Why can't I turn left?!

Pablo is quite right, and sometimes the language barrier can be a problem.

I forgot to say, that one of my new methods to help me understand my French instructors, has been to go back to school and learn some more French. This has been very useful because when they don't know the English word for something I can generally explain it in French, and then together we can come up with the correct English.

I am very proud of teaching my instructor the expression 'emergency stop', which I translated with the help of my dictionary as 'arret en cas d'urgence'. I hope all her future pupils appreciate this.

I would rather learn French than go ski-ing in America - because apart from anything else I'm trying not to fly anywhere on holiday. And it's nice being able to speak another language.

I have thought it would be a good idea to produce a simple dictionary specifically for ski-ing, with things in it like 'plantez le baton'.

Ally

To answer the original question: Do make sure that your legs are both the same length. No, it's not a joke! I had trouble turning left for years. Then I had a medical for a new job, and the doctor noticed I had a slight lean. He measured my thigh bone (femur) - 12mm longer on my left side! Overall, about 4-5mm longer (the body compensates partly with extra muscles). Bodyfactors above Snow & Rock in Chertsey made me inserts for my ski boots and everyday shoes. Now I'm fine.

Wow, OK lots of responses...thanks everyone. I know it's hard to pinpoint anything without a video or picture or anything, but what you'd be seeing is probably pretty simple...for a right turn everything looks good, for a left turn I initiate the turn with my downhill (right) ski and for whatever reason I can't seem to get the uphill (left) ski to 'turn' to the left, so before I wind up crossing my skis I pick up my left foot and plant it to complete the turn.

Strangely enough this seems to be more of a problem for me on the slow, easy trails, than on steep stuff.

I'm thinking maybe I'll try some different boots out...I've only ever had one pair, so maybe that could be contributing to my problems.

Yes I know I should probably take a lesson or something but I'm a broke college student!!

Borrow some money off your parents and get some lessons.

Save on a lift pass just go round in circles, thats what carving all about :D

I am a broke college student too :(

Solution: borrow from parents. 'Borrow'.

Pablo Escobar wrote:I am a broke college student too :(

Solution: borrow from parents. 'Borrow'.

It must be hard with a credit crunch on :mrgreen:

Well,
I am a bit miffed, because I still don't know the answer. The suspense is killing me!

I don't see why his problem should be worse on the easy slopes, and he STILL hasn't said whether he's pole planting, or going 'up and down'. But at least I was right about the small wedge to begin his turn - or at least I should think that's why he begins his turn with his outside ski.

Maybe we should have a whip round to subsidize one lesson with Pablo or anyone else here, and put us all out of our misery.

Ally