Short Turns

What

Short round turns are performed in a narrow corridor of between three to four metres, or between one to two groomer widths.

Why

An effective short turn will allow skiers to ski more terrain and varied snow conditions.

How

Increase rate at which the movements are made, the centre of gravity will take a more direct line down the mountain while the ski is guided through a rounded arc.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Travel with a similar speed to an advanced parallel turn
• Use medium to steep blue terrain
• Clearly define the size of the corridor, as this is a new challenge

Active Stance & Balance

• As the rate of steering increases, the timing of fore/aft movement needs to match the smaller turn size, maintaining a centred athletic stance
• There is greater pressure to manage in a short turn use a controlled range of flexion and extension to help manage the pressure build-up
• Use a well-timed pole plant during the release phase to help stabilise the upper body through transition

Outside Ski Balance

• The rate at which the skier will need to weight shift from foot to foot will increase to maintain a narrower corridor
• Pressure will need to build on the outside ski at a faster rate to match the smaller size of the turn

Edging

• The rate of edging will need to match the rate of steering to ensure a round turn is performed

Steering

• Increase the rate of leg steering, resulting in a greater range of steering of the skis throughout the top half of the turn

Ski Snow Interaction

• Steering angle will be developed at a faster rate through the create phase of the turn, and the overall amount of steering angle will be the most of any on-piste performance
• Develop edge angle throughout the turn to maintain a round turn shape
• The platform angle will reach close to 90 degrees at the end of the control, establishing more grip and a slight groove for the ski to travel along

Terrain

Blue groomed terrain that students are comfortable skiing on.

Class Handling

Find terrain that students are comfortable on and build them into the faster rate of rotation. Develop good movement patterns and then increase the tempo. Always be sure to take time to point out to the student that they are making turns in a much narrower corridor, and develop their awareness of corridor width.