Before you start any moves, your instructor will make sure you feel comfortable in your skis. You will practise, lifting each foot off the ground - alternately! - sliding your skis backwards and forwards on the ground and rocking from side to side to get the 'feel' of the skis. Now you are ready to move forward, sliding the skis along the ground and using the sticks to help you balance.

Basic Manoeuvres

Skiing is about balance and control. You master these by learning various techniques for moving or shifting you weight over the skis.

Sidestepping
Climb a gentle slope - sideways on.

Herringbone
Climb a low slope facing upward, with your skis in a V-shape (toes apart).

Gliding downhill
Walk up the slope using the 'herringbone', 'sidestep' to turn round and face downhill and let gravity do the rest! Use your sticks for support and gently glide down the slope keeping your skis straight.

Once you have mastered some downward movement with your skis straight, you need to learn how to turn, steer and stop. All three need good balance and control.

Snowplough
One way to stop, is to make a V-shape with your skies by bringing the toe ends together.

Side slipping
To develop the skill of turning and steering, start by side slipping. This is similar to sidestepping except you travel down the slope rather than up it. When you side slip properly, you are using the edges of your skis.

Traversing
Another way to travel down a slope and control your speed is by skiing across the hill at an angle rather than straight down. This is traversing and it involves turning your body and legs so that you skis turn too. Your weight is transferred to the edge of your skis as you turn, just as it is in side stepping or side slipping.

Snowplough turn
In this turn you bring the toe ends of your skis together slightly to control your movement and speed. The movement of your body and skis help you turn as you travel downhill. As well as good balance and control, you need a good sense of rhythm to keep your movements smooth.

Safety on the Slopes

Safety
It is dangerous to go away from the official runs on your own. An instructor knows where the dangers and obstacles are. If you are skiing in an alpine area, be aware of your own safety, take note of any warning signs, and most of all never wander off on your own. Stay with your group and instructor.

Skiing levels: Beginner to Expert

Complete beginners
As a complete beginner you need a series of lessons to get you started. You can learn the basics on a dry slope instruction course before a skiing holiday or during the first few days on the snow. You will practise how to move, turn and stop - and at the same time have a lot of fun!

Early Intermediate
After about six weeks, you should be able to ski more quickly and do controlled turns on blue runs. You might even be able to cope with some red runs. You will ski parallel most of the time - that is across the slope.

Intermediate
At the intermediate level, you should be able to ski at a reasonable pace all day, linking parallel turns on the easier slopes. You will spend most of your time on red runs, but may try the odd black run. Your next step is to ski in different weather conditions and, with an instructor, you may start to try your skills off-piste.

Advanced intermediate
On-piste, you are able to ski comfortably and in control down red bumps, and down most black runs. You are starting to improve your techniques in off-piste skiing.

Advanced
You can ski all black runs and are reasonably confident off-piste.

Expert
You have achieved a high standard of skiing on and off piste and in all conditions.