Women's Input On Side Hilling

Are you counter steering when you side hill?

I think that side hilling is technique more than anything. I found a pretty good video recently that explained it fairly well- but the big part was leaning into the hill but counter steering out, to drop that inside ski and use it as an anchor.

Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwBj6SxD90&feature=fvsr

So what are you doing now to sidehill?

It's not a height issue or a weight issue, I'm 5'4" and can do it- granted not as beautifully as my guy but I can do it.

Can you carve? It is the same principles as carving, just doing it in a straight line. I would start by practicing just pulling your ski off the ground out in the flat. Then once you have that down and can put both your skis in the air any time you want to, then start trying it on the hill.

Remember if you start to lose control always pull the sled over into the hill with you rather then letting it fall the other way, i.e. rolling down the hill. Sounds silly to have to say that but I had to learn the hard way so thought I would throw it out there.

It takes a lot of practice to get the throttle and balance combo down but once you do it gets really easy.

No, you don't need a bunch of speed, I like to go really slow into my sidehill and carving approches then lay the sled over while giving her some throttle.

I think some of this stuff is easier to learn from Women because we don't have upper body strength like the guys do. I would love to take one of those classes from Mini or just even to ride with someone like Coytegirl because they are not gonna say stuff like just grab it & pull it!

600ps said:

Mini.....Coytegirl....... they are not gonna say stuff like just grab it & pull it!

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Amen! My guy is always giving me short and simple instructions - "more throttle". Unfortunately I need more SPECIFIC instrustions than just what to do with my thumb. LOL!!

That video was great! I think I need an iPhone so I can take these instructional vids with me on the hill.

It's not a height or weight issue! I struggled with the side hill for a long time, but I can tell you that once you have it, you won't lose it! Counter steering and being able to lift the down hill ski up are key, lean into the hill. Stand on the up hill side of the sled and make sure you're giving a good amount of throttle....too little throttle and the sled wants to fall to the downhill side! It takes some practice, but if you have a good sidehill you can go and just practice, you'll get it! Good Luck!

Throttle & Weight: I throttle up and weight the hill side of my sled first and foremost. I then engage in a slight counter steer once I have a bit of momentum built up - this lays the sled over a bit more into the hillside. This will actually become nearly one fluid movement once you get comfortable with throttle control and weighting your sled.

Stance & Poise: Most gradual sidehills I can do with a normal stance and weighting the hill side foot - it's when I cut hard that I may need to stand on one side or swing a leg out. However, on older model sleds that do not respond as well to rider input, you may need to put both feet on the hill side of the sled in the beginning. Remember to keep your back straight and butt in - I often see beginners hunched over and sticking there butt out thus keeping their weight lower.... instead, stand tall - your leverage is up high. Yes, taller people have an easier time leveraging their sled I'm sure but with the right techniques (weighting the sled properly, poising properly and good throttle control) - you can do it just as well! (I'm 5'4 and 120 lbs.)

When it comes to throttle control - not much is really needed, just enough to get that track spinning good enough to help dig you in a bit and stick you to the hillside.

You can practice weighting your sled and throttle control on flat ground - this is where I'd start - weight one side of your sled and gas it in a straight line, dont try to carve yet - just get a feel for riding the "edge". Your front end should feel lighter and the opposite ski should pick up slighty. At this point, you are riding your "edge" and this can be all you need for a gradual sidehill. Again, get comfortable with throttle control and weighting your sled - this is what it's all about! (I really like a better term for snowmobiling is "weight-mobiling".)

Than start to practice sidehilling on gradual open hillsides with no consequences below. And just keep doing it until you start to feel it. It comes with practice. Dont let trenches scare you - think of your track as a chainsaw - it will rip right through them if your committed to hold the throttle on but hesitate and they can toss you around. It is always best to try and pick your own line anyway.

EagleRiverDee said:

drop that inside ski and use it as an anchor.

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consider also thinking of it as a rudder....

consider the sidehill - your instinct is to turn the skiis up hill, right? but that causes the backend of uphill ski to point downhill... nothing to dig into the snow, or "anchor" you. By counter-steering, or slightly turning the skiis downhill, that uphill ski digs into the snow, acting as a rudder, or an "anchor". Last year was my first success with sidehilling....

<a href="http://s446.photobucket.com/albums/qq183/soccerd6/?action=view&current=karensidehill2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq183/soccerd6/karensidehill2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Awesome tips ladies! As one who is afraid of most everything, these posts make me feel like I can try new things and make them work for me!

600ps said:

just even to ride with someone like Coytegirl because they are not gonna say stuff like just grab it & pull it!

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LOL You give me way to much credit!

Sarah has a fabulous post! The only thing I'll add to that is PRACTICE! Practice on your way into your riding area, any time you see a hill, try taking a swipe at it. This is one thing the guys I started riding with told me, and showed me... it was fun, it was a game. But waiting until you NEED to sidehill can be a stressful situation.

What I see as one difference between most male and most female riders is the guys will play along the way, lifting a ski every chance they get. Most of the girls will be concentrating on getting there, not getting stuck and not playing, not lifting a ski until they get to a comfortable and safe area to play.

So, again, my advice. PLAY/ PRACTICE constantly. Lift a ski, take a swipe at a hill, playing is also practicing your skills! :beer;

I know you asked for posts from women and you are right. Ive learned I have not been a good teacher myself, but I wanted to share what I observed last weekend.
Follow your girlfriend who is a better rider than you.( I think my girlfriend learned more in 5 minutes then I have taught her in 5 years.) Body english is obviously different for women so I think it makes sense to learn from the girls that have figured it out.

The other thing I observed was one of the girls who is already a good rider was practicing her balance along the edge of the lake or along the side of the bank of the road where it wasnt too steep. It must work because she rode great and had excellent control without all the tugging and pulling that us guys do
Hope this helps ya

Another thing I was thinking about yesterday with our inconsistent snow we have now (we have heavy/setting up fast to powder to wind blown) - the heavier the snow, the more weight I need to put into maneuvering that sled (sometimes a lot more!). In other words, softer snow will probably be easier to learn in.

And like Brandy said - play, play, play where ever you can. I used to be too intimated to cut up the steep embankments on the side of the trail on the way to play areas while the guys were always tearing these up! But I've found they are great fun and are good for honing skills. At least if you get stuck or catywhompus, your right next to the trail.

Thanks for all the tips.

I found on my last trip, that following a better rider was very helpful. If I could stay in their tracks or close to them I felt more and more confident in my riding. Watching the riders body position and lower my speed made a big difference. I even started to wander a bit on my own.

Thank you again

RockyMtn.Kris said:

I know you asked for posts from women and you are right. Ive learned I have not been a good teacher myself, but I wanted to share what I observed last weekend.
Follow your girlfriend who is a better rider than you.( I think my girlfriend learned more in 5 minutes then I have taught her in 5 years.) Body english is obviously different for women so I think it makes sense to learn from the girls that have figured it out.
The other thing I observed was one of the girls who is already a good rider was practicing her balance along the edge of the lake or along the side of the bank of the road where it wasnt too steep. It must work because she rode great and had excellent control without all the tugging and pulling that us guys do
Hope this helps ya

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Rocky, you are so right on with that statement - when I first started learning how to ride, sidehill, carve, etc; I followed & watched my best friends wife ride and I imitated her moves for the first few rides and that's all it took. I am now teaching a girl friend new to riding by watching me and she's doing awesome!

I agree with everyones posts on here but I have to agree that it really does help by riding with other women riders with experience. By watching them and their moves and following suit you pick up on it quite quickly. Watch sledding videos too - there are some great angle/techniques shot in those videos that could be helpful to you also.

Good luck and keep trying, you'll get it!

Question

Does anyone have any good Women Snowmobiling DVD or Video suggestions?

I only get to go out with the guys.


Pleeeassseeee

aksnomachinechic said:

Rocky, you are so right on with that statement - when I first started learning how to ride, sidehill, carve, etc; I followed & watched my best friends wife ride and I imitated her moves for the first few rides and that's all it took. I am now teaching a girl friend new to riding by watching me and she's doing awesome!

I agree with everyones posts on here but I have to agree that it really does help by riding with other women riders with experience. By watching them and their moves and following suit you pick up on it quite quickly. Watch sledding videos too - there are some great angle/techniques shot in those videos that could be helpful to you also.

Good luck and keep trying, you'll get it!

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uhm...uhm...uhhhh..nope not gonna say it............

BackCountryBabe said:

Does anyone have any good Women Snowmobiling DVD or Video suggestions?

I only get to go out with the guys.


Pleeeassseeee

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The newest video from last year that comes to my mind is SH5. Emilie Morsehead that won the Miss Extreme contest has an awesome segment. You should check it out.

Here is her side hilling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGihXyG8EqQ

AKSNOWRIDER said:

uhm...uhm...uhhhh..nope not gonna say it............

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LMAO!! ok you got me! IF you think about it in THAT context it does sound bad (or good) depending on how you interpret it.....lol!! **shaking head** You guys! Is that ALL you EEEVER think about?? Geeesh!!

Hmmmmm...the last time I checked the website it said SNOWestonline...am I missing the Adult entertainment thread somewhere?? Oh wait!!!! I almost forgot this is Adult entertainment to a lot of boys on here!!