It is natural to want to lean back uphill when
it's steep, but this instinct also inhibits our ability to get a turn going.
With an active and offensive action of the pole, we can enter our turns with
less effort.
Start by practicing the pole swing in a stationary
position--skis facing left across the hill and upper body twisted to face down
the hill.
Stretch both hands down the hill, poles facing back up the
hill.
Cock the right pole so that the top of its grip points
directly at your face. Now, reach until your right pole touches the snow,
directly down the flow line from your feet. Your butt should point back into the
hill.
You are in a position of strength and ready to start the
new turn. As you ski the steeps, reach down like that with the pole, to aid you
in crossing over your skis into the new turn.
In short turns, you reach straight down the flow line and
plant the pole right at the start of the new turn,
In a longer turn you will reach down the hill but more
along the direction of travel and the pole touch happens later--as your legs
extend around the turn.
- Make sure your poles are always working in opposite
directions. Imagine the top of the pole grips as flashlights illuminating
your path--as one pole swings and reaches, the other lights the way.
