Ascents, descents and braking on skis. Ways to overcome inclines on skis. Crossing slopes on skis

Line of movement

The line of movement in winter travel is more straight than on foot or by water. In many cases, you can make your way straight through frozen swamps and ponds. However, you should not build a simple hike based only on azimuth. It is better to use any passing ski track or sled road convenient for movement.

In the absence of ski tracks or roads, you can move along clearings, open forests, and river beds. We must always remember that it is easier to go where the snow is less deep.

Behavior in an avalanche zone. In winter, avalanche danger increases significantly. This should be taken into account when choosing a line of movement and not planning transitions through concave forms of relief - snow funnels, avalanche chutes, under ridges with overhanging cornices and in general along all slopes where there is a sufficient amount of snow in an unstable state.

Slopes with a steepness of 15 to 60° can be dangerous for avalanches if the snow depth on them is more than 30 cm. While in such an area, tourists should not go out on the route if the forecast is unfavorable - sudden warming or cooling, drop in pressure, during and on the first day - two after snowfall, blizzard, rain, hairdryer.

When moving along a slope, you must avoid crossing it, move only up or down along the line of the slope, remembering that concave slopes are safest in their upper part, and convex slopes in their lower part. Longitudinal depressions on the slope - couloirs and gutters - if it is impossible to bypass them, it is recommended to overcome them in the narrowest places, one at a time and with reliable insurance. In general, you have to move at the highest speed in an avalanche zone. At the same time, the leader needs to ensure that tourists avoid sharp turns on skis, falls - anything that can cause shaking of the slope,

On steep and long slopes, tourists move in zigzags (“serpentine”). At the corners of zigzags, they turn with a swing turn around the leg, and the turn must begin with the outer ski, in relation to the slope.

On short sections of the route, herringbone or half-herringbone ascents are possible. On very steep places, the only way to climb is a “ladder”.

When lifting with a load, the skillful use of pole supports plays an important role.

Skiing technique. For beginner tourists, who, as a rule, have unedged skis and bindings that do not fix the heel on the loading area, the ski descent technique is limited to the use of the main stance and periodic braking on closed, steep or rolled out areas with a “plow” or “stop.”

Compared to an ordinary skier, a tourist loaded with a backpack has to spread his legs wider on the descent, put one ski further forward and try to fit into the uneven terrain as smoothly as possible. To prevent the backpack from moving on your back under the influence of inertia and changing the position of the center of gravity, it is useful to fasten it to your belt with a special belt.

It is better to move on long slopes in zigzags with turns from the “stop”, on a failing surface with turns by stepping over or on the spot around your foot.

On very steep slopes, it is convenient to descend by sliding sideways on the edges of the skis. If the slope is overgrown with forest with dense undergrowth, then it is better to descend at a walking pace - a “ladder”. In some cases, if there is a danger of hitting a friend, a tree or a stone, you must be able to apply emergency braking, deliberately falling backwards to the side or simply sitting down in the snow.

Descents in deep, loose snow. On such slopes, tourists must take the appropriate stance (normal - with uniform movement, front - with accelerated, rear - with slow motion) and be sure to remove the toes of the skis from under the snow. Both skis must be evenly loaded. Otherwise, one of them will begin to bury itself in the snow and the tourist will lose his balance.

For a beginner, it is easiest to descend in an oblique descent stance, almost across the slope with a counterslope, which will allow him to easily brake for a further turn on the spot.

Methods of ascents and descents in skiing

Ways to overcome climbs on skis The choice of method to overcome climbs depends not only on their steepness; Other factors also play an important role: the grip of the skis on the snow, the physical and technical preparedness of the skier, the degree of fatigue at the moment and the condition of the ski track.

Lifting by sliding The inclination of the torso increases, the length of the step decreases, the push with the hand ends simultaneously with the push-off with the foot. The amplitude in the work of the arms and legs decreases - they are carried forward with an energetic swinging movement immediately after the end of the pushes, the “swing” is almost absent. The period of work (push-off) with one hand is layered on the push with the other hand, therefore, with increasing steepness of the climb, the support with sticks becomes continuous.

“Half-herringbone”, “herringbone” climbs when overcoming slopes obliquely and are performed as follows. The upper ski slides directly in the direction of movement, and the lower ski is moved to the side with its toe and placed on the inner edge. The sticks work in the same way as with an alternating two-step stroke (with cross coordination), and are carried forward in a straight line. The length of steps during a half-herringbone climb is not the same: the step of a ski sliding straight is always longer than that of a ski with its toe pointed to the side. This method can also be used for direct lifting. The herringbone lift is used on fairly steep slopes (up to 35°). Raising the toes and placing the skis on the inner edge significantly increases their grip on the snow and prevents rolling.

Climbing with a “ladder” It is used on very steep slopes and in deep snow cover during tourist ski trips and walks. The transverse position of the skis along the slope and placing them on the ribs (edges), support on poles allows you to overcome climbs of great steepness (up to 40°).

Descent stands The main (middle) stand is most often used during descents. It is the least tiring and allows you to perform any other techniques (braking, turning) during the descent. During a straight descent in the main stance, the skis are spaced 10-15 cm from one another, the legs are slightly bent at the knee joints, the torso is slightly tilted forward, the arms are lowered and slightly extended forward, the poles (necessarily with the rings back) do not touch the slope. To increase stability, one leg is pushed forward 10-20 cm. The main stance provides the greatest stability when descending.

Low stance Used on straight, flat and open slopes when maximum downhill speed is required. In this position, the knees are strongly bent, the torso is tilted and leaned forward, the arms are also extended forward, the elbows are lowered and pressed. The skier in this stance takes on a fairly streamlined position and significantly reduces drag. At high speeds, certain incorrect movements or positions may significantly interfere with achieving the maximum speed for the given conditions.

High stand Used to temporarily reduce the speed of descent by increasing the resistance of the oncoming air flow. For greater braking, you should also straighten up and spread your arms to the sides. Sometimes this stance is used to rest or better view an unfamiliar slope at the beginning of the descent. It is not advisable to descend for a long time in a high stance: the loss of speed is too great, and overcoming the unevenness of the slope is also difficult.

Rise

Climbing methods: sliding stroke, stepping step, half-herringbone, herringbone, ladder.

Lifting with a sliding move is similar to an alternating two-step move, but the sliding step is shorter and more frequent, the push with the foot is directed upward, the support on the poles is greater and further, the shin whips forward more strongly. After pushing off, the ski is slightly raised above the snow, the poles are placed at a greater angle to the slope and after pushing off, the hand passes much higher above the knee. You should not lean your torso too low forward. You can improve your movement technique on a training circle (400-500 m) with the inclusion of small climbs.

The stepping step (Fig. 7) resembles a sliding step, but without sliding. The step is even shorter. The forward ski is lowered onto the snow from above with a slam to improve grip on the snow. The push of the legs is directed more upward, the efforts on the sticks increase, and the movements of the arms are shorter.

The half-herringbone climb (Fig. 8a) is used when climbing the slope diagonally. The upper ski is placed straight, and the lower one is set aside; toe and place on the inner edge and push off. The hands work as if in an alternating two-step stroke.

The herringbone climb (Fig. 8, b) is used on a straight, rather steep slope. Both skis are placed on the inner edges, the tips of the skis are spread wide to the sides outward. When stepping, the leg bent at the knee is carried forward and upward, the boot is turned to the side. For support, sticks are placed on the sides and behind the boots. On a steeper slope, the ski toes are spread wider, the poles and skis are placed more sharply, and the stride is shorter.

Climbing with a ladder (Fig. 8, c) is mainly used on very steep slopes. Skis must be placed across the slope on the edge and moved with side steps. Place the top stick slightly in front of the fastening, and the bottom stick slightly behind. This method is slow and can only be used on walks. During training, choose your lifting stroke depending on the steepness of the slope. Gentle ascents must be overcome by sliding, steeper ones by stepping, medium steepness by half-herringbone and herringbone, very steep ones by ladder.

Descents from the mountains

The speed of descents from mountains can be adjusted by changing the stance and braking.

Main stand (Fig. 9, a). The legs are bent, the torso is slightly tilted forward, the body weight is evenly distributed on both skis, the arms are half bent, the hands (at the level of the knees and in front of them) firmly hold the poles with the rings back.

High stand (Fig. 9.6). The skier stands straighter, legs slightly bent for shock absorption. Used on long, gentle slopes.

Low stance (Fig. 9, c), the skier’s legs are strongly bent, the torso is tilted forward; the bent arms are also brought forward, the sticks are pressed under the arms. Used on gentle slopes, the speed is the highest.

When learning the data, first on the spot you need to take the position of all the racks one by one, then repeat, rolling down the slope. At the beginning - from a gentle descent, then - from a steep one.

On long slopes, in order to provide rest for the muscles of the legs and back, it is recommended to descend in a “rest” position (Fig. 9, d).

When overcoming uneven slopes (hillocks, ledges, depressions), it is very important to maintain balance and straight-line movement of the overall center of gravity. So, when passing a hillock, at the moment you hit it, quickly bend your legs (squat down), and when moving off it, straighten up (Fig. 10).

Approaching the depression, you need to take a low stance, sliding down (into the depression), quickly lean forward, straighten your legs, and when leaving, bend again (main stance) (Fig. 12).

When overcoming an oncoming slope, move one ski forward one foot forward (to maintain balance), squat down a little, moving your torso back (Fig. 11).

When exiting (rolling out) from a descent onto a flat area, you need to squat more, bending your legs, and after passing it, again take the main stance (Fig. 13).

When overcoming unevenness, the leg muscles should be relaxed, “soft”, then they seem to automatically bend when the pressure increases and straighten when the pressure is weakened, the skis remain controllable, because do not lose contact with the snow.

When going downhill, you need to have time to brake to reduce speed or stop. The simplest and most reliable method is to brake the plow (Fig. 14,a). It is used on straight slopes, allowing you to brake equally with skis.

Rice. 16

From the main stance, spread the heels of the skis to the sides and place the skis in a double-sided support position (legs slightly bent, knees together), body weight distributed evenly on both skis. The stronger the knees are compressed and the skis are placed more firmly on the inner ribs, transferring the body weight to the heels, the stronger the braking. The “plow” will be effective if you can keep the ski tips together. When learning to plow, you need to spread your skis and when rolling out from a gentle slope, change the width of the plow from a narrow transition to a wide one and vice versa.

Stop braking (Fig. 14,b) is used when descending obliquely down a slope.

Transfer your body weight to the top ski. The lower one, unloaded, is placed above the angle to the upper one on the edge (with the heel to the side) and brakes.

Drop braking is used on descents when an unexpected obstacle appears. First, you need to sit down and fall to the side of the ski track, as if sitting on the snow, try to turn the skis up to your hip across the slope, move your arms to the sides, and the poles with rings back. Stand up, leaning on the poles, and continue the descent.

Main stand provides the greatest stability on the descent, is comfortable and least tiring. The legs are slightly bent, the skis are placed at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other, the torso is tilted forward, the body weight is evenly distributed on both legs, the arms are lowered and slightly forward, the poles are almost parallel to the slope, with the rings back.

High stand characterized by bending the legs at the knee joints within 160-140°, the skis are placed at a distance of 15-20 cm. The position of the body depends on the tasks being solved during the descent. If the skier wants to reduce speed, then the body is positioned almost vertically (open stance). If you need to increase speed, then the torso bends almost parallel to the slope (closed stance). The stand is used mainly when it is necessary to reduce speed and on steeper slopes. Sometimes this stance is used to rest or better view an unfamiliar slope at the beginning of the descent. It is not advisable to descend for a long time in a high stance: the loss of speed is too great, and overcoming the unevenness of the slope is also difficult.

Middle post characterized by bending the legs at the knee joints within 140-120°, while the arms are bent at the elbow joints, lowered down, and the hands are 20-30 cm in front of the knees. For stability, one leg moves forward 10-20cm. Depending on the topography of the slope and tactical tasks, the torso can be parallel to the slope or slightly straightened. The middle stance is also called the main one, since all the elements of ski equipment are performed in it.

How are they used as a type of B-pillar? rest stand. The rest stand is used on a fairly long and level slope. It allows you to give some rest to the muscles of your legs and back. To this end, the skier straightens his legs somewhat, leans forward and rests his forearms on his hips. This provides less air resistance than in the main stance, and the conditions for rest and recovery of breathing are better; however, stability in the event of hitting bumps is somewhat worse.

Low stand used on open gentle slopes, long and straight sections of descent to achieve the highest speed. The torso is parallel to the slope, the arms are extended forward and the forearms touch the knee joints, the hands are together. A low stance is used on long, gentle, level descents, when you need to maintain speed longer.

Students should know that when descending:

a) you need to bend your legs at the knee joints;

b) you cannot tilt your body forward too much;

c) you cannot spread your hands with sticks wide to the sides and hold them in front of you with their rings forward or drag them in the snow;

d) you need to distribute your body weight evenly on both skis and move one ski forward slightly.

Students should know that when climbing:

a) you should not tilt your body forward too much;

b) you cannot place ski poles in the snow at too obtuse an angle far from the body;

c) you cannot extend your arms high (above your head).

Ski tourism attracts more and more people every year, recreation centers and trails are being developed, and equipment is being improved. But before you buy a ticket and go to the resort to test yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the main skiing movements.

Types of classic skiing

Both those who want to ski on the plain and those who dream of conquering mountain slopes need to master the methods of skiing. Learning to ski will make it easier and faster to master the techniques and techniques of downhill skiing.

At simultaneous stepless When skiing, they glide continuously and push off solely with their hands. When the required running speed has been achieved on skis, after pushing with poles, the body is not immediately straightened. They move in a bent position for some time, and only gradually move to the upper position.

IN simultaneous one-step during one slide they push off with sticks and feet. You need to alternate between the right and left sides of the body in order. The following one-step ski moves are used:

high-speed - the push with the legs is performed at the same moment when the arms move forward;
protracted - the push is done after the hands are already in front of the body.

At simultaneous two-step During the course, skiing differs from the previous one in that two steps are pushed off with poles only once. Perform the move in the following sequence:

The hand is led forward, releasing the rings of the sticks.
Completing the second step, they push off with their upper limbs. At the same time, they put their foot against the supporting one and slide on both at once.

Alternating two-step – the main move used:

on the plain;
with any type of slip;
on flat (2°) and steep (5°) inclines.

Performing an alternating two-step ski move, they take turns sliding on the right and left legs, and with each step they push off with the opposite stick. This method of skiing is very similar to walking.

Alternating four-step– classic skiing is applicable:

in a deep layer of snow;
on a winding path laid between vegetation;
under other conditions, when emphasis on sticks is impossible.

The meaning of the technique of this ski move is that for a pair of push-offs, four steps are taken with the hands: for the first two short ones - the poles are moved forward, for the second longer ones - they are pushed off with them in turn.

Downhill ski racks

The main concept that a beginner in alpine skiing needs to learn is the slope line. This is the name of the shortest line from the top to the bottom of the descent. If you move along it, the acceleration will be greatest.

Reminder: the slope line is not a straight line. It may deviate to the sides, but always coincides with the steepest line of the slope at any point.

To ski in the mountains, the first step is to master a neutral stance (the starting position when skiing, to which you always return). The body is positioned like this:

The knees are bent at an angle of about 125°.
The shins and body are moved forward at the same angles.
Elbows are half bent.
The hands are lowered to the knees and located in front, the palms securely grip the sticks.
If necessary, one ski is slightly pushed forward.

The stance is responsible for stability when going down the mountain, sufficient speed of movement on skis, and maximum efficiency of the musculoskeletal system. If it is necessary to achieve acceleration on skis, the athlete bends forward more, reducing the angle at the knees and elbows. This reduces air resistance. However, you shouldn’t bend too much either, since stability is lost.

A small selection of expensive but reliable skis for those who have not yet decided:

If it is necessary to ski down at a lower speed, the athlete straightens up a little. There is no need to straighten up for a long time and deviate from the main stance, since the movement slows down greatly.

If the slope is too long, the muscles will need rest. Then they move into a “relaxation stance”: they slightly straighten their knee joints and slightly tilt their body forward, resting their forearms on their hips.

On a note: the rest stand significantly reduces the stability of the skier by deteriorating the shock absorption of uneven terrain.

Relief when descending the mountain on skis

The riding surface is not always ideal. Sometimes you have to ski down hills and other uneven terrain. Then the angle of inclination of the ski track changes, and a dynamic change of stances helps maintain balance.

Angle changes there are:

large - they are formed by rollouts, counterslopes, declines;
small - formed by protrusions, bumps, depressions, etc.

On large changes, with a decrease in the steepness of the slope, they first move to a higher stance, and then lower themselves, weakening the inertia. On rollouts from 3 m, the body is first moved back, but at the same time the body is tilted and the arms are extended, while at the same time putting the straightened leg forward. Large counterslopes (rises) are overcome in the same way. But at the same time, pushing with sticks maintains the forward slope if you need to continue climbing the slope.

When going through a downhill ski slope, an athlete sometimes feels like they might fall backwards. Approaching such areas, the skier takes a higher stance, and when entering the curvature, on the contrary, tilts the body forward. When the curvature of the decline has passed, they straighten up a little again and shift the emphasis to the heels. If the slope is steep, then the stance is changed to a lunge position.

When descending a bumpy slope or other small irregularities, they try to reduce inertia and not lose control. To reduce the external influence on the speed of skiing, reduce the tension in the legs.

Types of skating skiing

Skating, when an athlete resembles a speed skater, was initially used only on turns, for climbing, as an exercise for better skiing. You can also achieve acceleration on a mountain descent with this move.

The following are distinguished: kinds this method of skiing:

simultaneous - with one or two steps;
half-ridge;
alternating with two steps.

The maneuver is performed in such a way sequences:

The inner edge of the ski pushes back and to the side.
At the same time, transfer the weight to the opposite side.
The same movements are performed for the second leg.

The difference between skating and classic skiing is that there is no stopping between cycles.

They push off with the upper limbs alternately, which depends on the rhythm of the legs. However, this is not a mandatory element of skating. There may be simply hand waving or even this component of the cycle is completely absent. If the track is flat, pushes with the arms are usually performed simultaneously; when climbing, depending on its steepness.

The peculiarity of half-skate skiing is that the push is made with only one leg, while the other glides straight. The leg moving in a larger arc is used as a push leg. Usually this method of skiing is practiced on turns.

Ski braking methods

There are several known techniques that are used depending on the circumstances and depending on the purpose.

Transition to a high stance

This method of braking on skis is carried out due to increasing air flow resistance. To do this, regroup in a high stance, spreading their arms if necessary. The technique will not allow you to run into other athletes or take a turn correctly.

Plow

Gliding with the legs parallel, the heels are carefully pushed apart and placed on the inner ribs of the skis. The weight is distributed equally on both legs. The front part is not crossed. The greater the angle between the boards, the faster the speed decreases. The method is convenient on straight slopes with dense snow cover. First, the technique is tried on a flat surface, and then on a slope.

Important: the maneuver helps control speed in a wide position. In this case, the ski edges are used as the main tool. Even experienced athletes use this method of braking.

Emphasis (semicircle)

Braking is performed with one foot and allows you to slow down somewhat. The weight is transferred to the side going along the ski track. The second heel is moved to the side, the ski is placed at an angle, edged onto the inner edge. How quickly the deceleration occurs depends on the landing angle, edge strength and body pressure. To prevent a person from turning around, the socks are placed at the same level. At the end of the movement, the braking ski is placed parallel to the straight ski. This ski braking slows down the speed smoothly.