Josh Lautenberg demonstrates Ski Tips 1-7
Ski tip #1 - Proper Positioning/Staying Balanced:
The most important thing to think about when skiing in all conditions and terrain is proper positioning. Whether in the bumps, on the groomed, in the crud or powder, it is vital that you stay centered. How? At all times throughout the turn, concentrate on keeping light shin contact with the tongue of both boots and more of your weight on the balls of both feet. If you feel more pressure on the heels of your feet and your calves are hard against the back of the boot, you're in trouble!
Also make sure to stand tall but slightly flexed and look ahead. Keep both hands where you can see them and HAVE FUN!!
Ski Tip #2 - Let the Sunshine In:
In the old days, instructors without fail told their clients to keep their feet so close together that no light could shine between their legs. Remember hearing the clicking of your skis together and looking to see if the insides of your ski boots had become worn? Those days are gone. Now, with the new shaped skis, we tend to focus on practicality instead of pretty. Keep your skis no more or less than hip width apart and Let the Sunshine In. You'll achieve better balance in all conditions, especially the more difficult ones.
Ski Tip #3 - Up You Go:
Although the new shaped skis have changed skiing technique a bit, one thing that modern skiing still takes from the "old school" is the idea of unweighting or lightening your skis to start the new turn. By rising slightly and gradually at the same time you plant your pole, you can lighten your skis, release the old turn and point your skis into the fall-line. Often times if skiers are having difficulty starting a new turn smoothly, it's because they stay too low and don't move up.
Ski Tip #4 - Carve It Up:
With the changes in ski technology comes some changes in ski technique. In addition to moving up to start the turn (Tip 3), to use the edges and the ski most efficiently, skiers now move across the ski as well. To start a new turn, move slightly upward and move your hips across the skis laterally to roll from the old set of edges to the new. Your hips should actually move slightly to the inside of your inside ski. Once your skis are both in the fall-line, gradually increase pressure to the outside ski. You will feel the ski turn automatically and create a nice carved arc through the snow.
Ski Tip #5 - Keep Your Eyes on the Prize:
Frequently, skiers look down at their ski tips when they're skiing because they worry that if they take their eyes off their skis, the skis will cross and they will fall. The problem is looking down will actually cause you to lose balance by causing you to lose site of where you are on the slope and also by causing you to actually move too low in your stance causing you to sit back. It's best to keep your chin up and look no less than 20 feet down the hill. Another way to think about it is to look over the top of your downhill ski pole.
Ski Tip #6 - Relax:
It's easier said than done, but one of the most important things you can do while skiing (or any other sport for that matter) is relax. How do you relax while humming down a 30 degree pitch at 25 mph? Loosen your muscles as much as you can without loosing control and breathe. Most people, believe it or not, hold their breath during sports causing their muscles and joints to tense and their performance to suffer. Try breathing rhythmically: In during the pole plant, then out as you hit the fall line. Your breath can be released as you turn down the hill each time. |
Ski Tip #7 - Keep Moving:
One critical component of efficient skiing is fluidity of movement. Many times most of us freeze up especially as we head down the fall line portion of the turn because our brain tells us to "lie still so nothing can happen". It is a classic defensive strategy that unfortunately causes more harm than good. So, stop listening to your brain and keep moving. That means that if you stand too still you're likely to start sitting back through the turn and losing balance and control. Keep moving by rising up to start the turn (with the pole plant). Also, never allow yourself to traverse the slope in a static position. Once the old turn is finished, role your edges into the new one before your momentum stops. By no means should you ski faster than you are comfortable with. Instead think of it as keeping your momentum up versus losing it every turn. Every time you lose momentum, it's like starting over again. That takes a lot of energy and ruins your balance. Try to be rhythmic with your turns. Count: 1-2-3 turn, 1-2-3 turn...but keep your feet turning during the 1-2-3. You will find you have enough control earlier in the turn than you thought, so keep it moving! Oh yes, and have fun! |
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