There is no better time for an advanced skier to move
toward an "expert" level then in December! Let's look at
some of the key basics to establishing a solid stance.
1) Shins and upper torso in line…
We ski instructors often tell people to get into an
“athletic stance” when skiing. This generally means flexing slightly in all the
joints in a position of readiness… kind of like a soccer goalie or a tennis
player, ready to move anywhere at a moments’ notice. One way to gage if you are
maintaining and athletic balanced stance is if your spine angle is parallel
with your shin. Try it on a green trail in a very basic straight run. Slowly
(patiently) build to adding a turn shape and then blue square runs. This is a
consistent "stance" position of all higher performance levels…
2) Feel your feet…
In order to maintain balance throughout your turns try to
think about the sensations you are feeling on the bottom of your feet. You
should feel pressure more toward the ball of your foot. Especially at the
extended first half of the turn. as you flex slightly through the second half
of the turn you may feel a bit more pressure towards the heel.
3) Turn with the legs…
Many intermediate and even advanced skiers initiate their
turns by rotating their upper body. This can easily get you out of balance and
put you in a position where it becomes difficult to effectively edge the skis.
Instead try turning with the legs (rotate the femurs inside the hip sockets).
This advanced move is initiated with the knees and fine tuned with the ankles.
Making this move will allow you to keep a quiet upper body to maintain balance.
It will also allow you to more effectively create “angulation”.
This seems like a lot to focus on all at once so please
be patient. Having a instructor or coach ski with you for an hour will help
assist with these basic principals. (Video will also assist in the introduction
phase of these drills.)
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a
time to ski with a professional, please give me a call.
Give it a try!
John Pawlak, PSIA-E and USSA
________________________________________________________________________
John Pawlak is well acquainted with golf and
skiing in New England, drawing on several years of experience. Prior to his
Director of Golf position here at Omni Mount Washington Resort, he was Director
of Golf/General Manager of the Tater Hill Golf Club at Okemo Mountain Resort in
Windham, Vermont. In the winter, John was Assistant Director of the Competition
Center at Okemo. In addition to overseeing 70+ races a year, ranging in ages
from U10 to Masters skiing, he was the Head Coach for the U14 Team.
In the mid 90’s, John accepted the Head of Development
and Staff Trainer position at Pats Peak Ski Area. Overseeing 90 +/- staff and
encouraging all to join PSIA and to be a part of this wonderful sport. In 1996,
he obtained his Level III certification in ski teaching and wanted to further
his education to a regional level. He qualified for the Development Team in
1998 qualifying 2nd out of some of the best Level III skiers in the
North east to earn his PSIA Level III
status.
John Pawlak currently serves as Bretton Woods’
Director of Golf and Bretton Woods Alpine Club.
http://brettonwoods.com
http://brettonwoods.com/general/bretton_woods_club/overview
http://brettonwoods.com
http://brettonwoods.com/general/bretton_woods_club/overview
Posts
