Basic Parallel with Pole Touch
WHAT
A pole touch is a swing of the pole from the wrist and forearm. The tip of the pole touches the snow downhill from the skier during the release phase of the turn.
WHY
Adding the pole touch gives skiers stability and provides rhythm and flow. A well-timed pole touch will also aid the other movements, allowing skiers to adapt their turn shape and attempt more challenging terrain.
HOW
First, look at how to hold the pole and make a pole swing. Then, develop where the pole touch happens in relation to the skier – always downhill. Develop the timing of when the pole touch happens in relation to the turn the skier is making.
WHAT’S NEW
Students learn to use their poles to help all areas of their skiing and to develop better all-mountain skiing skills.
Check out the video.
Situational Understanding
- Maintain a basic parallel speed to allow enough time for the pole swing and touch to take place
- Use blue terrain
- Develop awareness of the timing of the pole swing,and pole touch in the turn. The pole swing happens through the control phase of the turn; the pole touch happens in the release phase of the turn
- Having a well-timed and accurate pole swing and touch will allow skiers to explore different, more challenging terrain
Active Balance & Stance
- Use controlled movement of the forearm and wrist to swing the pole
- Stabilise the outside arm once the pole has touched the snow. The skier should ski past the pole touch without dropping the outside arm behind their body
- Maintain a strong hand position with both hands wider than the torso and in front of the belly button
Outside Ski Balance
- Use the timing of the pole touch to begin the weight shift to the new outside ski
- Angulation will develop as the pole swings
Edging
- Use the timing of the pole swing to continue lateral movements of the legs, creating higher edge angles
- Use the timing of the pole touch to flatten the skis
Steering
- Use the timing of the pole touch to unwind the legs and steer them towards the new turn
- Use the timing of the pole swing to continue steering the legs, controlling the size of the turn
