Skiing Long Radius Carving Turns

For a long time skis were straight and it was believed that the longer the skis are, the faster. Nowadays, ski manufacturing has changed with the advancement in modern technology. You'll notice the shape of a ski is more like an hourglass, wide at the top and bottom, and narrow in the center. This hourglass shape will assist in giving you more control as you turn. With the right technique your skis will slip less, so instead of skidding you'll be carving, and it's a whole lot of fun.

First stand with your feet hip width apart and traverse across the hill. as you begin to make your turn, place more weight on the inside edge of your downhill ski. Now during your next turn roll your ankles to the other side. Keep in mind that the pressure has to shift as the other side will become the outside leg.

Long radius turns are a maneuver with your weight low to the hillside, yet there is still some up and down motion. With each turn you lean to one side and the inside leg bends at the knee enabling you to take your center mass further inside the turn.

Weight shift
Up and down & side to side

Begin your linked together long radius turns by standing in a traverse. When you begin to turn, bend your knees shifting your weight down like a giant slalom racer in a tuck. Lean into the hill with your weight on the downhill ski. As you come out of the turn flex your legs as if you’re standing up. This will put pressure on your skis creating speed out of the turn and into your traverse. As you finish the turn, take the weight of your downhill ski. This will have the effect of "lightening" the skis, which allows for easy direction changes. Link to the next turn with a traverse and repeat the process on the other side of the trail. Intensity and speed increases as the pitch of the hill increases. This increased energy is transmitted through your skis when they rebound out of the turn.

The pole touch in long radius turns

In long radius turns, the pole touches right after your skis have crossed the fall line and are pointing across the hill. The pole initiates the new turn.

Practice is key. It will help you to become comfortable, and the more comfortable you feel as you make carving turns the more you will be able to enjoy yourself and ski faster. Keep in mind your upper body and skis move together. As your skis turn, let your waist and shoulders turn at the same speed. Feel yourself flow with your skis.

Technique tips for dynamic long radius turns:

• Keep a rhythm.
• Avoid skidding through the entire turn.
• Stand in a dynamic stance, with weight forward, feet slightly apart and your upper body facing slightly downhill.
• Steer both skis at the same time in the same direction.
• Extend down the hill from the uphill ski when your skis cross the fall line.
• Long radius turns take more time than short radius turns, so slow your bend and flex rebound as you turn.