180 -     
A 180 degree rotation of the body and skis.

HOW-TO
   Before you head to the jumps, make sure you practice rotating 180 degrees on a gradual downhill slope. This will get you comfortable spinning 180’s and familiar with landing switch. For many, this will be the first attempt at landing switch so listen up!

   Make sure you approach the jump committed to spinning a complete 180, nothing less. Assume the position by having your hands out in front of you, knees bent, ass over your bindings, and skis shoulder width apart. This will keep you balanced and in correct position for take-off.

   There’s no need to get excited and wind up for this trick, be patient and wait until the last second to initiate your spin on the take-off ramp. If you wind up too early you could end up changing your direction before take-off and eventually land somewhere in the woods. Initiate your spin by turning your shoulders in the direction you want to spin, not your head. Gently pop off the lip.

   Once you’re airborne, bring your hips around slowly in the same direction of your shoulders. Continue looking forward towards the landing. This will prevent you from over rotating and allow you to see any adjustments you might need to make before touching down.

   Focus on having your hips and shoulders around 90 degrees at the apex of your air, this will set your spin. As you begin to descend towards the landing, bring your head around this will complete your spin for the landing and save your back from getting tweaked. Land switch and ski away. Peace of cake! Now try doing 180’s with some grabs.

   Just a note: since it’s probably your first time landing switch, immediately try and stop or turn around to face forward, for the sake of others.

-Johnny S.

HOW-TO
     For this trick you need twin-tip skis. First practice on small jumps, or even a flat slope. Use your head and hips to start your spin as you would if you were jumping on flat ground without your skis, or even on a trampoline.

    If you are going big, you can wait before you rotate, if you are not start your spin after you become airborne. You will be going backwards while still looking at the landing. Keep your eyes on the landing so you don’t over rotate. Make sure you center your weight for the landing. Touch down with your tips first, followed by your tails.   

    Doing these huge and with style is almost as good as doing a bigger spin with no style.

    Good job, time to step it up to a 360.

-Tom V.

Reader Contribution

    I personally don't think twin tips are really needed to do a 180. I have Atomic SL 11's. These skis have almost no tip and I learned to do 180's on them. I can even ride switch down most of my local mountain on my skis.

-Mike D.