5 common mistakes novice skiers make

Falling down during your first skiing excursion doesn't mean you're bad at skiing, it means you're learning. To fast-track your skiing progress, it's imperative to know the common mistakes that most novice skiers make.

• Beginner (and even some intermediate) skiers have a tendency to look at their skis, thinking that this will give them a clue as to how well they are doing.
• However, looking at your skis will not help you master the sport.
• At all times, your eyes should be on where you are going, not on your skis.
• This tip will help you to manoeuvre correctly and avoid any obstacles in front of you.

• Leaning back is another example of an instinctive mistake that's born out of fear.
• The reason for this mistake is purely mental.
• Beginners tend to lean back when they're overwhelmed by the slope and the speed at which they're going.
• However, leaning back can make you lose control, as it reduces pressure on the front of the skis.

• When it's your first time on a slope, or when you're on a terrain that requires higher skills, you might find yourself becoming rigid, which increases the potential for injury.
• The best way to counter a rigid stance is to practice proper form on a terrain where you are comfortable, before trying a more challenging slope.

• Most novice skiers position the poles all over the place - pointing in front or stuck at the hips - when they should be pointed backwards, with arms in front and slightly out to the sides.
• It's also imperative to hold the poles above the snow.

• Skiing, like any other sport, is best learnt when you're on the slope, where you can get your forms and techniques down pat.
• Most mistakes have a mental source: that voice inside of you that spews fear into your system. Don't let it get the best of you.
• A ski instructor can teach and guide you, helping you to overcome your fear.
• Ski lessons also substantively reduce the risk of injury, a fact that could allay your fears, helping you to focus on the task at hand.

When you're a novice skier, it's important to remember that learning to ski is not about achieving instant perfection. To master skiing, you have to focus on making progress slowly and steadily.