Pro Ski Tip – Carving

Advanced Level

Introduce some dynamism to your high speed carved turns.

A common practice when carving a turn is to adopt a stance, once the edges of the skis have been acquired, and to hold this static position for the duration of the turn. Although this may be fun when first introduced to the carving experience, the technique doesn’t maximise the full potential of the modern day advanced carving ski. If you ‘Park and Ride’ a ski, you won’t counteract increasing pressures as you head towards the end of the turn, and there is a danger that edge grip will be lost. Instead, you need to continuously increase the edge angle all the way through to the end of the turn. On hard pack or icy conditions, where edges easily slip, this approach will help to ensure that you carve all the way through the turn. Monitor your speed at all times, as skis that carve move faster than skidded skis. First practice on gentle, quiet, well-groomed slopes and as your confidence and speed increase, look for open piste free from natural obstacles like trees.  Appropriate red runs that attract only advanced skiers are ideal.

Carve 1
Begin the turn with a smooth roll of the ankles, towards the inside of the arc, from as soon as your edges grip the snow.
Continue rolling your ankles and blend in a roll of the knees to carry on increasing edge angle.
Continue rolling your ankles and blend in a roll of the knees to carry on increasing edge angle.
Now combine movement of the hip to the inside with that of the knee and ankle to maximise edge grip towards the end of the turn.
Now combine movement of the hip to the inside with that of the knee and ankle to maximise edge grip towards the end of the turn.
With a continuous, simultaneous movement, increase edge angle all the way through the turn.
With a continuous, simultaneous movement, increase edge angle all the way through the turn.

Remember: Re centre and Initiate the next turn by rolling your ankles towards the inside of the new arc.

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