Varying Turn Size in Basic Parallel
WHAT
Adjusting the size and/or shape of the turn through adjusting the rate of steering and edging will allow skiers to suitably ski a variety of intermediate on-piste terrain.
WHY
Having the skills to vary the size and shape of the turn will allow skiers to negotiate technical sections on the trail, ski safely in traffic and generally be more confident to explore the mountain.
HOW
Adjusting the rate of steering and amount of edging can be a very good way to alter the size and shape of turns to suit different situations.
WHAT’S NEW
Students will use their situational understanding to navigate more of the mountain quickly, efficiently, and comfortably.
Situational Understanding
- Increase the rate of steering and edging when skiing within a narrower corridor
- Adjust the rate of steering and edging to navigate busy areas on the mountain, or when taxiing on connecting cat tracks
- Decrease the rate of steering and edging when skiing within a wider corridor
- Use a variety of blue terrain and flatter connecting slopes
- If using wider skis, understand edging will become harder, and steering will become easier
Active Balance & Stance
- Match the rate and range of flexion and extension to the rate and range of steering and edging. This will help maintain a centred stance on the skis
Outside Ski Balance
- Adjust the timing of the weight shift to match with the size and shape of the varying turns
Edging
- Increase and decrease the rate of lateral movements of the legs to suit the size of the turn
- Develop edging while adjusting the size of the turn to maintain a round turn shape
Steering
- Use leg steering at a faster rate to adjust the size of the turn to suit a narrower corridor or busier areas on the mountain
- Slow down the rate of leg steering to adjust the size of the turn to suit a wider corridor or open connecting cat tracks
- As the rate of steering increases, so will the intensity of leg rotation