Turn descriptions, intentions and phases covers ways that a turn can be described and thought about in order to be more accurate when describing and identifying where and when something happens. Learn the different ways that you can describe turns, from a simple “beginning-middle-end”, to more detailed ways to describe the ideal ski and body performances, in relation to the skier’s goals in each phase of the turn.
Describing the Turn
Geometric Locations – Where In The Turn
A three phase model, which has even sections, helps to provide accuracy when describing locations of a skier within a turn.
- Beginning (top third)
- Middle (middle third)
- End (bottom third)
Even Split – Above or Below the Fall Line
Skiing does not need to be overly complicated, especially when explaining concepts to students. So describing the turn in just two parts, a top half and a bottom half, can be a very useful way to highlight what a skier should be doing in a general part of the turn:
- Top half
- Bottom half
Open & Closed turns – Terrain & Intention
The tightness of a turn depends on the slope, speed of travel, confidence, and intention of the skier. Closed turns can be used on steeper slopes, or when the skier wants to slow themselves down. Open turns can be used on flatter slopes, or when the skier needs to carry speed from one turn to the next.
