Skiing for intermediates: Tips on improving your skills

Skiing for intermediates: What's next to become advanced

Congratulations on reaching the intermediate level in your skiing journey. This guide is tailored to help you further develop your skills and confidence on the slopes. Whether you're looking to perfect your turns, conquer more challenging terrain, or enhance your technique, we've got you covered. With expert tips, practical advice, and insightful strategies, our goal is to support your progression and ensure you make the most of your time on the mountain. Get ready to elevate your skiing experience and unlock new levels of enjoyment.

1 -

Tips for intermediate skiers

Nail the fundamental skills

The first rule of thumb is to make sure you’re using all the fundamental skills of skiing well on the easier runs. A black run isn’t any different from a blue or green: you use the same skills, but the gradient and the environmental conditions (such as ice or bumps) will make it more challenging for intermediates.

“The difference between getting down a slope and really skiing it – feeling like you’ve conquered it – is about good execution of the fundamental skills” , says BASI ski instructor Steve Marsh from The Development Centre in Val d’Isere. _“If you can nail all the basics really well, it will help you master the mountain better as you progress to intermediate skiing.” _

_“A lot of people skip through things – for example, they might be a little lazy about standing on the outside ski – which will make steeper slopes hard. Good posture and balance, and being able to rotate the skis, will allow you to help set up the turn better.” _

Improve your balance and coordination

If you’re fit before your holiday, you’ll be a better skier and less likely to get injured. Tackling steeper terrain requires a greater level of fitness, balance and coordination, so work on your cardiovascular fitness and strength levels in advance to make life easier once you’re on those intermediate skis. Cycling, running, hill-climbing with a backpack are all good aerobic activities, while yoga and pilates are particularly good at strengthening your core – vital for skiing.

“Good fitness allows you to consistently use the correct technique at the right time and not develop bad habits. When people get tired, they swing their shoulders around but if someone is fit, that won’t happen” , says Steve.

If you are interested in finding out more ways to get fit before you hit the slopes, then why not try out our Ski Exercises guide.

Edging your skis and flexing

As you progress from snow ploughing to parallel skiing, which will enable you to ski all over the mountain, flexion becomes more and more important. Turning your skis using your feet, and rolling your ankles towards the upper slope to get an ‘edge’, helps you to ski on more complicated terrain and steeper runs – being in the right position stops the ski sliding beneath you. Always maintain a good bend (flex) in your ankles and knees, keeping your weight forward and balanced over the ski.

Learn how to deal with ice

“The most common question I have from skiers progressing to intermediate is how to tackle ice”, says ski instructor Steve. “Ice is difficult if you’re not standing in the middle of the skis so when you hit a patch of ice, your skis will go from beneath you. It all comes back to good technique, and good posture and balance.”

While you’re getting the hang of it, Steve shares this tip: one practical way to tackle ice is to drag the poles in the snow either side of you, to give yourself the right posture. “It works in a white-out, too”, he says.

Control your speed

One of the most important aspects to progressing on the slopes is the ability to control your speed and adapt your skiing to the conditions. There’s no point in being able to go down a black run, if you’re totally out of control – you’ll be a danger to yourself and to others.

“It’s simple”, says Steve. “If you haven’t got the skills, you shouldn’t be going that fast. On the mountain, we all have a to show respect for people, especially those with lesser skills than us.”

2 -

Resorts for intermediate skiers

Skiing at Club Med for all levels

Club Med has a variety of resorts that cater to skiers of all levels. One notable destination for intermediate skiing is the Club Med resort in Val Thorens . Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Val Thorens offers an abundance of red runs perfect for honing intermediate skills. With its charming Alpine atmosphere and access to extensive ski areas, including the renowned Three Valleys, skiers can enjoy thrilling descents and breathtaking mountain views. Whether exploring the slopes of Val Thorens or venturing into neighboring ski areas, intermediate skiers are sure to find exhilarating terrain and memorable experiences at this Club Med resort.

According to Steve Angus, who operates in the Espace Killy region of the French Alps, aspiring skiers seeking to boost their confidence should avoid runs leading into Val d’Isère, as they are often underestimated in difficulty. He recommends Fontaine Froid as an excellent choice for refining technique—a wide red run featuring varying degrees of steepness, providing ample opportunities for skill development.