Retraction


In this movement, actively pulling up (lifting) the legs can lighten the con- nection between the skis and the snow, momentarily reducing pressure. At slower speeds and in deep snow, the intensity or physical exertion of this movement can be significant. At all speeds, timing is crucial to reduce pressure on the skis at the critical moment. Retraction can be used to clear an obstacle in the snow, pull skis out of heavy snow, or to facilitate transition in dynamic short-radius turns on steep terrain.


Absorption


Allowing muscles to relax and give in to the forces pushing on the skis creates a momentary reduction in force. Te rate of flexion occurs more slowly than with down unweighting and retraction, and for a longer duration. Absorption is used to regulate pressure over varied terrain such as round bumps or rolls.


PHOTO 1.24: Absorption


PHOTO 1.23: Retraction


PRESSURE CONTROL AND BALANCE


Pressure control has a unique relationship with balance. Since the forces that bend the skis and cause them to change direction are the same forces with which the skier must maintain equilibrium to stay in balance, the movements used to control the pressure on a ski also keep the skier in balance.


A skier makes adjustments to increase, decrease, or maintain pressure on the skis by adjusting his or her stance to remain in balance. To create or react to pressure, the skier may adjust balance fore/aft along the length of the skis, laterally from the edge of one ski to an edge on the other ski, and/or through extension or flexion movements to increase, decrease, or resist pressure.


32 PSIA ALPINE TECHNICAL MANUAL TheSnowPros.org


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