Getting Skis On and Off

When you're getting started skiing, just getting skis on and off is a challenge. But it doesn't need to be.

Read on for how to click in and out of your skis.


Putting Skis On

Before you put your skis on, be sure your boots are fastened.

Stick the toe of your boot into the triangular shaped front binding of the ski. Then, line up the heel over the back binding. Push down with your heel until it clunks or clicks into place.

Occasionally, the brakes of the skis are up. If this is the case, the binding won't click and hold your heel in. To fix this, pick up the ski and push the brake prongs away from the ski. This way, when the ski is lying on the ground, the brake prongs should be jabbed into the snow. Then your heel should click into place (and automatically lift the brakes).

TIP: Don't put on both skis at first. Walk around on one for a while to get used to the gliding feeling.


Taking Skis Off

For first-timers, skis are easy to get on but then they seem stuck to your feet. To get them off, look at the back binding.

When your boot is in place, the back binding points upwards. Kneel down and push down hard on it with your hand. Or stay standing and use the end of your ski pole to push it down.

Gently lift your heel at the same time. And push the binding down until it unlocks. Don't be delicate, you won't break the ski!


What's Next?

It's time to start moving. Click here for Using Ski Poles. Or jump forward to starting to Move on Skis.

• (Using Ski Poles)
• (Starting to Move on Skis)

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