So, you’ve been skiing for a little while now and have been feeling confident hitting the jumps at the terrain park. You’re ready to step it up and learn something new on your skis. What’s next? Learning how to do a 360 on skis is a great next step!
Don’t forget to gear up!
Before learning how to do a 360 on skis, make sure your skis, boots, and bindings are in great shape, and be sure you replace any gear as needed. It also helps to have twin tip skis. Our ski shop has everything you need, from ski poles to ski jackets. Remember that learning new things is always easier when you have the right equipment that’s in good shape, so make sure you replace any of your gear that needs to be upgraded so you’re ready to go!
What to Know Before 360s on Skis
There are several things you should feel comfortable with before you attempt to learn how to do a 360 on skis. Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Ideally, you should be at an intermediate ski level. This means that you’ve been skiing for a few years and/or you’ve progressed onto some blue runs. It can be hard to master new tricks, such as learning how to do a 360 on skis, when you’re still trying to get the basics down. If you’re a beginner or still aren’t feeling super confident on the slopes, don’t rush it! No reason to face a rough wipe out without reason. Take your time practicing turns, stops, and more until you feel like you have enough experience under your belt.
- If you’re hoping to learn how to do an aerial 360 on skis, you will first need to have some experience at the park and skiing off jumps. Attempting a 360 when it’s your first time skiing off a jump is not a good idea!
Now that we’ve covered everything you should know beforehand, let’s dive into how to do a 360 on skis.
How to do a 360 on Skis
Before getting into the nitty gritty of how to do a 360 on skis, it’s important to first note that 360s can be done both on the ground and in the air. While most skiers want to work up to learning how to do an aerial 360, it’s helpful to first learn how to do it on the ground, so that’s what we’ll start with!
Grounded 360s
Step 1: Start on a flatter slope
Before even trying to do a 360 on skis, you’ll first want to head to the bunny hill or a slope that’s fairly flat. Trying to learn how to do a 360 on skis will only be more difficult if you’re starting somewhere that’s too steep or already challenging terrain.
Step 2: Get a little speed
In order to turn, you’ll want to get a little more speed than normal. If you’re going too slow, you won’t have enough momentum in order to make it fully around.
Step 3: Use your upper body
When you’re ready to begin your turn, start by crouching in order to give yourself a little extra momentum. Spring up slightly as you start to turn and use your upper body to help.
Step 4: Keep your skis parallel and spot your turn
As you turn, you will want to keep your skis parallel to each other and spot your turn by looking over your shoulder. This will keep you going and will help you to stay balanced while you complete your 360 on skis.
As you get more comfortable with doing grounded 360s on skis, practice increasing your “pop” as you turn by getting a little more air each time. This will help you as you progress to learning how to do aerial 360s!
Aerial 360s
Step 1: Start on a jump you’re comfortable with
Just like when you’re learning how to do a grounded 360, you’ll want to start somewhere you’re comfortable. Find a jump you’ve successfully skied numerous times.
Step 2: Approach the jump in the right position
You will want to approach the jump the same way you would as if you were doing a basic, straight-on jump. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart and your knees bent.
Step 3: Wind up for the turn
It really doesn’t take a lot of momentum to spin when you’re in the air, but you will still want to wind up for the turn before you pop up. Right as you approach the jump, twist your arms down to the opposite side of the direction you’re going to turn.
Step 4: Spin and spot your turn
Once you ski off the jump and get into the air, you’ll want to start turning. This is when the windup with your arms will give you the momentum you need to spin. Just like with learning how to do grounded 360s on skis, find a spotting point to keep your gaze on. It helps to focus on the spot or area you’re trying to land.
Step 5: Landing
Shift your weight forward slightly as you land and put your arms out slightly after landing to help you slow down a bit. Then, either ski away or stop out of the way of other skiers.
Now that you’ve read up on how to do a 360 on skis, hopefully you’re ready to try it for yourself this ski season! And don’t forget to wear your ski helmet to keep yourself protected as you’re attempting new tricks. Happy skiing!
