Practise on steep ground, because there mistakes are more easily discovered, and the correct way soon proclaims its advantages.

Fig. 23 illustrates the proper position for the ski in stemming. The arrow “s” is the fall of the slope, for the reader is looking straight at the mountain; “d” is the direction in which the runner wishes to go obliquely across this slope. This direction is on the whole that of the glider “g.” The braker “b” brushes the snow with its entire length, thus producing a broad track, the direct evidence of the braking power—i.e., friction. Therefore, weight off the braker for going, on for stopping. The steeper the slope the wider must be the angle formed by the two ski. The little circle “p” shows whereabouts the point of the pole should be—that is, a little behind the upper foot.

Fig. 23.—Position for the ski in stemming.

The pole may be used to facilitate balance when executing these movements, its point lightly furrowing the snow. It will also be found to considerably assist a sudden stop, for by pressing it into the ground and throwing all the weight on to the braker the glider becomes entirely disengaged, and there is less chance of its crossing the braker, as is otherwise apt to happen when running very fast. Hold the pole fairly short, do not lean back on it, and do not use it more than is really necessary.

TO MAKE A DOWN-HILL CURVE.

The foregoing section gave the beginner directions for turning quickly up-hill, but how shall he, when crossing a steep slope, turn quickly down-hill and, without stopping, continue his traverse in the opposite direction?

To do this is evidently a most valuable accomplishment, for if the runner cannot achieve it he is obliged at the end of his traverse to stop and turn as described on p. 55 before he can start off again on the other tack.

Fig. 24. A circular curve to the left. (O represents the pole.) This is the fall of the Slope. 1.—You are coming obliquely from above, in the direction of the arrow “d.” First give a vigorous stem with the lower ski “b.” Then 2.—Let your body sink forward to the left; pull heels more apart. 3.—Now you are looking straight down the slope. Just before this moment you had time to change your stick over. Both ski flat. Weight on ski nearest this print. Note the position for the pole. 4.—Coming into stemming “right.” 5.—Done. Continuing your way stemming “right.”

Here is the easiest way to learn.