Letting Yourself Slide

Schussing means letting your skis run straight downhill. The term 'schuss' comes from the German word for a shot which should describe your trajectory. Your goal should be to be able to schuss down the slope, relaxed and confident in your basic stance. In time, the schuss will be the fastest thing you can do on skis.

It is most important to choose an appropriate slope for your first attempts. Look for a gentle slope, with a natural run-out area at the end to help you stop. Make sure it is clear of other people, since at this stage the chances of your being able to stop or avoid obstacles are not high.

Use the bullfighter turn to get into position with your skis pointing down the fall line.	Assume the basic stance and let yourself run. Look ahead and steer your skis gently with your feet to keep them parallel and pointing downhill.
Respond to bumps and dips in the terrain using your ankles, knees and hips. Keep your upper body calm and relaxed.	[All photos: ifyouski.com]

Always return to the basic stance.

Tips

• Keep the pressure distributed evenly on both skis, otherwise you will veer across the slope. Keep your skis at hips' width apart for maximum stability.
• The most common beginner stance is with straight legs, bending only at the waist, rather than at the ankles, knees and hips. Don't forget your basic stance the moment you start sliding.
• Keep your eyes a few metres ahead. If you look at your ski tips, you can't react to changes in terrain.
• Schussing may be quite scary at first. Be consoled: although it seems fast to you, you are unlikely to exceed five miles an hour on your first slopes.

Exercises

Try the following exercises while schussing, to improve your stance, balance and ability to absorb bumps and dips.

• Stance - Vary your body position as you schuss, leaning forward and then back, flexing low and then standing tall, varying the width of your stance. In which position do you feel most comfortable? In which position is it easiest to steer? To absorb bumps?
• Relaxation - Ski along and pick up a snowball or glove; get a friend to hold out a pole at shoulder height and ski under it.
• Balance - Lift each ski off the snow for a few metres; do a little jump; ski a few runs without your poles.

Demonstration Of Absorbing Bumps And Hollows