This article is reprinted from The Professional Skier.
All copyrights apply.
Please see our copyright and disclaimer notice page. You come out onto the slope and look down the fall line, realizing that it's steeper than it looked from the chairlift. Your confidence wavers as your heart jumps into your throat, your breath grows short, and your legs begin to feel weak. There may be a way back out to the easier slopes, but you're determined to conquer the steep one with grace and style. Besides, your friends are watching.