Before skiing
Stand facing across the hill. Push the downhill
ski forward and roll it (using your entire leg,) so that it flattens towards the
bottom of the hill.
- Keep your shins in contact with the tongues of
your boots.
Now, add the action of the pole Push the downhill
ski forward and as you roll off the uphill edge and flatten the ski on the snow,
swing the pole down the flow line.
- Imagine a line attaching your pole and downhill
ski--moving in unison.
Try this on both sides a few times before you ski
with it.
Now let's ski
- Be patient: Do this on very gentle slope so that
you will be comfortable and patient in the turn.
Start with your skis about hip width apart--all
joints comfortably flexed. Maintain contact between your shins and the tongues
of your boots and your upper body and arms face slightly down the hill.
Push the downhill ski forward and swing the
downhill pole down the flow line. Simultaneously roll and flatten the downhill
ski--the skis will slowly start gliding to align with the flow line.
- Don't think too much about touching the pole to
the snow.
Shape the turn with your leg movements and using
only hand action, swing the pole back.
As you shape the turn, the outside ski drives
forward.
Repeat the pole/leg/foot action in the other
direction.
Continue this on the easy terrain; trying to
connect everything together.
Practice until you can tune into the feeling of
connecting the movements without thinking too much about it. Try it on a steeper
hill.
Tips:
- Swing the pole in the direction you'd like to
turn.
- Ski with all movements flowing together.
- Try different speeds and turn shapes.