Your One Stop Shop For All Your Skiing Needs
by Craig McNeil
Step 2- Right Ski, Left Ski
Initiate left turn with left ski
Initiate right turn with right ski
| STEP 2 - Right ski, left ski "Right Ski" or "Left Ski" are the words we use to indicate which ski will initiate or start the turn. From Step 1, we know that "Lift and Tilt" causes the action of the turn, and that we are using the inside ski to start each turn. The ski that you "lift and tilt", either the "right ski" or "left ski", is the direction in which you'll turn. To turn to the right, we use the "Right Ski"; to turn to the left, we use the "Left Ski". Once you can vocalize "lift and tilt" over the course of an entire run, switch to saying "Right Ski" or "Left Ski". |
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If you ski with your weight on your heels (or no flex at the ankle) or with straight legs, you will not be able to feel the edge under your foot that will give you edge control. Look at the good skiers. Notice they maintain the same speed from turn to turn, not too fast, not too slow. There is a consistency throughout the course of their run. However, don't confuse speed with tempo. Tempo is synonymous with the type of turn you make. The analogy that I use is the metronome, the instrument that helps you keep time when learning to play the piano. The clicks are either fast or slow, and it is the same with your turns. Regardless of the type of turn you make, whether a large sweeping GS turn or short, quick rapid turns down the fall-line, your speed remains the same. |
| At the beginning and intermediate levels, your concern is speed control. It takes effort and concentration to keep your speed, not only in check but the same on each turn. At the advanced and expert levels it is about directing the energy or "flow" that your skis produce. | |
Once you know how to make your skis work for you there is an "oscillation" that comes from the camber and torsion of your skis on each turn. Skiers who appear to make effortless turns are in this flow. Flow is taking the momentum from one turn and directing it into the next. It is through this subtle use of the edge that keeps your speed and overall momentum the same. The idea of flowing from one turn to the next is a bit esoteric for most skiers but it is something that everyone can experience. And, once you do you'll want to do it on each and every turn you make.
BACK
Moira
watching brother Sean making
a controlled turn at Arapahoe Basin.
Moira, a controlled turn
on a blue run at Loveland
