How to Ski Your First Blue Slope

You've been skiing for a while and are confident on the green beginner slopes. They're starting to get boring, and you're looking for some more adventure. However, when you actually look at a blue intermediate slope, it seems much more steep and intimidating than ever before. Many beginners find themselves in this trap--they can ski straight down a gentle slope but lack the skills to tackle a steeper blue. After you've followed these five steps, you'll have everything you need to ski down those intermediates like a pro.

1. Master the snow plow turn.

This step is essential--skiing down a blue slope without turning can be very daunting and dangerous for a beginner. To turn while skiing in the snow plow (forming a pizza shape with your skis to control speed), simply shift your weight onto and press down onto the ski that is the opposite of the direction in which you wish to turn--if you want to turn left, shift your weight onto the right ski and vice versa. Once you can ski down a green slope in a slalom fashion, zig-zagging across the slope and avoiding all obstacles, you are ready to move on to step 2.

2. Start using "angulation".

Angulation is a fancy name for a simple position that is vital to skiing down more advanced terrain. You'll usually angulate yourself between turns when skiing back and forth down a slope. After you complete a turn, bring your skis together parallel as you coast straight across the slope. Once your skis are parallel, tilt your skis sideways up the slope, so that they form a very shallow "V" with the hill. Your lower legs should also be tilted towards the top of the hill. Then, bend your body in the opposite direction--down the hill. Your body should form something like "C" or a "( ", with the open part pointing down the hill. When you first start using angulation, you will fall more than you are accustomed to; however, this is all part of the learning process. Once you're combining snow plow turns and angulation to zig-zag down a green run, you're ready for step 3.

3. Find and "scout out" an easy blue slope.

To ensure that your first blue slope experience goes well, you must find the right slope. The ski resort employees, the ski resort's website, other more advanced skiers, and any internet forums focused on that ski resort are great sources of information about the difficulty of various blue slopes. As a general rule of thumb, wide slopes are always better for the more inexperienced, and short blue slopes are not necessarily the easiest. Additionally, do not choose a lift line, as these will have poles in the middle of the slope and having the lift running above you will be distracting. Once you have a few ideas, check the resort's grooming report to make sure that the run you will be skiing is groomed. Now, you should get as close as possible to that slope, either skiing past it on a green run or riding over it on a lift to get an idea of where the steep sections and are located.

4. Pick a good time to try the blue slope.

The best times to attempt a more difficult slope are generally right after the resort's opening or immediately after an early lunch. During these times, you will be fresh, the snow on the slopes will be much nicer, and they will often be less crowded, making it much less stressful for a timid skier.

5. Ski!!!

When your chosen time arrives, try to take your mind off the uncertainty and worry that comes with such a new frontier. Be sure to take a friend for support, encouragement, and safety. Once you're at the top of the slop, don't look down. Simply start skiing across the slope, with your skis pointed slightly downhill. Don't ski too slowly--the 180 degree turns that you need will be almost impossible if you're crawling along. A slow to moderate speed is perfect. Ski from one edge to the other, using angulation and snow plow turns at the end of each parallel traverse. Ignore the other skiers--they will recognize you as a beginner and watch out for you. Ignore the pull to just ski straight down--you will most likely fall and hurt yourself. You will fall a few times even if you zig-zag, but do not be discouraged--every skier must fall to learn. Once you're at the bottom, congratulate yourself on a job well done--treat yourslef to a warming hot chocolate or even a fancy dinner...you've done it!

Skiing blue runs will soon become easy if you follow these five steps--these same steps, the techniques aside, would apply for learning to ski any other type of run. Remember--the people who really hurt themselves while skiing more advanced runs aren't the prudent, inexperienced skiers--those who are very confident on a slope and ski straight down at full speed are much more liable to injury. Skiing is always a blast, whether you ski greens, blues, or double black diamonds--don't let a difficult slope get in the way of your enjoyment of the greatest winter sport!