Skiing Technique

Hi All,

The winter is finally here, so I decided to dust down my skis and get a bit of practise in before I go away for New Year. I am a regular skier, but seem to be developing a problem when turning right!!!!

I seem to be 'jumping'to start turning right! I have a theory that this is because my left leg is not as strong as my right (after years of playing football, my left leg is just for standing on)and this does not occur when I turn left. This is becoming a major frustration and something I need to correct. Im seriouslty thinking of getting some private tuition while away, but wondered if anyone out there has any ideas??

Sensible thoughts only please!

On easy terrain allow your skis to find the falline. That is, allow them to accelerate down the hill and take your time completing the turn.
Most skiers try to miss out the middle of the turn because they will not allow the skis to point down the hill.

Hi Rob,
Have you seen this thread?

http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/5763.page

I think the general consensus was that he needed some private lessons.

Ally

You got it in One get some decent tuition before it becomes habit.
You will probably find its something very simple and the instructor will give you things to work on to sort it out.

And in the meantime probably a good plan to try and build up the strength in your left leg too. One legged squats is an easy place to start. As Jonah said, will quite likely be something simple to sort out though - good luck.

Re the leg, for an indicator of variation, measure the circumference of your thigh on each leg, same distance from the knee cap. Then, in the gym, do some leg presses, and measure your maximum on each leg. Take care not to overdo the press.

Re the technique, everyone has a favoured turning direction. As you get more experienced, there is much less of a difference.

Skyros described a good drill. From standing start, aim straight down the fall line, initiate a turn left, and pressure the ski until you stop. Then repeat, this time turning right. If you get a variation between left and right turns, think hard about what you are doing that is different.

Alternatively, look for some left handed mountains. :wink:

Remember to weight the turning ski 8)

Ian Wickham wrote:Remember to weight the turning ski 8)

When you face down the fall line, the weight is eveny distributed.

To initiate the turn, push upwards evenly with both legs, still in the fall line. As the weight comes back down on to the ski, gradually, but firmly, push the left hip forwards, and rotate both knees to the left.

Maintain the weight forwards, trying to feel the downward pressure lying between the ball and the toes.

This all for the left turn. Opposite for RH turn.

This drill is a strong aid to muscle memory. You can practise on any gradual slope, including if you are on a roadway between runs. I still do this drill every day.