding. Nose or tail press grinds involve aligning the rail in front or behind the ski bindings instead of under the boot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice on a fun box or easy rail before attempting a longer rail. Approach the box or rail slowly, rotating your body at a 90 degree angle. Keep your feet about shoulder width apart, with your hips over your feet. Ski straight toward the rail as if you were going to straddle it. Your skis should be equal distance from the rail on both sides.

    • 2

      Pop or hop onto the rail, just enough to lift yourself and your skis. Lean your body forward slightly as you pop to avoid the skis sliding out from under you and place most of your weight on your leading foot. Leaning toward the rear will cause your skis to move forward, resulting in a potential fall. Keep your head up and focus on the end of the rail and landing throughout the technique.

    • 3

      Align your hips with your feet and keep your skis perpendicular to the rail. Keep your hands out and maintain a low stance to avoid falling on the rail. Continue to focus on the end of the rail.

    • 4

      Use a soft pop to get off the rail, counter-rotating your body so that your skis are aligned with the direction of travel.