Sideslipping allows you to control the way you cross the slope. It also helps to teach you the 'feel' of the skis sliding sideways down the slope, and is a helpful way to control your speed on steep terrain. There are different ways to start to sideslip, but for all of them you should start in the traverse position. You could then step downhill, which is like walking sideways down a staircase. You can also reduce the amount of grip which your edges have on the snow by directing your knees laterally downhill by just a small amount. By varying the amount you let your knees rock sideways, you will vary your speed down the slope.

Alternatively, just let your bodyweight come down on to the skis by bending your knees forward strongly, at the same time directing your knees slightly down the hill from the direction of your ski tips. Now you can cross the slopes, control your speed going downhill and turn to avoid obstacles. Those are all the basic requirements that you need to be able to enjoy the mountains, but there's more to learn.

To sideslip, just walk sideways down from your traverse position. When you move your lower leg down the hill, plant your poles for support. Then as you bring your upper leg to join your lower leg, relax and you will slide. You'll feel that you can reduce the amount of grip of your skis on the slope by carefully letting your knees rock sideways. The more the knees rock down the slope, the more the skis will slide.

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