• This type of exercise is called a "fan" because we progressively work through different "starts" that look like a fan opening.

We start by facing diagonally across the hill in a shallow traverse, then face downhill a little more, then face straight down the flow line, and finally we cross the flow line to complete a turn.

Before skiing
First stand at the side of the hill, skis parallel to each other, about hip width apart.

Flatten the uphill ski onto the snow.

Now lift and tap it on its "little toe" edge. While tapping, turn the tip of this uphill ski away from the other ski little by little, widening the distance between the tips.

• Remember this action for the skiing part that follows.

Your 1st fan

• Always check up the hill for skiers.

Start gliding in a shallow traverse, as much across the slope as down. Very gently lift the uphill ski and gently tap on its little toe edge. Don't put any weight on the uphill ski. You'll gradually turn up the hill until you've come to a stop.

Do the same in the other direction.

Your 2nd fan
Point your skis a little closer to the flow line. Start gliding, lift the uphill ski, turn it slightly away from the other ski and gently tap the little toe edge. Don't put any weight on it. You'll gradually turn away from the flow line and then up the hill until you've come to a stop.

Turn around and do the same in the other direction.

Your 3rd fan
This time, put your skis in the flow line using the Bullfighter turn.

Decide which way you want to turn to, so you tap the correct ski--tap the left ski for a left turn and vice versa.

Start gliding, lift the chosen ski, turn it slightly and gently tap the little toe edge. Don't put any weight on it. You'll gradually turn away from the flow line and eventually up the hill until you've come to a stop--having done a half-turn.

Do this in both directions a few times to get comfortable in the flow line.

• There's no need to force anything. Just be persistent with your movements and trust that they will guide your skis.
• Make sure that your body is directed slightly down the hill. It will feel as though your skis and legs are going in the opposite direction from your upper body.

Your 4th fan This time, we start by pointing the skis diagonally across the flow line, turn downhill, cross the flow line, and end up facing the direction opposite from where we started.

Start gliding, lift the downhill ski, turn it very slightly away from the other and gently tap the little toe edge. The tapping inside ski will "pull" you through and beyond the flow line.

Stop after finishing the turn.

Do this in both directions a few times to get comfortable.

• It is important to stay in balance on the other ski as you do this--stay in the Sweet Spot.
• If you are on very easy terrain, there should be little anxiety and the movements should flow easily. If you trust the skis they'll turn.

Putting it together Let's link turns tapping our way through it--as soon as you have tapped your way to shape the turn, start immediately with the other foot to go in the other direction.

Tap your way to linking turns.