Either on TV or in a magazine or movie, when you see good skier, pay attention to their hands. They are always in front of them. Racers will drive their hands forward as they pass gates or fly off bumps in a course. Recreational skiers may not need to ski with the same force as a racer, but keeping their hands in front is still very important.
The purpose of this exercise is to ensure proper arm and shoulder position. Begin with your stance in the dynamic position, your weight forward. Place your arms in a fixed position in front of you, hands chest level. Imagine you're carrying a cafeteria tray. Most ski areas won't let you take their cafeteria trays onto the hill, so with your arms held out place your ski poles horizontally across your wrists. Now hold that position. Think of how your body feels at this moment. Ask yourself: where are your shoulders and arms? Your shoulders should be parallel to the ground, hands and arms in front of you with your weight forward. As you make your turns, keep your arms parallel to the ground and keep your hands forward.
|