PHOTO 2.11: The skill blend may be different on fat, rockered skis than on slalom skis, but mechanics – the actions possible on a pair of skis – remain constant.
the skill blend for different applications. A dynamic short turn on a fat, rockered ski may require a lower edge angle and more skid to control the turn shape. In powder, a skier on a slalom ski may need to adopt a narrower stance and unweight more actively than a skier who is on a modern powder ski. Whatever the gear, you need to consider how it’s designed to interact with the snow (see Chapter 5, Equipment).
SKILL LEVEL
Skiers at a lower ability level tend to favor slower speeds and shallower terrain than more proficient skiers. Speed control is of great importance. Terefore, skill blends often emphasize fore/aft pressure control to remain centered on a flatter ski for rotational control of skidding. Flatter skis are easier to turn and skidding helps control speed. Adept skiers tend to look for speed and are more adventurous when considering the terrain pitch and variety of snow conditions. Terefore, skill blends often favor the edge control and pressure management required with faster speeds and higher edge angles. Advanced skiers also need to be prepared to rotate their skis at any time for tactical purposes, especially when skiing bumps and on variable terrain. Regardless of skill level, it’s important to blend skills into a functional outcome.
SKILL FOCUS
While highlighting one skill may be the focus of a task, other skills are also present to various degrees. A straight run to a pivot slip is often used to help skiers develop rotary action of the skis (rotational control). Yet this maneuver is nearly impossible to perform accurately if a skier is not balanced over the center of the skis (pressure control). Also, skis must be relatively flat on the snow for them to pivot, and the edge angle must be adjusted to control the rate of descent in the slip (both of which pertain to edge control).
TheSnowPros.org CHAPTER 2: SKILLS CONCEPT–BLENDING THE SKILLS 45
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