What mistakes not to make when skiing

Now that the new winter season is arriving in Baqueira Beret, it is important to remember certain practices and habits that are not advisable when skiing. Skiing should be done in the most appropriate way possible so you can fully enjoy the experience without suffering injuries. This sport allows you to train at your best, develop your skills and enjoy dreamlike landscapes such as those found in the Aran Valley. Let’s look at the mistakes to avoid, or the bad habits that are easily acquired and later difficult to correct.

For beginner skiers

Anyone starting a new activity is learning and absorbing new information, and therefore may not fully understand all instructions from the beginning. As a result, they often fill in the gaps with spontaneous reactions, which lead to these common beginner mistakes:

Excess clothing

Wearing too much clothing causes overheating and discomfort, making movement difficult. After your first sessions, you will forget about dressing “just in case”. You will learn to wear only what is necessary: warm but also highly breathable clothing.

Asymmetrical snowplough stance

Controlling skis is not something you master immediately, but you should also avoid rigid postures. Opening and closing the snowplough allows you to accelerate, and to slow down you must use the edges of the skis. What you must always ensure is that both skis remain in a symmetrical position.

Incorrect use of ski poles

Ski poles are used to propel yourself, gain stability and set rhythm. Using them to brake when you are going too fast can unbalance you and cause a fall. This is one of the most common beginner mistakes.

Intermediate level

At this stage of learning, we can no longer speak of beginner mistakes. You already know how to dress, use poles and adjust your ski position to gain speed. However, you may have developed bad habits that reduce the quality of your technique.

Arm position

Arms should be extended and slightly forward in front of the body’s vertical line. Keeping them down at your sides reduces stability and limits your ability to turn while maintaining proper posture.

Elbows

Bringing them close to your body may feel more stable or comfortable, but this position makes pole handling more difficult. Keeping them slightly away from the torso gives you more freedom and control.

Not shifting weight forward

Keeping your weight at the back of your body creates muscular imbalance, leading to early fatigue, discomfort, and difficulty maintaining parallel skis. Always keep your weight forward to maintain balance.

Are you advanced?

If so, experience may have given you confidence and you might think your technique is well developed. However, there is always room for improvement.

Knee position

In the 1970s skiing was practiced this way, but like everything else, skiing has evolved. By slightly separating your knees, you reduce pressure on your lower back and thigh muscles, resulting in less fatigue. Another benefit is improved fluidity and better ski control—neither too wide nor too close together.

Not coordinating the arms

When turning, both arms must be coordinated. Otherwise, movements become chaotic, reducing style and precision. In addition, the torso may rotate excessively and skis can slip at the back. Skiing is a demanding winter sport that requires progressively learned techniques.

To avoid developing bad habits, it is essential to follow a monitor’s instructions, especially at the beginning. If you do, you will be able to master skiing efficiently, elegantly and without injury.