An Introduction To The Top Freestyle Ski Tricks

Catered ski chalets are a great choice for ski holiday accommodation, no matter if you want to hit the slopes on skis, a snowboard or snowshoes. There are so many different winter sports to be enjoyed no matter where you go, but have you ever considered freestyle skiing?

Freestyle skiing is exactly what it says it is: creative skiing that combines a multitude of styles in a freeform way. Complex techniques are merged with acrobatics to create a host of ski tricks that keen freestyle skiers strive to challenge themselves with. Many experienced skiers staying in catered ski chalets partake in freestyle skiing, so why don’t you consider giving it a go? If the concept is new to you, read on for our list of top freestyle ski tricks that can make you sound like a pro – even if you don’t look like one yet!

180 and 360

The 180 is simply a half turn in the air, and is executed by looking either to the left or right as you take off. You do land backwards, though, so you need to be confident that you can ski in reverse until you manage to spin back round again. The tip is to keep your weight in the centre and make sure you spot your landing. The 360 is a full turn in the air, again achieved by looking over your shoulder to the left or right and, hopefully, the skis will follow your head movement.

A 540 Tail Grab

Whenever you include a grab, you slow your rotation down - this means that you need to spin harder. On take off you need to grab the tail of your ski with your trailing hand and pull the tail into the spin tightly. Keep your eyes open and focussed over your shoulder, keep the weight in the centre, and in order to spot your landing, reach with the ski tips before the tails.

Corkscrew 720

This trick requires you to use the edges of your skis. Start off on one edge and when you pop up off the edge, reach the arm of the same side forward and look to the opposite hip. Tuck up for a faster spin, or remain open if you prefer.

D Spin 720

This is a great trick for executing on powder. Begin by turning your head and throwing your shoulder to the left, or indeed the right. As you tuck up, your skis will cross. Once you leave the spin, spot your landing and straighten out in order to land safely.

Mute Grab

This grab involves lifting your skis to meet your hands rather than reaching down to grab. The mute grab is done while airborne.

Half Cab Mute Grab

This tricky little move involves you skiing backwards towards a jump. Your weight has to be very much in the centre, and as you take off you need to look over your shoulder. You will spin as you take off from the lip of the jump, but don’t look for the landing until you have finished rotating.

There are many more freestyle moves than the ones detailed above, including the zudnick, rocket air, iron cross and daffy, but the ones in this article are a good place to start. You will, however, probably need to indulge in quite a few holidays staying in catered ski chalets before you are able to master the more difficult moves. Even better, how about working a season in one of the catered ski chalets? This will give you plenty of time to practice your moves with likeminded people and you'll be freestyling in no time.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in catered or self catered ski chalets in La Tania and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.