It is possible on a gentle slope, if the snow is shallow, to use the
skis like skates, striking out with each alternately.
This needs little explanation. You have merely, while running straight
downhill, to lift one ski--say, the right--and put it down again
pointing outwards from the other at a widish angle, their heels being
close together.
The moment the right ski touches the snow, give a vigorous push
backwards and to the left with the left ski, at the same time throwing
the weight of the body well forwards and to the right over the right
foot. While sliding on the right ski, bring the left forward and hold
it close to the other, but clear of the snow. You are then ready to
make a fresh stroke by putting down the left ski and pushing with the
right.
A series of such movements leaves a track as in Fig. 43, A.
You will find it difficult at first to throw the weight sufficiently
forward and outward at each stroke, especially if, instead of putting
down the ski on which you are about to slide exactly level with the
other, as you should do (Fig. 43, B), you put it farther forward (C).
This difficulty will cause each stroke to become shorter and shorter
until it is impossible to continue the movement.
[Illustration: FIG. 43.]
In practising, hold the ski which is off the snow parallel with and
close to the other one until you are ready to make the next stroke, and
slide on each foot at least far enough to make sure that your balance
is perfectly steady on it.
It has already been explained how, by striking out to one side only,
one can change one's direction--for, of course, the action of stepping
round is precisely the same as that of skating--and how one can in this
way steer or stop oneself in breakable crust.
Skating, moreover, is one of the best possible exercises for the
balance, for it teaches one to run steadily on one foot without the
support of the other, and on this account alone you should by no means
omit to learn it.
It is generally supposed that by skating down a gentle slope it is
possible to increase the speed, but I think this is very doubtful.
A skating track is a zigzag one, and is therefore not such a short way
over a given distance as a direct slide. Then, again, although each
stroke tends to increase the speed, it must be remembered that the
whole weight of the runner rests on one ski, causing it to sink deeper
and travel slower, and also that the skis are travelling slightly
across the slope instead of straight down it, which reduces the speed
still more. Besides this, the stroke itself is not directly in the line
of motion, since it is impossible to place one ski at right angles with
the other one.
A better way of increasing the speed downhill is probably to lunge
_directly_ downhill with each foot alternately, keeping the skis close
together--an exactly similar action to that of moving on level ground.
Pushing with the sticks will, of course, make you go faster still.