Let’s talk about how to walk in ski boots.
I am Aspen, an NZSIA certified ski instructor and ski school manager of SSWBoardHouse ski school (China and Japan Division). I have taught over a few thousand students since I got certified. Today, I will share with you some practical tips about how to walk in ski boots.
Many beginners may find it difficult to walk in ski boots because it is stiff and restrict ankle movements. Sometimes, they may injure themselves, and I believe you definitely don’t want this to happen to you at all.
Keep reading because the tips I share will save your first ski boots walking experience.
How to Walk in Ski Boots
Here are some useful tips to help you walk comfortably and safely in ski boots.
Preparation
First of all, make sure you have put on your ski boots properly, check if all the buckles and power straps are fastened snugly.
Your foot should be wrapped well by the liner, and there should be no room for your foot to move.
To be very honest, sometimes I walk in loose boots too. However, for first-timers, it is pretty easy for them to twist their ankle or simply step on their power straps, and that’s something we want to avoid, though.
Walking in Ski Boots on Flat Surface
Try to keep your knee bent when walking on a flat service, DO NOT straighten your legs.
Your ankles are locked, and this may be feeling a bit weird. You can start by walking in an indoor area first.
Look forward, don’t look at the ground. Relax and lift one leg, step forward with the heel landing on the ground first. Then you can place the ball of your foot down too.
Remember, keep your knee bent even your weight is now on your toes. You should feel the pressure on the tongue of your boot.
Now we have successfully completed our first step, just keep your upper body straight and look forward, and repeat with another leg. And do not look at the floor or your boots.
Walking in Ski Boots Uphill
The best way to walk uphill is to kick the tips of your toe into the snow. Kick harder on a more icy surface, so the tip of your boot creates a little step. Repeat it with another leg.
Again, keep your knees bent and make sure you feel the pressure on the tongue when you are trying to walk uphill, it’s a lot easier to balance.
Walking in Ski Boots Downhill or Downstairs
Here comes the most challenging part. Walking downhill can be very scary for beginners. If you are pretty fit, you can dig your heels into the snow. Just make sure you are bending your knees when you are doing so.
However, you will feel you are dropping down, and it is difficult to balance.
In such a case, just try to ask for a friend’s help or look for a place with a handle. Grip the handle and walk down sideways. This is the safest option. Do try to look for a friend who is not a beginner like you too though, or else you two may just fall together.
Wrapping Up
I hope you find these tips helpful on your first skiing day. Send us a whats app message or email us at sswboardhouse@gmail.com if you have any further questions!
We look forward to meeting you on the mountain some days!