• This is great for overly flamboyant arms and poles.

Attach your poles by simultaneously pushing the tip of each pole through the loop of the other pole's strap--pull all the way through until the poles are linked at the straps. Alternately, using masking tape, lightly tape the pole straps together.

Ski half a day with your poles taped together, swear at us, then notice that your hands have calmed down.

• By keeping the grips in the flow line, shorter radius turns will flow easier.

Get in the swing

• The pole swing involves a continuous, but shared movement of the hands--as one returns to the neutral position, the other starts its swing.

Pick a target down the hill and ski long radius turns.

As the skis cross the flow line, swing to the target down the hill, but don't touch the pole tip to the snow. Do this for a while.

After you feel a flow with the pole swing, let the poles touch.

• The pole swing helps to move the upper body in the direction of the new turn.
• Keep your shoulders pointing at the target down the hill.

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