From Slopes to Air: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Freestyle Ski Tricks

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens on a ski slope. It’s in the crisp air, the sound of skis carving through snow, and the breathtaking mountain views. For many of us, mastering the art of getting down a blue or black run feels like a huge accomplishment—and it absolutely is. But then you see them. The skiers in the terrain park, launching off jumps, sliding over rails, and spinning through the air with a style that seems to defy physics. It’s like watching a different sport entirely.

I used to be firmly in the "spectator" camp, convinced that freestyle was a world reserved for daredevils who were born with skis on their feet. It felt intimidating, complex, and honestly, a little out of reach. But the truth is, every single one of those expert skiers started exactly where you are now: with a curiosity and a desire to do more. Freestyle skiing isn't about immediately throwing huge, risky tricks; it's about starting with the fundamentals and building a new relationship with the snow.

This guide is for you, the confident piste-skier who’s ready for that next step. It’s about demystifying the terrain park and giving you the foundational tricks that act as the gateway to a whole new level of fun on the mountain. We're going to break down the very first, most essential tricks that will get you comfortable in the air and open up a world of creative expression.

Before You Fly: The Non-Negotiable Ground Rules

Before we even talk about your first jump, we need to have a serious chat about safety and preparation. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Being a strong skier is the absolute, number-one prerequisite. You should be able to confidently link parallel turns on any groomed run, control your speed, and stop on a dime. If you're still working on these skills, that's perfectly fine! Just keep practicing on the main slopes until they feel like second nature. Your confidence on the ground directly translates to your control in the air.

Next, let's talk gear. While you can learn the basics on any pair of skis, investing in a pair of "twin tips" will make your life infinitely easier. These skis are turned up at both the tip and the tail, which is crucial for skiing backward (known as "switch") and landing tricks that involve rotation. And speaking of essentials, a helmet is not optional. It is the single most important piece of safety equipment you will own. Many park skiers also wear back protectors and padded shorts, which are fantastic for softening the blows from the inevitable falls you'll take while learning.

Finally, embrace the park etiquette known as "SMART Style." Start small, Make a plan, Always look, Respect the terrain and others, and Take it easy. This means scoping out features before you hit them, knowing your landing is clear, and starting with the smallest jumps and easiest features. Don't be the person who goes straight for the large jump line on day one. Humility and patience are your best friends in the park.

Your First Taste of Air: The Ollie and The Pop

Alright, let's get into the fun stuff. The very first step to becoming a freestyle skier is learning how to get airborne intentionally. The most basic way to do this is with a "pop" or a simple two-footed jump. While skiing at a comfortable speed on a gentle slope, bend your knees and ankles to compress your body down, then explosively extend your legs to jump into the air. The goal is to spring off with both feet leaving the snow at the same time. Practice this over and over until it feels natural.

Once you've got the pop down, you can graduate to the "ollie." This is a more powerful and controlled jump that, much like in skateboarding, uses the tail of your skis as a springboard. To do it, you'll start by pressing your shins into the front of your boots to flex the tips of your skis, then rock your weight back and spring off the tails. This motion creates significantly more upward momentum than a simple pop and is the true foundation for getting onto rails and clearing gaps.

Find a flat, open area to practice these movements without any pressure. Just focus on the feeling of leaving the ground and landing smoothly with your knees bent to absorb the impact. Then, find small, natural rollers or "side hits" on the edge of a run to test your new skills. That feeling of floating, even for a split second, is incredibly addictive and is the first reward on your freestyle journey.

Adding Flair: Grabs and The Shifty

Once you're comfortable getting a little air, it's time to add some style. A "grab" is exactly what it sounds like: reaching down and grabbing a part of your ski while you're in the air. Not only does it look cool, but it also helps you stay compact and balanced. The easiest one to start with is the "Safety Grab." As you jump, bring your knees toward your chest and reach your hand down to grab the outside edge of your ski, right under your boot.

Don't try this on a big jump right away. A great way to practice is by standing still on a flat surface, jumping straight up, and trying to tuck your knees and touch your skis. It helps build the muscle memory. Once you're comfortable with that motion, take it to a very small jump where you have plenty of time to think. The key is to bring your skis up to your hand, not to bend all the way down to your skis.

Another fundamental style trick is the "Shifty." This is a simple in-air rotation where you twist your skis and lower body 90 degrees to one side while keeping your upper body facing forward. Then, you bring your skis back to center before you land. It’s a fantastic way to add movement and flair to your jumps without the commitment of a full spin. The shifty teaches you crucial body separation—the ability to move your upper and lower body independently—which is essential for almost all advanced tricks.

The Next Chapter: Your First 180

This is a big milestone. Landing a 180—a 180-degree spin—and skiing away backward is a feeling like no other. It’s your first step into the world of rotations. Before you even attempt this on a jump, you absolutely must be comfortable skiing switch (backward). Find a gentle, wide-open green run and just practice skiing backward. Learn how to turn and control your speed while looking over your shoulder. It will feel awkward at first, but it's a non-negotiable skill.

Once you're comfortable with switch, start practicing the rotation on flat ground. Ski forward slowly, and then pop while turning your head and shoulders in the direction you want to spin. Your skis and body will follow. Do this over and over, trying to land at a full 180 degrees and ski away switch.

When you're ready to take it to a small jump, remember that the setup is everything. As you approach the lip of the jump, carve slightly in the opposite direction you want to spin. If you're spinning left, carve slightly to the right. This "setup carve" creates a platform to spring from. As you leave the jump, turn your head and lead with your shoulders. Spot your landing over your shoulder, land with your weight centered, and ride away switch with pride. You did it. You're officially a freestyle skier.

This is just the beginning. Freestyle skiing is a long and rewarding journey of progression. There will be falls, frustrations, and moments of doubt. But the feeling of landing a new trick, of pushing your own boundaries, and of seeing the mountain in a completely new way is worth every second of it. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small victories, and never forget to have fun.