A jump turn on skis is a technique used to quickly change direction on steep terrain, requiring precise timing and control, initiated significantly by a solid pole plant.
Understanding the Jump Turn
The jump turn is a maneuver that allows skiers to pivot their skis in the air, rapidly changing direction. It's particularly useful on steep slopes where traditional carved or skidded turns might lead to excessive speed or loss of control. According to ski instruction principles, it shares similarities with a pivot turn or brage turn, focusing on body positioning and leg action.
Key Elements for Execution
Successfully performing a jump turn relies on mastering several core components:
Body Alignment
A critical aspect is maintaining your body facing down the fall line. This allows your lower body (legs and skis) to rotate independently underneath a stable upper body, facilitating the rapid change in direction without twisting your core excessively.
Steering Mechanism
In a jump turn, steering comes from your legs. This means the power to lift the skis and pivot them mid-air originates from the legs, not from rotating the upper body. The legs absorb, initiate the jump, pivot, and absorb the landing.
The Pole Plant
A good solid pole plant is essential to initiate the jump turn. The pole plant is described as key to starting the maneuver, providing stability, rhythm, and leverage for the unweighting phase that precedes the jump.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Jump Turn
Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved, incorporating the essential elements mentioned:
- Approach: Ski towards your desired turn spot with controlled speed, setting up for the turn.
- Initiate with a Solid Pole Plant: As you prepare to turn, execute a solid pole plant on the downhill side (or the side you will turn away from). This pole plant is key and helps initiate the movement, providing a point of stability and leverage.
- Unweight and Lift: Using the leverage from your pole plant and flexing your ankles, knees, and hips, unweight your skis. Drive with your legs to lift the skis off the snow.
- Pivot in the Air: While airborne, keep your body facing down the fall line. Using your legs, pivot your skis in the desired new direction (typically 90 degrees or more across the fall line). Remember, steering comes from your legs.
- Land and Absorb: Land softly with your skis pointing across the hill in the new direction. Absorb the impact by flexing your legs, maintaining balance, and immediately preparing for the next turn or skiing straight.
Practical Tips for Learning
- Start Small: Practice lifting your skis slightly off the snow without a full pivot on gentler slopes first.
- Focus on the Pole Plant: Get comfortable with a strong, well-timed pole plant as it is key to initiating the turn.
- Isolate Leg Movement: Practice the movement of your legs pivoting underneath you while keeping your upper body relatively still, facing the fall line.
- Visualize: Imagine your legs and skis turning like a compass needle while your upper body remains pointed downhill.
By focusing on keeping your body facing down the fall line, driving the steering motion from your legs, and utilizing a solid, key pole plant for initiation, you can effectively execute a jump turn.
