With a good stance you will not only look good--like you know what you're doing--but your skiing will become more efficient and enjoyable. Pay attention to maintaining a balanced stance and other skills will fall in place much more easily.

While standing, lean far forward, then far back, then forward a bit less and so on, leaning a little less each time until you settle in a spot in the middle, where your shins press lightly against the tongues of your boots--that's the Sweet spot.

Look up and ahead of your skis. You don't look at your feet when you're walking; do you? Feel your balance rather than peeking at your boots.

Here are some keys to a balanced, athletic stance:

• Keep your feet slightly apart--about hip width. 

• Let all joints in your legs flex comfortably, starting with your ankles, knees and on up to your hips. Your shins should be touching the tongues of your boots very lightly. You should be relaxed, not stiff or rigid. 

• Hold your hands (and your poles) comfortably in front of your body, as if you're ready for action. Hold your poles loosely and tilt your wrists just a little so that the baskets stay just behind your heels. 

• Stand centered over your feet--with your hips and shoulders over your boots--in other words, use good posture. You should feel even pressure under the entire length of your foot. 

• Maintain slight pressure against the tongues of your

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!