VIP SKI Blog

It may be stating the obvious here, but with skiing, balance is everything. Correct balance is what keeps you upright and out of the snow, where you should be, and moving forward at a safe pace. To begin with, settle yourself on flat terrain, and distribute your weight evenly, trying to keep your body weight above the narrowest part of the ski. Practise leaning forward gently, and side by side, so you become comfortable with the movement in your boots and how various body positions place pressure on the skis in different places.

When moving, your knees should be in line with your shoulders, and your shoulders pointing downhill. Most people will tell you that it’s important to bend the knees, but really you should be aiming to stand almost completely upright to begin with, and leaning gently forward so your shins press gently against your boots. It’s easy to make the classic mistake of leaning too far back, into an near-seated position, but when you do so, your body needs to work twice as hard to make a turn. If you’re correctly balanced however, skiing looks, and feels, practically effortless.

To get going, push off with your poles, keeping the skis parallel as you do so. The process of skiing on flat ground can be quite exhausting at first, especially if you have to travel some distance. Lifting the skis off the ground to perform a kind of ‘clown walk’ can help you move faster, but you risk an embarrassing fall.

Probably the most difficult part of learning to ski is mastering the turns, and when you first do it while going downhill, even on a gentle slope, it can be a little nerve-wracking, which is why instructors use terms like ‘pizza’ and ‘french fries’, to make it more fun for kids.

Almost everyone will start with the pizza turn, formerly known as the ‘snowplough’. Essentially, with the skis in a parallel position, you slide one ski over the snow without lifting your foot, pushing the heel outward while pointing the toe of the boot (and ski) inward. Then you bring the other ski into line, again without lifting your ski off the ground. It’s good to practise this a few times on flat terrain without actually moving, to begin, then try it while moving!

Now, it might seem a lot harder to do this while actually going downhill, but actually the opposite is true. Using a slope with just a slight gradient, you need to be moving parallel to the slope with the skis in the straight, ‘french fries’ position. Slowly moving into the pizza position, you put greater pressure on the lower of your skis, which will make you turn. Once you’ve completed the turn, you move back into the parallel ‘french fries’ position. You can expect a few wobbles and tumbles early on, but with a little dedication you’ll get it quickly enough. Now you need to learn the parallel turn!

Having conquered the pizza turn, you are now ready to start going a little faster. This is the fun part. One way to feel some speed is to drop into a tuck position, bending further at the knees, with your poles under your arms. Remember one of the most valuable skills in skiing is being able to judge the safety of your speed. If you’re not sure of the terrain ahead, always better to take it easy until you do.

Another essential technique of skiing to learn early on is how to come to a safe stop. Luckily, it’s very easy to get the hang of. You simply move your skis into the ‘pizza’ position, and then widen the angle at the back - the crust!- to slow down, with the edges of the skis encountering friction with the snow.

One golden rule of skiing is that when you stop, you do so with consideration for others. So, never in the middle of the piste if you can help it, but at the side. At the bottom of a run, if you’re part of a group, you need to stop at the back, to avoid the risk of a domino situation. And of course, if you’re heading towards a lift, you need to start slowing down well in advance, especially if you’re a beginner.

This is among the hardest skills to master for a ski beginner but one that, let’s face it, you’re going to need, in spades. The trick lies in getting yourself into the right position before you attempt to get up.

1. If you have become separated from one or both of your skis or poles, you’ll first need to make your way to them. Usually this is best done by walking or sliding slowly down the slope on your bum, watching for other skiers coming down behind you.
2. Once you’ve reattached your skis, you need to angle them so they’re running sideways against the slope, with your body above. That way you can dig them into the snow, and prevent yourself from sliding further downwards.
3. Next, get into a crouched position, while lying down. If you don’t do this, you’ll push yourself across, rather than up.
4. Then slowly begin to stand, ensuring you are leaning forward and not back, and using your arms and poles for balance.

And off you go again. Good luck!

Parallel Lines was established 19 years ago by Phil Bell and Ed Wooley, both of whom still direct the ski school to this day. John Hendry completes the trio of directors who can all still be found teaching lessons throughout the winter.  Since 1999 they’ve recruited a team of 17 ski instructors, hailing almost exclusively from the British Isles, and now run the largest British ski school operation in Meribel. All their instructors have been hand-picked based on experience, personality and passion for the mountains.

Last season the team invested heavily in a dedicated beginner area complete with magic carpet lift. This facility has already proved to be worth its weight in gold. Gone are the days when new skiers would have to expend precious energy walking up the nursery slopes. Beginner lessons today are a slick operation with most skiers graduating to the Altiport Zone by day 2 of their holiday. There’s even a complementary 2hr afternoon session offered on the first day to ensure that you begin day 2 with confidence. It’s details like this which make Parallel Lines stand out from the crowd.

This season the team are offering a kids’ lunch club option to extend the day to 4pm, giving parents time to really explore the extensive Three Valleys without having to keep an eye on the clock. This service is fully flexible and bound to be a hit with our little guests.

Advanced skiers needn’t feel left out. No matter your level it’s always worthwhile investing in a set of eyes on the ground to pinpoint any minor issues with your technique. Private ski lessons start from €119, with meeting points all over the Meribel and Courchevel valley to maximize your time on the mountain.

Those looking for group lessons can sign up to the Off Piste or Technical Improver Courses. These week-long courses are ideal for adults whose skiing has reached a plateau point. Of course Parallel Lines supply everyone going off-piste with a full safety kit; including probes, transceivers and shovels. Check out this video from last season for a taster of what you can expect:

What else sets Parallel Lines apart from other Meribel ski schools? It’s the personal touch and attention to detail which still sits at the heart of their business. Esme, Michelle and Zoe in the office know all returning clients by name and always go the extra mile to ensure that the they book the class which will prove to be the perfect challenge.

We could spend all day detailing every lesson on offer. Suffice to say there’s something for everyone throughout the season, all protected by Parallel Lines’ commitment never to cancel due to small group sizes.

Call the team on 0208 875 1957, or email ski@vip-chalets.com, to chat through everything on offer and discover the perfect lesson for your ski holiday to Meribel.

We’ve teamed up with TDC in Val d’Isere to offer an exclusive accommodation and lesson package at an unbeatable price of £899 per person. Use this week to tune up your technique after the long summer break and ready yourself for the best winter yet. TDC’s instructors all bring a wealth of experience to the table but are specialised in adapting their teaching methods to each individual participant. No monotonous drills here; just pure satisfaction as they help you to reach your full potential.

Early Season clinic runs on 9 December. Stay in Aspen Penthouse suite 8 for only £899pp, with coaching included.

If you’ve always wanted to make first tracks up the mountain and witness the morning sun in total seclusion then ski touring could be the sport you’ve been looking for. You’ll bypass the lifts and instead strap a pair of skins to your skis, giving you grip to slide up the hill. Similar to telemark skiing your heel is not secured to your binding, meaning that you can flex and get into a good rhythm. Lighter skis and boots are commonly used too. It’s worth all the effort for the sense of achievement when you get to the top and can make first tracks down an untouched piste.

Our friends at Oxygéne in La Plagne offer ski touring in a variety of group sizes, a must for anyone staying at Summit View chalets this winter.

Being dropped by helicopter in pristine, untouched backcountry and spending a morning travelling through the mountains in complete seclusion is a thrill unlike anything else. Hotel Theodul in Lech is the ideal base for adventure-seekers who want to push beyond the confines of the piste and experience the Arlberg ski area from a new perspective.

Ski Schule Lech offer two different routes, both boasting spectacular views across the Austrian Alps. Bookings are extremely weather dependant and are only accepted a few days in advance to ensure suitable conditions.

Once you’ve made it safely home Hotel Theodul’s new sauna and pool area is the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a hard day in the back country.

If you've been inspired to take one of these courses then our sales team would love to chat through the details. Call us on 0208 875 1957 to chat about any of our chalets and all things skiing.