Ski Tips

Ski Tips

Power - Power Turn
Power Turn
Goal: To apply the power position turn to large radius turns.
Body Position: Make large radius turns and initiate each turn by jumping up and down the hill.

This drill is an excellent maneuver and can be used on all kinds of terrain and in all conditions. You jump from a flat ski, land on a carving ski and transition to an edged ski in the traverse, roll to a flat ski and jump again into a new turn. You are going to get slightly airborne as you make turns!

Begin skiing down an intermediate slope that has some challenge for you. As you are preparing to make the turn, jump up. Your body should be facing down the fall line, which will keep you perpendicular to the slope. The idea is to jump at the moment you begin the turn and, as you become airborne, let your skis follow and land in a turn.

Use your downhill pole to leverage your jump. Land in a turn with your body once again perpendicular to the hill, you skis pointing slightly across the slope, your hands and poles out in front of your body. Remember to absorb the landing by bending your knees and crouching down. You should feel the pressure in the front of your boots upon landing, which will help you carve your way through the turn. Complete the traverse and begin another turn in the opposite direction then perform the power turn once more.

As you practice, strive to achieve the most perfect poise and balance you can. Strive for a constant, fluid motion; think of the jumps and turns as a continuous process, not as discrete, independent steps. AS you feel more comfortable try linking three or four of them together.

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