Snowplow turns are most probably the way in which you will make your first deliberate
changes of direction. When you feel comfortable using the basic snowplow to stop, it is amazing
how easy it is to change this into a turning maneuver. The basics which you learn at this very early
stage carry right through to racing level
If you feel you can control stopping, then you will almost certainly be surprised how easy it
is to make your skis go the way you want them to. Try sliding straight down the slope and simply
put more weight on one ski than the other. Don't try to push the ski down, but lean easily just a
little bit more to one side. The ski that you are leaning over will come round and turn under you.
Lean to the left and you will go to the right, and vice versa. It really is that easy! When you can
master these changes of direction and can link a number of changes of direction together, you can
move on to the next step. To turn more and get better control in the radius of the turn, do the
same as before, but this time make a definite point of trying to 'stand still' between the turns before
you bring you weight back on to the ski that you want to turn. When you bring your weight on to
the ski, let your leg bend a bit. Bend it more, and for longer, if you want to turn more, and make a
quicker movement if you want a shorter turn.
Experiment for yourself, with different pressure on the skis and different speed in
your movements. This way you can feel for yourself what is happening. It is so much easier to
understand if you can FEEL the way different movements can influence what is happening to you
as you slide down the slope. Don't forget, though, that the more relaxed you are now, the more
you will feel what is happening. That means you will be enjoying yourself more - and therefore you
will progress even faster. And remember to stay flexible!
To feel flexibility in your waist, stand in a traverse position and bend down with your downhill hand, touch your knee and relax for a minute. Just make sure you are still looking in the direction you're travelling.
