Varying Turn Size in Basic Parallel

What

Adjusting the size and/or shape of the turn through adjusting the rate of steering and edging will allow skiers to suitably ski a variety of intermediate on-piste terrain.

Why

Having the skills to vary the size and shape of the turn will allow skiers to negotiate technical sections on the trail, ski safely in traffic and generally be more confident to explore the mountain.

How

Adjusting the rate of steering and amount of edging can be a very good way to alter the size and shape of turns to suit different situations.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Increase the rate of steering and edging when skiing within a narrower corridor
• Adjust the rate of steering and edging to navigate busy areas on the mountain, or when taxiing on connecting cat tracks
• Decrease the rate of steering and edging when skiing within a wider corridor
• Use a variety of blue terrain and flatter connecting slopes
• If using wider skis, understand edging will become harder, and steering will become easier

Active Stance & Balance

• Match the rate and range of flexion and extension to the rate and range of steering and edging. This will help maintain a centred stance on the skis

Outside Ski Balance

• Adjust the timing of the weight shift to match with the size and shape of the varying turns

Edging

• Increase and decrease the rate of lateral movements of the legs to suit the size of the turn
• Develop edging while adjusting the size of the turn to maintain a round turn shape

Steering

• Use leg steering at a faster rate to adjust the size of the turn to suit a narrower corridor or busier areas on the mountain
• Slow down the rate of leg steering to adjust the size of the turn to suit a wider corridor or open connecting cat tracks
• As the rate of steering increases, so will the intensity of leg rotation

Ski Snow Interaction

• Increase the rate at which steering angles are created, and the amount of steering angle. Slow down the rate at which steering angles are created, and the amount of steering angle
• Adjust the rate at which the edge angle is developed to suit the size of the turn
• The platform angle will reach 90 degrees at the end of the control phase in a parallel turn, This creates more grip and a slight groove for the skis to travel along as they release and helps the skier continue to maintain a parallel relationship with the skis as they start the turn

Terrain

Starting to ski all around the mountain, it is best to develop skills on more open, comfortable blue terrain before going into situations.

Class Handling

Your students are up and running now; you are teaching them some of the more subtle skills to adapt their skiing to the mountain and to explore. When you have skied a lot some things seem obvious, but remember you might be passing on your experience and teaching the “obvious” to your students so that they can explore more of the mountain.