Learn to be a championship skier in 5 easy steps

It takes years of hard work and sheer dedication to whizz down ski resort slopes like a pro. But if you follow these basic tips, you'll at least have made a start, although we should mention that you won't suddenly become a championship skier overnight.

1. Stance

Get the stance right and you're onto a winner. Walking, turning and moving up and down hills can be done with your eyes shut without skis, but it's a different story with them! Learn how to walk before you can ski! Learning the correct stance will help minimise the likelihood of having a nasty fall, so master this and you're on your way. Called the 'snow plow', the standard stance resembles a pigeon-toe, which is a medical condition whereby the toes point inwards. So, the tops of your skies should point inwards to give you added stability. So master this technique before you begin any downward motions.

2. Start slowly

If you're about to start long-distance jogging you wouldn't begin on a hill to attempt a marathon. You'd build yourself up to this by trying it first on flat terrain and seeing how you get on running a mile or two and building up from there; the same goes for skiing. If you're comfortable standing on your skis, you can move onto skiing. To move on the snow, simply slide your feet forwards to gain momentum. You do not need to lift your feet up; use ski poles to help get your balance if you're struggling.

3. Don't give up

If at first you don't succeed….try, try and try again. So you've fallen down, that's what family ski holidays are all about! Just like your first visit to the ice rink or the first time you went outside on your roller skates, with skiing it's almost inevitable that you'll take a tumble at some point. While the more timid among your group of holidaymakers may call it a day and head back to the ski chalets in defeat, a determined skier will brush themself off and get back on the slopes!

It's learning how to deal with a fall that counts; and it's important you know how to safely get up should you fall down. Put your skis parallel to each other and across the fall line i.e. down the hill. Bend your legs so you can simply lift yourself when you're ready, put one hand on the handles and the other above the baskets before putting the ski poles in front of your body and planting the tips uphill. Once you've done this, use your ski poles for support, lean slightly forward and push yourself upward. You can do this by putting your hand near the brackets and moving your lower hand near the handles for additional support as you push yourself into an upright position.

4. The side step

It's all about the side step! And no, we're not talking about dancing. Ski France holidays are great for honing your technique and learning how to side step on the snow. Skiing involves moving up and down hills and you won't want to remove your skis to do this! Position yourself perpendicular to the fall line of the slope and ensure your skis are parallel to each other. To stop you sliding, dig your ski edges into the snow. Start by making very small steps, shifting your weight a little on your downhill ski. Next, step up with your uphill ski, letting it dip into the snow. Now, shift your weight on your uphill ski, gently moving your lower ski upward. Keep walking sideways and you've done it!

5. Equipment

Get the right equipment for the sport. Feeling confident on the slopes is all about feeling comfortable, so ensure you have the right gear. Take a look online for hints and tips from fellow ski fans and enjoy!