Stop Trying So Hard

One of the biggest surprises people experience during a ski lesson is hearing me say:

“You're trying too hard.”

It sounds strange.

After all, surely trying harder leads to better performance?

Not in skiing.

In fact, it's often the opposite.

As soon as skiers become nervous they tighten their shoulders, grip their poles harder, lock their legs and start forcing every movement.

The mountain suddenly feels steeper. The skis feel less responsive. Everything becomes harder.

Ironically, none of this improves control.

It simply creates tension.

And tension is the enemy of good skiing.

Smooth skiing comes from relaxed movement, not maximum effort.

Watch an experienced skier and you'll notice something interesting. They rarely look as though they're working hard.

Their upper body remains quiet. Their hands are relaxed. Their legs absorb the terrain naturally.

It almost looks easy.

That's because they're allowing the skis to do what they were designed to do.

Modern skis want to turn. Your job isn't to force them. Your job is to guide them.

Think of driving a modern car with power steering. You don't wrestle with the steering wheel. Small movements produce smooth results.

Skiing is very similar.

Many intermediate skiers mistake effort for commitment. The harder they push, the more committed they believe they are.

In reality they're often reducing the ski's ability to grip and bend naturally.

A relaxed skier reacts more quickly to changing snow because their body remains free to move. Rigid skiers react late.

Try This

Before your next run:

Take one deep breath. Relax your shoulders. Open your hands. Hold the poles lightly.

Then ski at around seventy percent effort.

You'll probably feel smoother almost immediately. Many people even find themselves skiing faster without trying to.

Not because they're forcing speed. Because they're no longer fighting the skis.

Good skiing should feel surprisingly calm. If every run feels like a battle, something probably needs simplifying.