Turning Point Take Charge!
Turning Points
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Having trouble controlling your skis on steep terrain? Finding the right line in moguls? Plowing through nasty snow? The problem may lie in the way you approach your first turn.
Rather than skiing across the hill (Figure 1) and traversing, try pointing your skis straight down the fall line (Figure 2) to aggressively initiate your first turn. Starting from a traverse requires you to turn almost 180 degrees; setting up from the fall line reduces that amount to less than 90 degrees.
Pointing your tips straight downhill can be intimidating, especially when there is tough terrain below. But you don’t need to stay in the fall line for long. After just a couple of feet, you can initiate your first turn with more momentum, increased power and better balance. And an aggressive start is more effective than a tentative one because it generates confidence.
Trust yourself and point ’em downhill-you’ll see good results.