Skiing Cheat Sheet

The key takeaways for beginners – gear, stance and slope basics for controlled first turns.

Equipment

Item	Priority	Tip
Skis	High	For beginners roughly chin height – shorter skis turn easily and are simpler to control.
Ski boots	High	Comfortable with no pressure points – they transfer every movement straight to the ski.
Helmet & goggles	High	A well-fitting helmet plus goggles – non-negotiable.
Clothing	Medium	Layer principle: several layers instead of one thick jacket.

The 3 golden technique rules

Factor 1: Shins into the tongue

Concept: The backseat is the most dangerous beginner mistake – the ski drives you, not the other way round. Tip: Flex ankles, knees and hips slightly and press your shins actively against the boot tongue.

Factor 2: Master the snow plough

Concept: Without a reliable brake every slope becomes a risk. Tip: Ski tips together, tails pushed out (“pizza”) – control your speed before it builds up.

Factor 3: Look where you are going

Concept: Staring at your ski tips kills balance and hides obstacles. Tip: Eyes ahead, arms calm and slightly bent in front of the body – no paddling.

First steps

One ski first: Get used to gliding with one ski attached (scooter drill), then clip in both.
Uphill technique: Master side-stepping and the herringbone – climb short slopes without sliding back.
Flat terrain first: Get to know your gear on the flat before daring the first descent.

Slope colours

Colour	Level	Character
Blue	Beginner	Flat and wide – this is where you learn and consolidate.
Red	Advanced	Steeper and faster – only with reliable turns.
Black	Expert	Steep, often icy or mogulled – no place for experiments.

Safety on the slope

FIS rules: Ski within sight, adapt speed to skill and conditions – the skier in front has priority.
Warm up: Activate your muscles before the first run – it drastically lowers injury risk.
Break signal: Burning thighs = break immediately. Fatigue is the main cause of crashes.

Pro tip: The shin check is your autopilot: feel pressure on the boot tongue and you are centred. Feel your calf and you are in the backseat – correct it before the slope does.