It is one of our core competencies. It is also the key ingredient to making effective, efficient short radius turns.
For short radius turns we want to allow the lower body to do the work. Involving too much upper body is far less efficient, making it difficult to release the edges early enough to create an early platform in the new turn.
Here is a simple drill you can use to help isolate the upper and lower body segments:
To start place the hands on the hip as I do in Image 1. This allows us to be aware of how much hip rotation (twisting) is taking place. The goal is to minimize the amount of hip involvement to allow the edges to turn inside the hip socket.
Notice how in Images 2 and 3 I am able to remain centered without my arms being stretched out and seeking balance. I am able to maintain my balance over my downhill ski and steer with my legs as I finish my turn, as you can see in Image 4. When I start my new turn in Image 5, I am centered over my skis and allow the turning effort to come from my legs.
Begin by practicing this approach on gentle terrain and moderate speeds. Gradually increase the steepness of the slope and speed you are training it with. Eventually you will develop grip earlier in the turn and improve on economizing the effort you will need to make athletic short radius turns.
Happy skiing!
Sandy Gardner
CSIA PDP Coordinator, Ontario
CSIA Level 1 Program Coordinator, Ontario
