Member of the Month

GayWolf420
June, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

First time doing rails

profile picture
deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
I've been a racer since I was 5 and a couple years ago I quit and started getting into more backcountry skiing. I bought some park skis last year (line chronics) but never really put them to good use. I've never done rails before but I want to get into it because it looks fun as fuck.

I was wondering if any of you guys have some suggestions for me? Like what should I expect, where should I put most of my weight when I'm on a rail etc. Thanks!
11 years ago
23 0
profile picture
Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
People will tell you a bunch of things, and it's impossible to think of it all. So I just go with 3 simple things.

1. Jump on sideways.
2. Weight on forward ski.
3. Look at the end of the rail.

And search on google or NS, there's so many threads on this already if you want more.
11 years ago
3 0
profile picture
redking
Posts: 148 - Karma: 437
Nothing wrong with wanting to learn, just as much as there's nothing wrong with using the searchbar. Seriously there has been a tonne of threads like this. Btw, having fun is the first thing you have to do. Enjoy
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Paul.
Posts: 1663 - Karma: 11,635
Logan.E2. Weight on forward ski.


Not too much weight though, you dont want to catch an edge.
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
redking
Posts: 148 - Karma: 437
Paul.Not too much weight though, you dont want to catch an edge.


It's usually a better way to say it though, because you often see beginners falling backwards rather than forwards.
11 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
Paul.Not too much weight though, you dont want to catch an edge.


redkingIt's usually a better way to say it though, because you often see beginners falling backwards rather than forwards.


Yeah I've never seen a beginner fall forward. Once someone is used to it, then they'll just naturally be more balanced, but for the first bit, try to lean on your front ski
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
Thanks guys, sorry I really gotta start using the search bar haha :/ .

Is there a specific type of rail I should start on? Like will getting good with boxes help me before I start moving onto the actual metal rails?
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
dpierson71Thanks guys, sorry I really gotta start using the search bar haha :/ .

Is there a specific type of rail I should start on? Like will getting good with boxes help me before I start moving onto the actual metal rails?


Boxes for sure first
11 years ago
3 0
profile picture
redking
Posts: 148 - Karma: 437
Ye definitely learn on boxes, once you have that technique down, try narrower boxes and you'll be hitting rails in no time at all.
11 years ago
1 0
profile picture
deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
Awesome, I also have a pvc rail that I made over the offseason so I think I'll try to get good on that and hopefully that helps me out too.

Thanks Guys!
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
Paul.Not too much weight though, you dont want to catch an edge.


No, most of your weight should be on your downhill ski, if you have it out infront of you (so the downhill edge is off the rail) you can put as much weight as you want on it and never catch an edge. If you are grinding with it flat your chance of catching your downhill edge jumps way through the roof.

Also, other than searchbar for advice, start on boxes, master those, then move onto low rails.
11 years ago
1 0
profile picture
deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
NH_OPERATORNo, most of your weight should be on your downhill ski, if you have it out infront of you (so the downhill edge is off the rail) you can put as much weight as you want on it and never catch an edge. If you are grinding with it flat your chance of catching your downhill edge jumps way through the roof.

Also, other than searchbar for advice, start on boxes, master those, then move onto low rails.


man honestly, this seems so similar to ski racing in a way... lol. The coaches were always yelling at me to keep weight on my downhill ski just like i guess you have to with rails. Do you keep your inside ski just flat on the rail? or do you have to angle it a bit?
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Etnbr
Posts: 182 - Karma: 537
if im able to do rails but i want to start doing 180 and 360 on thems, where can i start and how
11 years ago
1 0
profile picture
Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
Etnbrif im able to do rails but i want to start doing 180 and 360 on thems, where can i start and how


Again, do it all on boxes first. For a spin, keep looking where you want to go (ie: over your shoulder), and accept that you won't be able to see your landing for a good chunk of the trick
11 years ago
2 0
profile picture
Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,587
OP, I will tell you right now, there are so many things you need to do to really get comfortable with sliding rails, but the biggest and most helpful thing I have ever been told was to STAY LOW (and keep your legs farther apart than your shoulders)

First, staying low prevents you from falling from a taller height, so falling when you are learning, falling will hurt less

Second, staying low gives you a better center of gravity for sliding rails. the closer you are to the rail, the more stable you will be.

Third, which goes into Second, You will have more control over your body if you stay low because if you learn trying to just stand up on the rail, your balance will be all over the place and it will be harder for you to control yourself.

Hope that helps
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
parkplaygroundOP, I will tell you right now, there are so many things you need to do to really get comfortable with sliding rails, but the biggest and most helpful thing I have ever been told was to STAY LOW (and keep your legs farther apart than your shoulders)

First, staying low prevents you from falling from a taller height, so falling when you are learning, falling will hurt less

Second, staying low gives you a better center of gravity for sliding rails. the closer you are to the rail, the more stable you will be.

Third, which goes into Second, You will have more control over your body if you stay low because if you learn trying to just stand up on the rail, your balance will be all over the place and it will be harder for you to control yourself.

Hope that helps


Definitly gonna keep your suggestions in mind, thanks man!! Appreciate it
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
deeznuts.man honestly, this seems so similar to ski racing in a way... lol. The coaches were always yelling at me to keep weight on my downhill ski just like i guess you have to with rails. Do you keep your inside ski just flat on the rail? or do you have to angle it a bit?


I keep my downhill ski angled a fuckload. Like 30 degrees or so. If you are grinding flat your asking for a caught edge.
11 years ago
0 0
profile picture
270on420out
Posts: 7525 - Karma: 51,354
Etnbrif im able to do rails but i want to start doing 180 and 360 on thems, where can i start and how


For starters you should be able to comfortably 360 and 180. For a backside 270, slide the rail all the way and at the very end pop off and turn your shoulders 270 degrees.
11 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 3:48AM