I did pretty good..did not try out on the baby deal......went down the hills both times. What helped me was my roller skating ability...you need to use your ankles and your lower leg areas...you need to have balance.....I was really a pretty good roller skater....jumps...etc...but IMO skiing has to have a central balance with strong ankles.....

Also being on a foreign surface be is rolling wheels...or ice/snow.........IMO ankles are your major need+just natural balance......