Powder skill building: Retraction turns

Goal: Powder pleasures
Level: Intermediate   Expert + Powder
Suggested terrain: In the powder - all slopes within your ability
Author: Kobus Reyneke
Summary: The refined way to initiate powder turns. Try this once you've mastered basic powder skiing.

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.

Once you've mastered basic powder skiing down moderate terrain, put the rebound that develops in your skis as you cross the flow line to good use. It may take some practice, but the result is well worth it.

Start with a fan progression to get used to retraction

Facing somewhat down the hill, ski in a straight line--standing tall and fully extended. Once you've picked up speed, rapidly pull your legs up, and simultaneously turn your skis further out of the flow line, until you come to a stop.

Next, face straight down the flow line and do the same type of turn--this time the turn will be longer.

Then, face diagonally across the flow line. Ski in a straight line, retract and simultaneously steer your skis into the flow line and around the arc. This time you've basically completed a whole turn.

Now do medium radius turns applying the retraction technique. As you cross the flow line, and at the point where maximum pressure has built up, simply retract your legs and steer them down the flow line. Your head doesn't move up and down; you should be pulling your legs up while your body continues down the hill.

This action lightens your skis making turn initiation easy.

Use the rebound generated by the extension and decambering of the ski to pop your legs back up out of the snow. Redirect the skis into the flow line and, again, extend and slice the finish of the turn upon landing.

Make sure:

  • Your upper body stays steady as it moves down the hill.
  • You use the rebound of your skis to bounce your legs up.
  • Your upper body isn't popping up with the skis. Imagine there's a ceiling above your head.
  • The skis continue to shape through the turn when extended.
  • Keep slight pressure between your shins and your boot tongues--stay in the Sweet spot!

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