Connecting turns smoothly while skiing is fundamental to progressing from snowplow to parallel turns and maintaining rhythm down the slope. It involves transitioning seamlessly from the end of one turn into the beginning of the next.
One technique that can help in connecting turns, as demonstrated in the referenced video, involves adjusting your foot position within the boot. Specifically, the video mentions:
"...And with this big toe I'm just going to try and lift it off of the snow. And what that does that allows my skin to roll more flat. And Sam allows me to slide down the hill...."
This action of lifting the big toe slightly inside the boot isn't about lifting the ski off the snow, but rather adjusting the pressure and angle of your foot within the boot. This subtle shift can influence how the ski edges engage or disengage with the snow.
The Role of Foot Pressure in Turn Transition
Connecting turns relies on managing pressure and edge control. At the end of a turn, you release the pressure on the downhill ski's edge to transition to the uphill edge for the next turn. The technique of lifting the big toe is described as facilitating this transition:
- Lifting the Big Toe: This action within the boot can subtly shift the weight and pressure distribution, encouraging the ski to move onto a flatter base or roll slightly onto the other edge.
- Flattening the Ski: Allowing the ski to "roll more flat" means reducing the angle at which the ski's edge is dug into the snow. A flatter ski has less grip and is easier to pivot or slide.
- Sliding Down the Hill: With the ski flatter, you can smoothly transition across the fall line (the steepest part of the slope) with less resistance before engaging the edge for the next turn. This sliding phase is the connection point between the carved or edged part of one turn and the next.
Steps for Connecting Turns Smoothly
While the big toe lift is one specific tactic, here's a general overview of the transition phase:
- Finish the Turn: Control your speed and direction towards the end of your current turn.
- Release Edge Pressure: As you complete the turn, gradually reduce the pressure on the downhill ski's edge. You can do this by extending slightly or shifting your weight.
- Transition Across the Fall Line: Allow your skis to flatten and point momentarily down the hill. This is the brief sliding phase connecting the turns. This is where techniques like the "big toe lift" can assist in flattening the ski.
- Initiate the Next Turn: As you cross the fall line, begin to apply pressure to the new downhill ski's edge by flexing your ankles and knees and rolling your knees and hips into the new turn.
Mastering turn connection involves practice and developing a feel for pressure management and timing. Focusing on relaxing and allowing the skis to transition smoothly across the fall line is key.
