Wedge Turns with Rhythm & Flow

What

During a round wedge turn flexion is used during the bottom half of the turn and extension is used during the top half of the turn.

Why

Flexion and extension aid and blend all the other movements, creating rhythm and flow. This will open up possibilities for new terrain.

How

Use flexion first to help strengthen steering through the bottom half of the turn, then use extension to aid the release and start the next turn.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• The skier needs to understand the correct timing of when to extend and when to flex
• Maintain a consistent speed to help develop timing of flexion and extension in the wedge turn
• Use groomed green slopes
• The skis maintain a consistent gliding wedge size throughout the turn
• A steered brushed track will be left in the snow

Active Stance & Balance

• Greater ranges of flexion are used during the control phase to aid the steering effort and balance on the outside ski
• Extension is used during the release phase to flatten the skis and unwind the steering effort
• Continued extension is used during the create phase to ensure the skier moves forward to stay balanced through the centre of the skis, while redistributing weight more effectively over both skis
• Flexion and extension will maintain effective fore/aft balance and lower the centre of gravity to better deal with the forces created by turning across the hill

Outside Ski Balance

• The skier will continue to feel balance and pressure build towards the outside ski during the bottom half of the turn
• As flexion is used, the amount of angulation will increase, aiding in balance on the outside ski
• While extension is used, angulation will decrease, helping the skier recenter their weight between both feet

Edging

• Edging will increase on the outside ski during the control phase as flexion is used

Steering

• The intensity of leg steering will increase while flexion occurs in the control phase
• The legs will unwind naturally as extension is used during the release phase of the turn

Ski Snow Interaction

• In advanced wedge turns the edge angle of the outside ski will increase during the bottom half of the turn, while the edge angle of the inside ski will decrease during the bottom half of the turn. This is then reversed during the top half of the turn
• The steering angle of the skis will increase throughout the turn; however, they will need to remain as opposing angles to maintain the wedge shape
• For a brief moment, the platform angle will reach closer to 90 degrees during the end of the control phase in an advanced wedge turn this creates more grip and a slight groove for the ski to travel along

Terrain

Ideally introduced on easy green terrain with the goal of progressing to steeper green terrain.

Class Handling

Once achieved, new terrain becomes a real option, and with new terrain often comes new lifts and possibly chairlifts. Make sure you take the time to show students any new lifts and prepare them to ride successfully.