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INTERMEDIATE

> C. SHORT RADIUS TURNS

1. Review this goal
2. Upper and lower separation
3. Stabilize to maximize
4. Hockey stops
5. Leg rotation
6. Let it go!
7. Hip hoppin'
8. The pole touch revisited
9. Pole tricks
10. Pedaling
11. Power wedge turns
12. Short radius turns



> Beginner - Intermediate - Expert - Extremes - Problems
Hockey stops

Goal: Short radius parallel turns
Level: Intermediate
Suggested terrain
: Groomed, intermediate slope
Author: Suzy Chase-Motzkin
Summary: Switch the direction of your skis rapidly, while keeping the upper body facing down the flow line. This maneuver is not only the fastest way to stop, done precisely it's great for skill development.

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.


Begin a straight run down the flow line with your skis hip width apart.
  • Be sure to have all your joints flexed comfortably and your shins lightly touching the tongues of the boots--stay in the Sweet spot.

Stand tall and then rapidly retract your legs, by pulling your feet up towards your body. As they become light, quickly pivot both feet to one direction.

  • Keep the upper body facing straight down the hill!

This action will turn the skis across the hill and start a sideways slip. The body should continue to face down the flow line. Go with the slip, then roll the knees and ankles into the hill (uphill) to put the skis on edge and bring you to a stop.

Try this in the other direction.

  • If you can't stop the slip down the flow line, it could be because the skis are not edged enough or the body is facing in the direction of the skis, instead of down the hill--the pelvis should face in the same direction as the shoulders--down the flow line.

Try it with a pole touch

A straight run again, in the flow line with the skis hip width apart, all joints flexed comfortably and your weight evenly distributed.

Stand tall and then touch your pole and rapidly retract your legs, by pulling your feet up towards your body. As they become light, quickly pivot both feet in the direction of the pole touch.

  • Keep the upper body facing straight down the hill!

Continue the slip in the flow line, then roll the knees and ankles into the hill to edge the skis as you plant the pole down the hill.

This combined action will bring you to a stop.

  • When you stop, check to make sure that your pelvis, chest and head are facing down in the same line--the flow line.

Do this in both directions until you are able to stay within a straight line or corridor doing linked hockey stops.

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

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Page updated:
July 16, 2007


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