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!