Flash
Goal: Dynamic long radius turns
Level: Expert
Suggested terrain: Groomed intermediate or expert terrain
Author: Suzy Chase-Motzkin
Summary: Here's an exercise that will stop that sometimes nagging downstem, as well as help you to develop good angles.

Photos and Videos coming soon!

IMPORTANT! Understanding our approach and philosophy is important if you'd like to successfully use the drills in Ski Smarts
 ... read more.

Stand with your skis across the flow line and pick a target down the hill. While standing, lift your uphill ski off the snow and tilt it so that the entire bottom of the ski is facing at the target. (Don't point the tip down the hill.)

Turn around and do the same with the other side.

Now, ski some medium to long radius turns, and as your skis begin to cross the flow line, lift and tilt the uphill ski to flash the bottom of the ski at the target (downhill.)

Make it a very pronounced action.

Try flashing the bottom of the ski earlier and earlier (closer to the flow line) in the turn, before the skis shape the turn.

Ski with the flashing action exaggerated, then gradually tone it down and make the action early, slow, and deliberate.

The toned down version will not have the inside ski lifted off the snow, however, the bottoms will still be flashing.

Tips:

  • Make sure that the upper body is countered and facing slightly towards the bottom of the hill.
  • When you flash the ski with contact on the snow, notice how it feels along the uphill edge as it glides unweighted through the arc of the turn.
  • Think of flashing the new ski very early-- as soon as you make the transition from one turn to the next.
  • The quicker the flashing action, the shorter the turn. Draw it out, and you will have a longer radius turn.
  • Stay loose and flexed with light contact between your shins and the tongues of your boots--stay in the Sweet spot.

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!