the hill as the skis turn across the hill, which in effect stands the body back up over the skis. Having placed more weight on the outside ski early in the finish phase, the skier gradually shifts to distribute weight more evenly between both skis as the initiation phase of the next turn approaches. Te pole swing begins during the finish phase as the skier directs the tip of the pole toward the apex of the upcoming turn.
Transition
Te transition between turns does not occur at a single point. It is a process that begins during the finish phase of a turn, as the skier decreases edge angles in preparation for the upcoming turn, and continues into the initiation phase, as he or she engages the new edges. Tese phases must blend for one turn to flow smoothly into the next.
BLENDING SKILLS
In every ski turn, rotational-, edge-, and pressure-control actions are essential. Te way they combine, or blend, characterizes how individuals ski and defines effective, efficient skiing. Te following section examines typical skill blends for different situations.
TURN SHAPE
Te better a skier’s ability to blend skills, the better he or she will be able to ski carved turns; very round, not-quite-carved turns; round, slightly-skidded turns; and very skidded turns. Round-shaped turns, or turns that are as round as possible, are desired in most applications of alpine skiing. Tey follow a symmetrically curved path from start to finish. While the majority of ski turns are variations of a round shape, skiers also have the option of increasing the amount of lateral slipping or skidding, which
PHOTO 2.5: Speed can be controlled by linking round- shaped turns.
alters the shape of a turn for a desired effect. Tis primarily sideways travel is typically done to slow and control speed, reposition on the hill for tactical purposes, or just because it’s fun.
Skiers create turns in many ways. For instance, turns can be short and quick in the fall line or big, open arcs on a wide run. Tey might be round-shaped like a “C,” or resemble a “J,” comma, or “Z.” Carving and skidding can be combined within a turn. Skiers can arc the top half of a turn and then skid the finish phase to slow down quickly. Tey can pivot and drift deliberately at the start of a turn and then clean carve through the finish.
Both intent and ability determine the way skills are blended to shape turns. Shaping a carved turn on groomed snow, for instance, requires a different skill blend than shaping a skidded turn in the moguls, as described next.
TheSnowPros.org CHAPTER 2: SKILLS CONCEPT–BLENDING THE SKILLS 41
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