Fig. 1
Raise the Pointof the Skiuntil the HeelRests on theSnow		 Fig. 9
The Skier Runs StraightDownhill on One Ski andUses the Other as a Brake
Fig. 2
Swing the Ski Aroundby Turning the PointOut and Back		 Fig. 8
On Hard Snowthe Edges of theSkis may be Usedto Check the Speed
Fig. 3
Raise thePoint of theOther Ski as Highas Convenientto AvoidTripping		Fig. 7
When RunningDownhill One Skishould Be in Advance ofthe Other a Few Inches
Fig. 4
The Body isThrown Forwardon One Ski andthe Slide is Madewith Both Feet		Fig. 6
The Herringboneis Much UsedWhen the SkierWishes to Travelup a Short andSteep Incline
Fig. 5
The Skier Naturally Places His Skisat Right Angles Rather than Permitthe Slipping Backward

When traveling uphill, the regular sliding gait will suffice if the slope is gradual, but when a steep grade is encountered and the ski slips backward, the skier stands quite erect, raises the point of his ski about 3 in., and slaps it down smartly, without pulling it backward or making any attempt to push his body forward with the stick. This slap of the ski makes the smooth surface of the runner adhere better than when the runner is slid forward in the usual manner. If the hill is very steep, the skier will naturally place his skis at right angles rather than permit the slipping backward. This is known as “side-stepping,” and is shown in [Fig. 5]. In doing this, the heel of the ski must be raised clear of the snow and the upper foot lifted uphill, then the lower foot brought up to the last step of the upper foot, hence it is extremely tiring for other than a short distance.

A variation of this movement, which is known to skiers as the “half side step.” and which is made by advancing the foot with the legs somewhat wider apart, and the skis placed at not quite so acute an angle with the hill, is more useful when climbing the ordinary steep grade and is far less laborious. If the skier knows how to handle his implements, side-stepping may be done backward when necessary.

The “herringbone” is another step which is much used when the skier wishes to travel up a short and steep incline. This step is made by stretching the legs rather wide apart and pointing the toes out, as shown in [Fig. 6], at a decided angle, so that the knees are bent inward and the inside edges of the skis cut into the snow. A variation of this is the “half herringbone,” the skis being turned out at a less acute angle. These special steps for special purposes are all useful now and then in mountain climbing, but when a long distance is to be covered, the skier will conserve his energy by mounting the hill in a zigzag fashion rather than attempting to climb straight up. The track of the skier will then resemble the course of a boat tacking through a narrow inlet against a head of wind, and while more ground is covered than when going straight up the steepest part of the hill, progress is faster and much hard work is avoided.

When running straight downhill, one ski should be in advance of the other a few inches, and the skis must be held quite close together so that they touch, or nearly so, as shown in [Fig. 7]. To make a narrow track, most expert skiers hold the knees together with the back knee slightly bent. However, the body should be perfectly and easily balanced. This is done, more or less, intuitively, by beginning the run with the body thrown on the advanced foot, and when full speed is attained the weight automatically shifts to the rear foot. The novice will find it difficult at first to keep the skis together, there being an almost uncontrollable desire to separate them to gain a better balance. A good track will come with a little practice, but if the skis are too short, or made without a groove, even an expert would be compelled to keep his feet a trifle apart and make a double track in order to keep from falling.

Fig. 10
The Christiania Swing is Accomplished by Pressing with Both Heels at the Same Time While the Stick Digs Well into the Snow Above