Straight Runs

What

Straight runs are when skiers slide down the hill with the skis parallel while maintaining balance. It is used to develop a good functional stance which is fundamental to the skier’s success, making it easier to learn and develop their skiing further.

Why

Skiing is all about sliding. It is fun. Learning to slide and balance will set skiers up for success.

How

On gentle terrain with a run-out, work through a number of activities that allow skiers to safely feel balanced sliding for the first time.

Skills

Situational Understanding

• Use a gentle slope with a flat or uphill run out

Active Stance & Balance

• The skis weighted from the centre
• The skis are approximately hip width apart
• Develop balance along the entire foot
• Develop the skier’s ability to adjust balance along the length of the ski

Outside Ski Balance

• Feeling balance on both feet resulting in the centre of gravity remaining centred between the feet
• Develop balance from foot to foot resulting in the centre of gravity shifting slightly from side to side

Edging

• Maintain parallel flat skis while straight running

Steering

• Manage rotation to keep both skis facing and running straight

Ski Snow Interaction

• Steering angles are managed to keep the skis facing forward and parallel
• The skis must stay flat to the snow, minimising any edge angle
• There is no platform angle needed to perform a straight run

Terrain

The ideal terrain is a gentle slope with a flat or uphill run out.

Class Handling

Most often you will need to get your students to be in a line, standing at 90 degrees to the fall line. Encourage students to try the activities one at a time to start with, so you can be there to help and keep each individual safe. Being at the bottom of the gentle slope and talking and encouraging your students will give your students a clear and positive direction of what they are to do. Students will take a while to walk back up the hill (even if it is only 10 metres), so organising your group in a line and going one by one will work well for the start of a group lesson. For private lessons or small numbers a line might not be needed, but you will need to guide and control your students for safety.