Mastering intermediate ski turns involves developing techniques beyond basic snowplowing, focusing on using your edges and applying pressure effectively to guide your skis through a smooth arc. A key technique for intermediate skiers aiming for more refined, rounded turns is applying early pressure to the outside ski.
Understanding Intermediate Ski Turns
Moving from beginner turns (often involving a snowplow or stem turn to initiate) to intermediate turns means learning to ski with your skis more parallel and relying on the ski's sidecut shape to carve or shape the turn. The goal is often a "nice rounded turn," as described in skiing tutorials for this level.
The Role of Pressure and Edge Control
Skiing turns fundamentally rely on tilting your skis onto their edges and applying pressure. By engaging the edge, the ski's sidecut allows it to bend into an arc, naturally wanting to turn. Intermediate techniques focus on controlling this edge angle and pressure to create the desired turn shape and speed.
Applying Early Outside Ski Pressure
A specific technique highlighted for making clean, rounded turns at the intermediate level is applying early outside ski pressure. According to tips for intermediate skiers, using "Early outside ski pressure on the right foot" when turning is crucial for achieving a "nice rounded turn."
This means that as you prepare to enter a turn (say, turning left), you should begin applying pressure to your right ski – which will become the outside ski of the turn – early in the turn initiation phase. Conversely, preparing for a right turn means applying early pressure to your left (outside) ski.
Why Early Outside Pressure Helps
- Engages the Edge: Applying pressure while tilting the ski onto its edge causes it to engage with the snow and follow its natural arc.
- Drives the Turn: Pressure on the outside ski is powerful for steering and carving the turn effectively.
- Creates Rounded Arcs: Early pressure helps initiate a smooth transition into the turn, creating a more consistent and rounded shape throughout the arc, rather than skidding sideways.
- Improves Control: By actively pressuring the outside ski, you gain greater control over the turn radius and speed.
How to Practice Early Outside Pressure
Implementing this technique requires coordination and practice:
- Initiation: As you finish one turn and begin to transition into the next, think about shifting your weight and focus towards the ski that will be on the outside of the upcoming turn.
- Pressure Application: Gently but deliberately apply pressure through your foot, ankle, and knee onto that outside ski. This often involves slightly increasing the angle of the outside ski's edge into the snow.
- Body Position: Maintain a balanced, athletic stance with knees and ankles flexed. Your body should generally be stacked over your skis, but there can be subtle movements (like banking or angulation) that help apply pressure and edge angle.
- Feel the Arc: As you apply pressure and edge angle, feel the ski bend and guide you through the turn.
Other Intermediate Turning Tips
Beyond early outside ski pressure, consider these tips for improving your turns:
- Look Ahead: Focus your gaze down the slope where you want to go, not directly at your ski tips.
- Smooth Transitions: Aim for fluid movements between turns, allowing the momentum to carry you from one arc to the next.
- Rhythm: Find a consistent rhythm for linking your turns, which helps maintain control and flow.
- Hand Position: Keep your hands forward and slightly wider than hip-width for balance and to help maintain forward momentum.
By focusing on applying early pressure to your outside ski and incorporating other fundamental techniques, you can progress towards making smooth, controlled, and enjoyable rounded turns on intermediate terrain.
