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Winter sports learn to ski in the Netherlands

Winter sports learn to ski in the Netherlands and go well prepared for winter sports. Going on winter sports remains a favorite of many Dutch people. Skiing, snowboarding or just enjoying a thick pack of snow. In this article you will find information about choosing the right ski and learn how to ski

Winter sports – skiing

High on the mountain, two slats tied under, thickly wrapped against the cold and gloves on. Ski goggles on, ears protected from the cold, two poles in hand and the descent can begin. People who put on their skis for the first time can sometimes experience problems when they go skiing.

To be able to ski well, you must first master the technique of skiing. Everything to be able to descend the mountain without falling. It all seems so easy, but in practice it can be quite disappointing. I speak from experience, although I am lucky that I learned it at a young age and therefore mastered it very quickly.

Choose the right ski

1. Get good, fitting skis. This starts with the purchase of skis and ski boots. When trying on, keep in mind that you have to wear thick socks in the ski boots. In addition, your feet can swell up despite the cold. It is recommended to buy ski boots slightly larger than your own size. Those who can spend a little more money can have the liner of the ski boot completely adjusted to their own feet at a ski center. Heat is used for this, which makes the liner flexible and can be molded to the foot of the customer.

The right ski mainly depends on what you can and want. A beginner will have to use Allround or All Condition skis. These skis are, as the name implies, suitable for all conditions. The following skis are also available:slalom top, slalom performance, race carve, supersport and park &​​pipe ski.

Choosing the right ski boots

The choice of ski boots is also extensive. Let yourself be well informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the different ski boots. Those who do not want to buy skis can choose to rent a pair of skis. That is of course many times cheaper, but it can also have some disadvantages. The fit will never be perfect and you don't know what has already happened to the skis. Moreover, you cannot use the same skis every day (sometimes you can). Finally, you can be unlucky that the right skis (correct size shoes) are not available.

2. Once you have the right skis, with the right ski boots and ski poles, you are almost ready to hit the slopes. Make sure you are well packed and have good ski goggles on, especially in sunny weather. Lubricate all bare parts well with a high factor sunscreen. You can burn faster in the mountains than during a day at the beach.

3. Beginners I recommend to join a ski instructor who guides a small group. That will help you master skiing.

Skiing? That's how you do it!

Most people assume that you can tie the slats underneath. Take a stick in your hand to the right and left and zoom, you can descend the mountain. Just put your legs together and let it go. However, this is not the case and it will soon become clear. If you think you can descend the mountain in this way, there is a good chance of a plaster flight (ie a broken leg).

Standing straight and going down is therefore not an option. But how should you ski?
Although this is not so easy to explain on paper (in this case digitally), I will try to give an impression of what you have to do:

  1. Sink slightly through the knees, with your buttocks slightly back
  2. Spread your legs so that the skis form a triangle. Please note:the skis must not touch each other at the front, otherwise they will shoot over each other and that can be very painful
  3. Before going down the mountain, the feet should be pointed slightly inwards so that the skis do not lie flat on the snow, but so that the outside of the skis is slightly off the ground
  4. The ski poles are lifted off the ground and basically held under the arms, with the tip pointing backwards. However, this can still feel scary for a beginner, so it is better for a beginner to hold the ski poles in their hands. Lift the ski poles off the ground and point them backwards, but in such a way that you can quickly put the ski poles into the ground to brake
  5. Now you can start the descent:not straight down, but slaloming and braking, still keeping the skis in a triangle. The narrower the triangle, the faster you will descend. A large triangle, on the other hand, causes you to descend more slowly. If you are in danger of losing your balance, you can use the ski poles to brake by sticking the ski poles into the ground. Bend the knees inwards, so that the skis come to an angle on the snow and you slow down.

Experienced skiers will put the skis right next to each other and ski down the mountain at high speeds. Are you well prepared for a trip? Skiing in winter sports in the Netherlands, before you really go up the mountain.

For an interesting tutorial about skiing click here

Winter sports learn to ski in the Netherlands

To fully enjoy winter sports, learn to ski in the Netherlands. To practice and master skiing in peace, it is advisable to practice in the Netherlands. This is possible in the various snow centers that can be found in the Netherlands. Here you will find an overview of all ski centers (ski slopes) in the Netherlands.

Are you traveling by car in the winter? Read my indispensable winter tips for the car and you will never be faced with surprises again.