European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 26, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Ski Europe 94 4 i a the basics beginners know All about hitting the slopes but they get better by Effie Batman staff writer anyone can put on a pair of skis and race downhill like a Bat out of hades. So say most ski and recreation instructors. The trick is learning the Basic techniques for controlling Speed steering and stopping that ensure the skier will be Able to make the downhill trip More than once. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make  out with friends who cheer them on but sidestep explaining equipment and technique. They Are usually More interested in getting someone racing Down slopes than tending to details like Bow to avoid or recover from a fall. Beginners who Are serious about this physically  sport can be enjoying the Snow in a few Days with lessons from qualified instructors. In a typical five Day class a skiing Tenderfoot can master a wedge or Sno plow technique that has him ready for intermediate slopes by the end of the week. Who can learn to ski almost anyone according to instructor Dave Formby who worked with lots of beginners As a ski instructor at the now closed armed forces recreation Center in Chi Emsee Germany. It s never too late to give it a go he said. European children learn to ski before they hop on their first tricycle while Formby said that he has taught people up to their 5 s. \ a estimated that one out of 10 students May be unreachable but All that most slow learners need is a Little extra time so they can get the hang of it on their own. The important part is that they feel confident at their level he said. Even accomplished skiers say that their sport requires practice. Learning timing and balance May mean taking a turn Over and Over until the skier responds without  is a matter of achieving goals step by step. A ski Outing usually lasts a whole Day and demands a lot of endurance and flexibility. Just lifting a hefty pair of skis onto your shoulders and stomping in oversized boots to the ski run can Tucker a body out.  a about a month before hitting the slopes tighten up the Torso to avoid injury or sprained Muscles. Aerobics cycling or electronic step machines Are Good for. Conditioning. Any kind of stretching or twisting exercises like toe touches or Forward and Side bends work for flexibility. Squats add leg raises Are Good to build up leg Muscles and add Protection against knee injuries. A skier needs to be fit. The Speed Altitude cold and climbing put a lot of stress on the heart. Some Community gyms have  especially designed to get skiers into shape but they May do More to discourage than encourage a beginner. Clothing and equipment Are usually available at local recreation centers for nominal rental fees or sometimes included in ski packages. Beginners need not worry about glitzy duds. What is most important is that the equipment and clothing fit Well and is matched to the skier s ability. Accomplished skiers like Formby recommend renting equipment to Start. That gives the Novice a Chance to learn about different styles and find out what works Best for him. Here Are some tips for the beginning downhill skier boots should fit snugly. Most have fasteners screws or dials that adjust the fit across the base of the foot the ankle and the lower leg. When leaning Forward the heels should not come up much More than a Quarter of an Inch. Boots that Are too Loose will cause blisters. Those that Are too tight will Cut off circulation causing danger of frostbite. Bindings Are adjusted at the equipment Center according to ability and weight. After a few Days on the slopes if a beginner repeatedly flips out of the skis the bindings May need to be tightened. Skis for beginners should stand about nose High when held on the floor in front of the skier. For the right sized poles hold the poles upside Down gripping them under the Bottom Ridge. Forearms should be parallel to the ground. Dress in layers. Beginning skiers get quite a workout trudging up the Bunny Hill before they learn to use a t lift and May want to shed their jackets. Try wearing Thermal underwear and a Cotton Turtle neck under bib Overall ski pants then a simple Wool sweater. That combination allows for breath ability and helps the skier avoid sweating that can Lead to getting chilled. Beginning skiers do quite a tumbling act so make sure that you can move freely. Always Wear ski gloves to keep hands dry warm and protected. Wear a hat or headband to keep head and ears warm. Sunglasses or goggles will protect eyes from Glare and ultraviolet rays. Use a sunscreen to protect against Sun and wind. /. ,. The. Novice should also know something about weather and slope conditions. Too Little Snow and rocks and clumps of grass can Send the weak kneed into a Tumble. Icy patches Are hard for ski edges to Cut into and can mean More Speed than a beginner can handle. Pride is what usually gets beginners Hurt. They should take it step by step. People need to learn to walk before they can run Formby advised. Skiing slopes that exceed their ability is not going to get them to the Bottom of the Hill any .quicker.if. They take a bad fall. Is Ken George instructor Dave Formby Center shows students How to step into their skis. V y \ ". A or to try j soft. A. X it a w a to a win f Xiv x a group of beginners leaves an arc bus and struggles off to the slopes. Is Ken George 28 october 26, 1994