Shallow Wedge Turns

What

A consistent gliding wedge is maintained while the skier steers the skis to make shallow turns. Speed control is still a result of the gliding wedge.

Why

Turning is a more effective method of speed control than skiing straight down the fall line in a wedge. Speed control becomes a result of direction changes rather than wedge size. Once mastered, the wedge turn will allow skiers to access more terrain.

How

Introducing turning in both directions while sliding in a gliding wedge, focus will be on good leg steering.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Increase the skier’s speed of travel so they can achieve linked shallow wedge turns
• The range and the duration of the steering will dictate the size of the shallow wedge turns
• Keep an open turn shape for shallow wedge turns
• Use a gentle slope in the beginner area

Active Stance & Balance

• As turning is introduced the skier must control the rotation of their upper body

Outside Ski Balance

• There will be a slight increase in pressure on the outside ski as the skis turn across the fall line

Edging

• Edge is created due to the shape of the wedge, this puts the skis on opposing edges
• There will be slight increase of edge on the outside ski and a slight decrease of edge on the inside ski

Steering

• The skis will maintain a consistent wedge shape throughout the turn
• While maintaining a gliding wedge both femurs will be rotated in the desired direction of travel
• The skis will turn across the fall line at a slow and consistent rate
• Maintaining a gliding wedge will help the skier control their speed
• The pivot point for this rotational effort is the centre of the foot
• Rotational separation will be created as the skis grip and change direction due to the legs turning underneath a stable upper body

Ski Snow Interaction

• When performing shallow wedge turns the edge angle of the outside ski will slightly increase while the edge angle of the inside ski will slightly decrease
• The ski’s steering angles will increase in shallow wedge turns. However, they will need to remain as opposing angles to maintain the wedge shape
• The platform angle will need to be greater than 90 degrees to allow the skis to slide smoothly on the snow

Terrain

A gentle beginner slope. The ideal terrain is that on which the skiers are able to maintain a gliding wedge and control their speed.

Class Handling

Skiers will now be able to move around the beginners’ area a bit more. You want to give them the freedom to experiment and try new things but you still need to be aware that the students are still not fully able to make rounded turns. Make sure you keep your group safe, and keep a watchful eye over all students. There might be opportunities to move to longer conveyor lifts.