For someone new to skiing, the idea of speeding down a mountain out of control can be intimidating. Developing control often happens in stages, where new students start on small, smooth hills instead of monster mountains. Learning to turn helps students direct their paths and reduce speed coming down the slopes. Skidding turns are common where ski tails move wider than the tips. Learning to "carve" is the goal for proper turning, where the tips and tails of the skis follow the same path.
Step 1
Start in a direction that is slanted, known as a traverse position, on the slope where you are moving down in an angle across the slope. This reduces speed and allows you to learn the turn properly.
Step 2
Bend your knees, releasing pressure on the edge. Keep your weight uphill while the edges of the skis stem just downhill from you.
Step 3
Plant the downhill pole. If you are moving to the left, your right pole is downhill. Plant this pole just in front of your right boot.
Step 4
Lean your weight in the direction you want to turn. A wide stance with your feet allows you to keep your weight over the foot you are turning toward while the other foot extends to maintain balance while the skis begin to tip in the desired direction.
Step 5
Rotate your body position in the direction of the turn. If you are turning left, rotate toward the left.
Step 6
Bend your knees as you bring the skis together after the turn, to maintain balance while the skis continue to skid down the mountain, now in a traverse position in the opposite direction from which you started.
Tips and Warnings
- As you become a stronger, more controlled skier, your rotations will be less pronounced and may remain as subtle leg or ankle rotations into turns with your upper body relatively stable.
Member Comments