How to Ride a Traditional "foot Ski" Ski Bike

Commercial ski bikes have been around since 1949. While they are frequently used at European ski resorts, they have had only intermittent success at North American ski resorts. Some resorts even ban them due to a perceived safety danger. In reality, learning to ride traditional ski bikes is easier to learn than skiing or snowboarding. With adequate instruction you can be riding down intermediate ski runs in two to three runs and in perfect control. Those with blown knees or poor leg strength with find it's a great way to get moving on the slopes in less than an hour.

To get started, you'll first need to discover which ski resorts in your area allow ski bikes and their regulations for riding them. Some ski resorts offer lessons and ski bike rentals. A few resorts offer rentals only but require that you have a ski bike license from either their resort or another resort as proof you can ride safely. Another option is to buy or borrow a ski bike from someone.

*Now that you have access to a traditional ski bike, how do you get started?

Traditional ski bikes are ridden with little foot skis attached to ski or snowboard boots. Adjust the bindings to fit your boots. Note - this is best done in the rental shop or a stable surface. Next go grab the ski bike. You'll want to make sure the bike fits your height. Some frames are adjustable, others come in different sizes. Sit on the bike on a flat surface. Your thighs should run parallel with the snow with your knees at a ninety degree bend when sitting on the bike. Adjust the handlebars so they are at a comfortable height. You're now ready for the bunny slope.

*Stopping

This is always the first question I'm asked. You can stop by one of two methods. At slow speeds you can do a Fred Flintstone stop. Put your feet down and tilt the tips of the little skis up. At faster speeds you stop the same way skiers and snowboarders do - by turning uphill and planting the uphill edge. That sounds harder than it actually is.

*Turning & Stopping

Riding a traditional ski bike is very much like riding a bicycle. On a bicycle you turn by turning the handlebars and leaning into the turn. The same is true on a traditional ski bike.

Find a very gentle incline and try the following. Sit on the bike with the bike aimed down the hill. Let the bike start to glide down the hill. When the bike has some speed, turn the handlebars like you would on your bicycle. Turn them gradually and steadily. At the same time look in the direction as you are turning. If you try to stick your chin on your shoulder (in the direction of your turn) while turning, it will accomplish the same goal. While you are turning, try to lean into that turn just like on your bicycle. Your ski bike should aim uphill and slow down. If you swish your bum downhill at the end of that turn, you'll stop. Yes, it's that easy.

Start out by making large radius turns. Take as much of the slope as you need to while getting comfortable with the bike. As you feel more confident in your turns, try making smaller radius turns. Then mix small and large radius turns. Once you are confident with both, start going on ski trails that have more of an incline. After that, just get as much mileage as you can.

If you find your legs are burning, that probably means you are using the little foot skis to turn instead of using them as balance outriggers. The little foot skis can be used as emergency brakes but, they shouldn't be necessary for recreational riding.

*Getting on and off the lift

Every ski bike and lift loads differently. Ask the lift attendant for advice. A great video to watch to see the turning movements, and for getting on / off the lift can be found on YouTube.

If you are just getting started on snow biking, you might want to rent either a Brenter or a Stalmach snow bike. They offer quality construction and are easy to learn on. Don't be left behind anymore and have fun at the same time.

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