How to improve your skiing technique, according to Fanny Ekstrand

It seems the 1980s are calling as everyone is find their way back to the joyous activity of skiing. This winter season is all about having great fun, looking sporty and feeling beautiful all while exploring the rich illustrious mountains. And let’s face it, we never look as good as we do skiing. All glowy from a day out in the slopes, with cheeks plumped with nature's pinkish blush. It is health herself gracing us with her appearance.

However, I do understand if that isn’t the first or even second thing that comes to your mind when thinking of skiing. It can be a rather tricky sport to master if you're new or haven't done it in a while. But here's the thing, you don’t have to be a good skier to be a good skier, technically.

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Skiing is about attitude, and with a positive attitude you have already come a long way down the hill – nobody likes a moody skier. Even though weather conditions and the lack of feeling in your toes aren’t everyone's idea of a good time. So if you are sitting there, halfway through booking a trip somewhere there are mountains and snow, I want you to know this: skiing is just as much about getting a good lunch and something warm to drink as the actual exercise.

But just for fun, suppose that you are packing your bag and bringing your friends up to the mountains this season, here's my very best advice on how to make it down the mountain and to the Aprés-ski, both fast and safely.

Related: Stay stylish on and off the slopes with these ski trousers and salopettes

Dress the part
A good outfit can take you anywhere. Make sure you have your base layers on, wool is always a good idea. Finish your look off with a great knit sweater and a silk scarf and you are good to hit the Aprés-ski at any time. And I know you know, but helmets are the coolest. They are given part of your ski fit. Safety will always be in style.

Get in the basic position
Bend your legs, make sure you have that shine-to-boots contact and eyes down the valley. With your upper body always in the fall line you immediately create better conditions for a carving position. Put your weight on the outer ski and make sure that tip is always one step ahead of the other one. If that’s too hard, remember only to put pressure on the valley ski.

Related: The cosiest thermals to wear this winter

Be mindful
Know your limits and push them only when you feel comfortable. It’s really not a competition. The other thing one should have in mind is that a good skier is always aware of her surroundings. The rule is that skiers from apex have priority.

Reward yourself
To ski is to be rewarded with something hot and mulled in a glass at the finish. Or perhaps a sauna accompanied by a beverage that's cold and bubbly. No matter if your thing is jumping in your ski boots while singing loud (and false) Who the Fck is Alice* or if you're more of a quiet fireplace gal, skiing is a lifestyle where indulgence in any way is a given.

Åre, Sweden
I basically grew up in Åre, Jämtland. My family had a house there for 10 years and I was there more frequently than I was in school. Åre is not known for its great weather conditions but when it’s good, it is magical. The party scene has evolved a lot too (maybe because of the bad weather) and during winter it’s called 'small Stockholm'.

Ramundberget, Sweden
If Åre is 'small Stockholm', then Ramundberget gets to represent the true Swedish mountains. Härjedalen is the opposite from LED neon signs and saxophone after-ski, while Ramis brings breathtaking beauty and long runs without lift queues to the table though.

Related: The best destinations for cross-country skiing in Scandinavia

Zermatt/Cervinia, Switzerland/ Italy
There really isn’t much competition to Matterhorn. In Zermatt the slopes are long, the snow is dry and the sun is present. Italy is only one turn away and I don’t know about you but to me skiing and pasta is like socks and sandals, always a good idea.

Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is like a Chanel jacket, it’ll always be a classic in style