Ski Tips

Ski Tips

Balance Tip - Unbuckled Boots

Unbuckled Boots
Goal: Learning to identify your center with out relying on your boots.
Body Position: Make large radius turns with boots unbuckled; Rock back and forth between your heel and toes.

The best drill for discovering natural balance on skis is to ski with your ski boots unbuckled. Take a couple of runs on a slope that is below your ability level. Latch your boot buckles as loosely as possible. Skiing in the fashion will force you to find the natural balance point on skis at all times. No longer relying on the safeguard of support of the boots.

Go slowly while trying this - it may feel slightly out of control at first, making turns difficult. Start off making wide, sweeping giant slalom turns until your confidence grows. Next start to ski more down the fall line, making sharper, shorter turns.

A common mistake during this exercise occurs when the skier concentrates too much on the fact that his or her boots are unbuckled rather than on how to stand balanced. Forget about your feet and focus on standing in the middle of your skis in athletic stance with feet shoulder width apart, hand and shoulders square to the hill. Remain flexible and adapt your body to the changing terrain. Stay forward in your boots by curling your toes. That one little action will bring your whole body forward and allow you to stand strong, balance and in the center of the skis.

This is an awareness drill. Note your body position and remember: When it's hard to turn, you're out of balance; when it's easy to turn you're in balance. Pay attention to the differences and start to notice which parts of your body affect your balance. I find the best way to improve is to let my mind relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I never do one drill all day. To me skiing is fun and getting better is just one reason to do drills. By improving your balance you will gain confidence in your skiing skill and skiing will become a more enjoyable experience.

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