The Art of Freestyle Skiing: Simple Tricks for Beginners
The majestic mountains are not only a place of peace and relaxation, but also a playground for adventurers and sports enthusiasts. Especially in winter, the mountain slopes transform into a paradise for skiers. But away from the normal slopes, there is a special type of skiing that is becoming increasingly popular: freestyle skiing.
The foundation: reversing
Before you try the spectacular tricks, it is important to master the basics. One of these basics is so-called “switch driving” or reversing. It may be strange at first, but it forms the basis for many cool moves in the snow. Flat terrain is ideal for practicing this technique. The key is to constantly look over your shoulder and keep the movement fluid so that reversing appears smooth and controlled.
The first jump: The Straight Jump
The straight jump is one of the first tricks that you can try on the so-called "kickers". The aim is to jump straight over the kicker. A stable body position during the approach and a precise take-off are crucial. In the air you should remain compact and straighten your legs slightly just before landing to cushion the landing. It is important not to fall backwards during the landing, but to stay centered over the skis.
Rotations and Spins
Spins are rotations in the air. The key to a successful spin is that the rotation starts from the upper body and the legs follow. When landing, you should fixate the landing point with your eyes in order to land safely and stably.
The challenge of the boxes
Boxes can seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique and a little practice, they become an exciting element of freestyle skiing. It is important to stand stable on the skis and keep your center of gravity between the skis. Beginners can first try skiing straight over the box to get a feel for the different friction compared to the snow. Over time you can start practicing light spins on the box.
Freestyle skiing is an exciting and challenging way to experience the mountains. With patience, practice and the right techniques, anyone can learn the art of freestyle skiing and experience the mountains in a whole new way.