5 Easy Ski Tricks: Step-by-Step Progressions

Winter is here, and for many of us, that means it’s time to hit the slopes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or someone looking to spice up your time on the snow, learning a few fun and easy tricks can make your experience more exciting and dynamic. In this guide, we’ll break down five beginner-friendly ski tricks from a professional’s perspective, with clear, step-by-step instructions to get you started.

Get ready to elevate your skiing game, boost your confidence, and embrace the playful side of winter sports!

The Tricks: An Overview

The five tricks covered in this tutorial are designed to be approachable yet rewarding. They include:

Polish Donut – A playful spin trick for flat terrain or small features.
Nose Butter 360/540 – A stylish spinning trick with emphasis on the nose of your skis.
Uphill Drift (Skot Turn) – A creative slide adding flair to your carving game.
Snow Grind – A beginner-friendly way to practice balance on edges and features.
Edge Change Over Rollers – A smooth, seamless technique for transitioning edges in mid-air.

Each of these tricks not only adds fun to your arsenal but also builds foundational skills you can use to progress into more advanced freestyle skiing.

1. Polish Donut: A Fun Spin for Beginners

The Polish Donut is a dynamic trick that’s perfect for flat terrain or the side of small park features. While it won’t boost your "cool factor" to pro-level status, it’s loads of fun and an excellent way to practice coordination and balance.

How to Perform:

Step 1: Start with a gentle carve turn, shifting your weight slightly backward so your skis lift off the snow.
Step 2: Sit behind your skis, almost leaning into a "wonky backseat" position to initiate the spin.
Step 3: To avoid losing control, focus on putting your ski edges down when facing the fall line (the downhill direction). Over-rotating could result in slipping or falling.
Step 4: Once you’ve initiated the spin, stand up smoothly and continue carving to exit the move.

Pro Tip:

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the trick on the side of a quarter-pipe or small bank. This variation adds an extra layer of excitement while helping you build comfort on transitions.

2. Nose Butter 360: Add Style with Precision

The Nose Butter 360 is a stylish trick that involves spinning while balancing on the front (nose) of your skis. It’s a great way to improve your spinning technique and edge control.

How to Perform:

Step 1: Start by bending your knees slightly, getting comfortable with the rolling motion of pivoting on the noses of your skis.
Step 2: Wind up your upper body and release it into a smooth spin. Begin with a 90-degree turn to build confidence, then progress to a full 360.
Step 3: Once you’ve mastered the 360, advance to a 540 by increasing the speed of your spin and maintaining balance throughout.

Pro Tip:

Practice on flat terrain before trying it on a slope. The smoother your motion, the easier it will be to increase your rotation angle.

3. Uphill Drift (Skot Turn): The Art of Controlled Sliding

The Uphill Drift, also called the Skot Turn, is an elegant sliding trick inspired by ski racing techniques. It’s all about adding flair to your turns while maintaining control.

How to Perform:

Step 1: As you finish a carve turn, let your skis flatten slightly and apply light rotational pressure to initiate the drift.
Step 2: Allow the tails of your skis to grip the snow, creating a stylish spray of snow as you slide sideways.
Step 3: Re-engage your edges to seamlessly transition into your next turn.

Pro Tip:

To make your drift look cleaner, try staying slightly backseated, which helps emphasize the tail grip and creates a smoother motion.

4. Snow Grind: Balance Practice with a Freestyle Twist

Snow Grinds are an entry-level trick perfect for practicing balance and edge control. You can perform them on small ridges, rails, or the sides of park jumps.

How to Perform:

Step 1: Find a small ridge on the slope. Approach it with a slight edge and lean slightly backward to let the tails of your skis grip.
Step 2: Once you’re comfortable, lift your skis slightly to perform a nose press or tail press while maintaining stability.
Step 3: For added difficulty, try a lip slide, where you turn your skis perpendicular to the ridge and slide sideways.

Pro Tip:

Keep your edges relatively flat to avoid catching on the feature, but not so flat that you lose control. Practice makes perfect!

5. Edge Change Over Rollers: Smooth Transitions in the Air

This trick involves transitioning edges mid-air as you glide over a roller. It’s an easy yet highly satisfying move that adds flow to your runs.

How to Perform:

Step 1: Approach a roller at a steady speed. The steepest part of the roller is typically the best spot to lift off.
Step 2: Initiate your edge change just before the transition, popping slightly off the roller to create air time.
Step 3: Land cleanly on your new edge, ready to continue your turn.

Pro Tip:

For added style, incorporate a subtle tail drag as you take off or land. This small touch elevates the trick’s visual appeal.

Key Takeaways

Start Slow: Each trick can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps. Begin at your own pace to avoid injury.
Build Confidence: Mastering the basics of balance, edge control, and spins in these tricks will set you up for more advanced moves.
Safety First: Always be aware of other skiers and park etiquette, especially when practicing tricks on features.
Practice on Flat Terrain First: Before taking these tricks to the slopes, get comfortable on level ground.
Experiment with Style: Once you’ve learned the mechanics, add your own flair - whether it’s a tail drag, a grab, or a faster rotation.

Why These Tricks Matter

These five tricks are more than just fun - they’re foundational. They help improve your balance, coordination, and edge control while building confidence on the snow. Whether you’re cruising through the park or exploring backcountry terrain, these skills can enhance your overall skiing experience. Plus, they’re easy to learn, making them perfect for skiers of all levels.

So, grab your skis, head to the slopes, and start experimenting with these dynamic tricks. Winter is the perfect season for adventure, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by leveling up your skills on the snow. Happy skiing!

Source: "5 Easy Ski Tricks That Look Awesome" - Stomp It Tutorials, YouTube, Feb 1, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75DIqqhXfrE