Skiing the right way: The right technique
When your friends talk about technique and skiing style over lunch in the hut, do you understand nothing? Then you know that although you can get down the slopes, you still have a lot to learn when it comes to technique. But don't worry, the right technique can be learned faster than you think. We'll explain everything you need to know to finally be able to ski properly!
Skiing correctly on the slopes
There are a few things to bear in mind on the slopes, especially at weekends and during the vacations. The motto “close your eyes and go” is not the way to approach a day's skiing, especially as a beginner. The more skiers there are on the piste, the more anticipatory and slower your skiing style should be, as the risk of collisions is increased.
In general, there are two options when skiing on the piste: Either you are on the so-called family slopes, where space can get really tight from time to time. The alternative is the steep slope, which is usually only for advanced skiers. We will now explain the best technique to use on these slopes:
Short turn technique: skiing with little space
You've probably heard or at least seen it before: Short turns. These are turns that slow down your speed in an elegant way. Short turns are particularly suitable for slowing down your speed on narrow slopes.
This is how skiing with short turns works::
Basic position: Stand shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and hips slightly, center of gravity is in the middle
Start off: Press your shins against the ski boot, ski instructors also call it “crushing the banana” and start skiing
Find your rhythm: The poles now set the rhythm, the turn is changed when the poles are used!
Bend-stretch-bend: This movement is made by your legs, which means that you make yourself small in the turn and then big again. Your legs are stretched before the bend and bent again during the bend. The bend is ridden with the center of gravity downwards, then stretched out again with the center of gravity upwards. You can also use your hands to help at the beginning.
Put weight on the outside edge of the ski: To be able to control the speed and turns well, the body weight is shifted to the outside ski. This happens almost automatically due to the bend-stretch-bend.
-> Expert tip:racticing short turns is more fun in pairs! Your partner can ski ahead or call out to you to set the pace for the turns.
Technique for advanced skiers: skiing on steep slopes
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If you want to avoid the crowds of skiers, it's a good idea to choose more difficult and steeper slopes in the ski area. In order to have fun and not just slide down anxiously, you should at least have practiced the short turn technique on flat terrain beforehand
On steep slopes, you can also pay attention to the following::
short and powerful edge pressure with tight radii
Stretch-bend-stretch the joints to lift the end of the ski
Avoid lying on your back at all costs, as this allows both skis to be turned quickly and stably over the fall line!
-> Expert tip: This technique can be used not only on steep slopes, but also on hard snow.
Technique for advanced skiers: skiing on steep slopes
If you want to avoid the crowds of skiers, it's a good idea to choose more difficult and steeper slopes in the ski area. In order to have fun and not just slide down anxiously, you should at least have practiced the short turn technique on flat terrain beforehand
On steep slopes, you can also pay attention to the following:
short and powerful edge pressure with tight radii
Stretch-bend-stretch the joints to lift the end of the ski
Avoid lying on your back at all costs, as this allows both skis to be turned quickly and stably over the fall line!
-> Expert tip: This technique can be used not only on steep slopes, but also on hard snow.
Carving technique when skiing in the morning
Especially early in the morning, you usually have the slopes to yourself on the piste. This is exactly the right time to finally practise carving. To cut a good figure, you should keep the following in mind when carving:
Basic position: Stand with your hips wide apart, bend your joints a little, keep your arms bent slightly in front. While riding: Body tension!
Starting off: Start off slowly, build up pressure on the skis by shifting the body's center of gravity forward, i.e.: lean into the turn - the skis are guided in parallel
Ski loading: Weight is on both skis, but more on the outer ski. Both are then pressed onto the edge and held there before the turn is made.
Rhythm: No stretch-bend-stretch or high-low-high movement! When carving, the body's center of gravity is shifted forward to change turns, the movement comes from the legs, the pressure is built up on the inside edge of the new outer ski.
Turn: The turn is skied round and on the edge - your ski “carves” around the turn on its own! This means that no turning movement of the upper body is required!
-> Expert tip: You need enough speed to push the ski onto the edge and keep it there! Carving does not work in slow motion.
Skiing properly in deep snow and on fresh snow
Sooner or later, skiing in deep snow will also appeal to you: untouched slopes make skiing not only fun, but above all a natural experience for the soul! However, avalanche warnings must always be heeded. The following technique can be used on a safe deep snow slope:
First develop a feel for the deep snow while skiing diagonally down the slope!
Keep your balance: In deep snow, the bumps can come quite suddenly, so you should always be focused in order to react to them. The aim is not to tip over!
Correct footwork: More strength is required because the large amount of snow naturally acts on the ski! In deep snow, you should pay attention to a parallel skiing style and a closer leg position than on the piste.
The downhill ski leads: Especially when you are trying to make a turn! However, the load should be shared equally between the two skis.
Practice makes perfect: In order to cut a really good figure when powder skiing, you should keep practicing. Even the best powder skier didn't fall from the sky!
In addition to deep snow, freeriders are also very popular on mogul slopes, where you need to pay particular attention to the so-called balancing movement of the legs.
The right posture: skiing like a pro
Body posture naturally depends on the type of snow, the surface and the chosen technique. In principle, there are no major differences in body posture between the various techniques - except when freeriding, of course.
Alpine skiing behavior: This general skiing style makes it possible to react quickly and flexibly to the skiing conditions. The body should be upright and leaning slightly sideways towards the valley. Good body tension helps you to react quickly to changing terrain or other skiers.
Short turns:It is important to keep your upper body calm and stable. The torso remains turned in the direction of the valley and the legs concentrate on the bend-stretch-bend movement.
Carving: When carving, the speed is higher, which means that you have to keep a stable body posture in order to actually “carve” and not slide. The upper body tends to bend down the slope and the legs do the rest.
Deep snow: As the name suggests, you are pretty free when freeriding, and the same applies to your body position. In principle, however, you should adopt an upright and stable body posture in deep snow in order to be able to react to unevenness.
Not only should you pay attention to your own body and technique when skiing, other skiers must also be taken into account - safety always comes first!
Which ski for which technique?
Finally, we also want to give you an answer to the question of whether your ski is suitable for a particular technique. In principle, you can use any of the techniques presented here with an alpine ski - but depending on your ability, you will find it easier or more difficult.
Short turns and carving: For piste skiers who prefer to make short turns, it is advisable to choose a ski with a wide and soft shovel. A slalom waist like the RC4 Worldcup SC makes the ski more maneuverable in turns. If you prefer to go fast, you will be delighted with an RC4 The Curv, for example.
Freeride Deep snow skiing is the reward for the early bird among skiers and is particularly popular with freeriders. The Ranger 102 from Fischer, for example, is the perfect choice for stable and easy skiing.
Once you've found the right technique for you, you'll love it. You can perfect it by practicing, and maybe you will not only become a good skier, but even a legendary one! Nothing stands in the way of an expert discussion at après-ski about the right skiing technique.
