Skiing In Balance - Basic Turn Mechanics

control | balance | tactics

Basic Turn Mechanics For Staying In Balance When Skiing Moguls

If you are a Boomer and want to ski slowly and in control in moguls and powder it is important that you use a movement pattern that helps you stay in balance when you make your turns.

When you think about what to do when making a turn, visualize the completion of one turn blending into the initiation of the next turn and start your thought process with the completion of the prior turn rather than starting with the initiation of the next turn.

Completion Of The Prior Turn:   The most important part of completing your turn in moguls and powder is to control your speed enough to be able make a relaxed and patient next turn.  If you are skiing too fast for your comfort level then you will likely rush the next turn and run the risk of throwing yourself out-of-balance. The overall goal is to ski slowly enough so that you are in full control of your speed and totally balanced before you initiate your next turn.  

If you are going too fast, or if you are not in balance, don't make the next turn. Rather, continue to slow down and re-gain balance and then, and only when, you feel in complete control, make your next turn.

Note that, when you finish a turn, as a result of gravity and centrifugal forces, your balance - and weight - will be primarily on your downhill ski as you finish the turn.  

Initiation Of The Next Turn:  Once you have slowed your speed to a comfortable level and are in balance it is safe to turn.  To initiate the next turn, shift your balance from the downhill ski to be equally balanced on both skis with your center of mass over your feet (your base of support).  Then simultaneously tip both your skis, and at the same time, extend forward and move your hips over your feet in the direction of your new turn.