There is no dishonor involved, and even good skiers fall over. It is one area in which beginners excel, because they have more practice than advanced skiers! Hurling yourself to the ground because you couldn’t stop even used to be a recognized falling technique! There are times when you really don’t want to fall, such as when the slope is extremely icy or dangerous.
In normal conditions, however, a fall is nothing to worry about; it can even loosen you up and show you that skiing doesn’t hurt! Learning when to take risks and when to play it safe is an important part of skiing.
Don’t be too concerned about falling. If you start to lose your balance, try to stay up as long as possible. When you fall, try to relax and just let it go, (yes, I know; it is easier said than done) and try to fall to the uphill side of the slope. If falling sideways, try to keep your knees from hitting the snow first, as this will tend to twist them. Instead, land on your seat.
The difference between the impossible and possible lies in a person's determination."—Tommy Lasorda, Baseball Pitcher and Manager
Don’t fight the fall too hard. If you go into a real high-speed crash, try to roll with it; resisting a fall can actually cause greater injuries. Stop sliding as quickly as possible. Bring your legs below you so you can use your feet, with or without skis, to brake to a halt. Don’t wear slippery clothes. Never jam your poles into the snow to stop, as this may cause you to lose them or injure yourself.
To get up, you need to place the skis across the hill on the downhill side of the slope. Next, tuck your legs up under your hips on the uphill side and push your body up with your hands or poles, keeping your skis pointed across the mountain side.
