Try to plan out exactly how you will take the run down.
Notice all the peculiarities of the ground and snow, and fix in your head the principal landmarks. But remember that the ground will look very different when approached from above, and therefore keep on looking backwards at what you have passed.
Pay particular attention to the points where the angle of the slope changes, in order that when from above you are running towards an invisible piece of steeper ground, you may have the clearest possible idea of what to expect.
The actual climbing will at first give you a good deal to think of.
The ordinary procedure, when several ski-runners are climbing a hill, is for one to lead and the rest to walk in his track in single file.
If the snow is soft and deep the leader’s work may be very exhausting, and each of the party will have to take his turn.
If you are leading, make your tacks as long as possible to avoid wasting time in kick-turns. Remember all that has been said about adjusting your course to the contour of the hill so that you mount at a steady gradient which is too steep for no one in the party, about not side-stepping unnecessarily, and so on. And never, without good reason, attempt to hurry.
If you are not leading, and if the leader is a competent person, you will not have much to think of. If he is not, you may find following him a tiresome business.
If it is really difficult to do so (not merely irritating), don’t dream of suffering in silence, but complain at once, and if he is so stupid or inconsiderate as to persist in his misdeeds, make a new track for yourself.
Don’t be at all disturbed if you find yourself being left behind, but keep on steadily at your own pace.