A GENERAL TECHNICAL OUTLINE FOR ALPINE SKILL DEVELOPMENT
What we understand:
- Skis are designed to turn.
- Turns are made both left and right.
- Turns are linked together by a connecting glide phase.
- Turns are possible in a short arc radius to a long arc radius.
Introduction to linking alpine turns:
- Stand in a balanced athletic position in the center of the skis.
- On gentle terrain link narrow wedge, gliding turns with early emphasis on the new inside ski steering.
- Start to encourage new inside leg retracting a bit at turn entry, as the ski steers into the turn.
- Let the narrow wedge blend naturally into parallel skis at turn entry.
- Maintain parallel skis throughout the turn. Increase body angles (feet to hips) as needed.
- Ski non-stops on moderate terrain with emphasis on steps 3,4, and 5--linking turns.
Once a natural movement pattern develops, take the skiing to varied terrains, including varied terrain features. Complete each turn and anticipate the start of the next turn. Edge angles should be created prior to the fall line at turn entry. The new outside ski is dominant against the hill. The new inside ski is active, moving into the fall line. Strive to establish equal edge angles as the turn develops. The edge pressures between the outside and inside ski will be dictated by terrain, turn arc and snow conditions. Generally speaking, the outside ski is the critical carve ski in the turn. The inside ski is the guide ski. This ski can tighten the turn arc and also act as a balance guide.
Eighty percent of all teaching and coaching progressions and drills should involve turning—beginner through expert.