"Skiing into the Future"

Infinity and Beyond

by Larry Murdoch
Education V.P. NW Tech Team

The desired outcome of any turn is to have a positive effect on direction change with precise appropriate skill application and blending throughout.

 When we utilize ski design and physical control of the ski/snow relationship we want to be the decision maker regarding what shape the turn will have, what direction it will take us, and what speed at which the skis will travel.

 Through a variety of skill choices and the order in which those skills are applied, we the skier can show talents of adaptability, strength and versatility in our personal skiing.

 The following description provides an example of a series of movement patters put into a specific order to accomplish what I like to call Skiing Into the Future, or, "Infinity and Beyond."

 This example is intended to provide continuous flow down the hill with an early application of edging movements high in the turn also demonstrating the use of foe, aft balancing, and pressure control movements throughout a series of  medium radius turns. The rotary actions are continuous and controlled with a constant guiding of the skis throughout.

 Now on the written description:

 In a series of medium radius turns we want to have flexion-extension patterns that show flexion movements through the transition phase from one arc direction to the other, followed by extension of the legs from initiation into the control phase, followed again by flexion movements that begin as the skier guides the skis through the end of the control or turning phase and into the completion or transitions phase of the new arc.

Sound complicated? Not really.

Flex through the transition and extend through the body of the turn, continuously.

 Now onto edging:

 Edging is achieved by tipping the ankles and feet and hips progressively as leg turning is applied. The moment that the skis are tipped, however, it is very important to produce diagonal cuff pressure and active, continuous steering of the skis into the new direction of travel.

 Extension Movements:

 Also accompanying the tipping of the skis is an active press that directs you away from the angle of slope, into the direction of travel. (Approximately toward the apex of the coming turn This extension of the legs allows the skis to travel in an arc away from the rest of the body and reamin tipped even as we guide the skis down the hill.

 This extension also allows us to manage to pressure on the skis that potentially could become too light or flatten as the torso follows a more direct route down the hill.

 Edge early and lengthen the legs throughout the control or turning phase.

 Flexion Movements:

 As the skier moves through the control phase and into the completion phase of their turn, outside pressures, (Gravity and Momentum), begin to apply themselves to the ski and the skier. Edging at this point should continue developing through the ankles, knees, and hips while the torso folds (Angulates) to maintain balance over the outside ski as well as continuing to move down the hill. Flexion movements are applied smoothly to manage the pressure build up from guiding the skis away from the pull of gravity, through the completion phase of the turn.

 Fold or Angulate to manage pressure build-up over the outside ski and continue to guide the skis. The completion phase must also have continuous guiding of the skis with leg turning, bend of the ski, and fore-aft balancing.

 Flex and direct pole action and torso toward new turn.

 Centering:

 All of you have played with the concept of pushing or pulling the feet under you to maintain a centered stance along the length of the ski.

 In order to provide for the center of mass to continue its desired route down the mountain and to maintain cuff contract it becomes necessary to physically pull your feet gently back under a s you cross into the next turn. Even as you are moving the torso toward the new turn you are tipping at the boots and beginning the process all over again.

 In conclusion:

The image that comes to my mind and what I feel when I do this correctly is one of scribing the symbol for infinity in the snow with my feet. The intention of this article is to provide food for thought and an avenue for experimentation with skills application. I realize that through written descriptions not all aspects can be looked at but I would challenge you to go out on the snow and play with first of all accomplishing early edge engagement with a continuous application of leg turning throughout your turns and flexion-extension movements that allow for always managing the pressure that is exerted by either you the skier of the mountain that you are trying to manage.

 Remember: Balance, balance, and balance.

Practice, Performance, and Discipline

As Buzz Lightyear would say as he blasts off down the mountain "Infinity and Beyond!"