Looking to improve your ski technique? We spoke to Simon ‘Cookie’ Cook - ESF ski instructor, Neilson Mountain Expert, and all-round ski whizz. Cookie has worked with us for nearly 10 years, and when he's not guiding and coaching Neilson guests around the snowy slopes of Alpe d’Huez in France, he's the general manager at our Cosmos Beachclub in Greece.
We caught up with him and got his quick-fire ski tips on how to improve as an intermediate skier.
…not just by reading or watching, but by joining a group or taking private lessons during your skiing holiday. There are literally thousands of hints and tips that can be incorporated into your ski technique. An experienced instructor will sieve through them all and know which one to introduce to you and when, as well as how to introduce the skill or technique effectively to develop your skiing.
…your ability to balance, away from the slopes. Perfecting your balance effectively allows the ski to do its job. When working properly, the ski grips the snow without the need of lots of physical exertion by the skier, saving valuable energy! There are numerous exercises on shallow, comfortable terrain that allow skiers to release early from the old ski, and progressively engage the new ski with each turn - then take this skill onto more challenging areas of the mountain.
…using a well-timed pole plant to trigger your new turn. A rhythmical, smoothly executed, pole plant, particularly in smaller radius turns, forms a strong and stable framework and will keep turns consistent and clean.
…how separation of your upper and lower body will build a strong and stable skier. There are two types of separation: lateral and rotational. Understanding how and when to utilise these separations can help progress a ‘holiday skier’ on a plateau of learning, to performance turns with more style and grip, often using less energy.
…your comfort zone. Try new terrain: groomed, variable, bumpy, crud, hard pack, steep, wide and narrow. Everyone loves playing on smooth blue pistes and cruising for miles. But find a piste you can check out from a lift on the way up; short but a little more challenging or with snow conditions you’re unused to.
Gently stretch your abilities to grow what you consider to be comfortable. Before you know it, tougher areas of the mountain will become more accessible and less terrifying!
…your corridor width and arc length (how big and wide your turns are!). Variety is the spice of life and will help you to develop into new and exciting areas of the mountain, with control, style and confidence.
…new and varying equipment. Sometimes the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies, but more often than not mixing up the trusty old pair of skis or boots you’ve had for all these years will inject a new burst of energy and control into your turns. Most shops offer test skis before you invest your hard earned money into something you’re not sure about, so mix it up and give some new planks a go!
Ready to gain some new skills this ski season? Browse our Neilson Mountain Collection hotel, chalet hotels and catered ski chalets and get ready to fly down the mountain with new found confidence!
