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Your Lesson
You're properly dressed, you've got the
right package, and your rental equipment is ready to go - now is
when the fun really starts!
In the next hour or so, you'll learn all of the basic skills that
you need to get started on a lifetime of skiing or snowboarding
fun!
The first thing you will learn is how to put on
your skis or snowboard and how to move around on the flat. This
will give you a chance to get to know your equipment and get the
feel for sliding around.
You will also learn how to climb up the hill and
turn yourself around while standing still. All of these skills are
presented in a very flat area with a "runout". A runout
helps you stop yourself while you are learning.
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Next you will learn to slide
straight down the hill. Unless you are an ice skater or in-line
skater, your brain has been programmed to believe that sliding
across the ground while standing up is, as a rule, something
to be avoided. It takes a few runs down the hill before your
brain figures out that it is not only OK, but a lot of fun.
Once you have mastered "straight runs",
you will be taught how to turn your skis. Turning offers two
benefits - it allows you to avoid things you do not wish to
meet up close, and it allows you to stop whenever you want
- both commendable goals.
Your rental skis were designed to turn easily
so you'll be happily turning in no time. Once you get to the
point that you can go where you want to go and stop yourself
with confidence, it is time for your first lift ride. |
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| The First Lift Ride
If you have ever sat on a porch swing, you
have mastered the art of loading and riding a chairlift. As
you slide out onto the loading area, the chair will come up
behind you. When the chair touches the back of your legs,
simply sit down and enjoy the ride. There is a restraint bar
that you pull down in front of you for the ride, please use
it. At the top of the lift, you will see signs instructing
you to raise the restraint bar and prepare to unload.The snow
will gradually come up to meet your skis. |
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When you get to the "Unload Here" sign,
stand up, lean slightly forward and slide straight down the ramp.
Your instructor will give you instructions on where to meet.
When you take your first look down the hill, you
may feel like you have been deposited on the summit of Mount Washington
- don't worry. Your instructor will guide you down the most gentle
terrain on the mountain and will help you fine tune your turns all
the way. By the time you reach the bottom of the hill, you'll feel
like an old pro!
Congratulations!
You are now well on your way to a lifetime of winter fun.
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