A common tendency amongst beginner and intermediate skiers is to use their turns as a way of slowing down. While this certainly works, turning without slowing down is one of the most enjoyable aspects of skiing. Modern skis have been designed specifically to turn without slowing you down, so it seems a waste to spend upwards of three hundred pounds on a fancy pair of skis only to miss out on their main function.
What you should be aiming for is to travel in smooth arcs and curves in order to minimise resistance and pick up speed. Many less experienced skiers simply pick up speed on their way down the hill, then shove their feet sideways in a turning and braking action. If you do this, you will be constantly fighting with your equipment and your balance rather than going with the flow and enjoying the ride.
The trick is to see the slope as one big series of slow turns, rather than a series of short straights and quick turns. You should always be linking your turns, and there should never be any straight lines in your descent. Think about your legs, feet, and skis, as a steering wheel that you never allow to return to the centre.
When changing direction and edges, release, or soften your downhill leg at the point when you wish to make the change. This will make pushing against it a more natural and less awkward sensation. You may also want to retract it and lift it very slightly if you need to make a sharper turn. Always make sure you are in full control of your line and speed before you change direction.
Try to make all your movements as smooth and unstilted as possible. Jerky movements will slow you down and put you off balance, neither of which is ideal when you are looking to pick up speed. Steer the legs independently of each other, making sure that your skis are always apart. If your downhill leg is straight and being braced against the snow, soften it to keep it centred, as this will help you steer more accurately.
Once you have mastered the art of making curves, you will be able to progress beyond the easier slopes to more challenging terrain. The Alpine Elements website is a great place to look for deals on skiing holidays to resorts in the French Alps, such as Chamonix, Courchevel, and Meribel.
Bansko-ski-packages.com
26 December 2009
