February 2008

Tough icy conditions often throw people off and intimidate them. Racers love icy conditions because it is consistent, and once you know how to use a skis edge properly, it is a very firm platform to turn against which feels like your skis are on rails!!

A number of things are needed to be able to carve perfectly on ice. One being sharp edges; if your skis are dull sharpen them, or take them to a shop to be tuned up. Another aspect is the ability to flex your ankle forward and to the side at the same time in the ski boot; this pressures the ski in the appropriate manner. Another component is the understanding that your heel follows the exact same line as your toes, just as it would if you were skating. If you want to stop or slide a ski, you would push your heel out and it would no longer be following the line that the toe creates. The kids learn the skill on very moderate terrain by straight running and slowly rolling both ankles over, and focusing on making sure the toes are still facing the bottom of the hill, never the side of the foot.

Once you carve a ski properly for the first time, it feels so strong and secure; you will never want to slide a turn again.

Good luck

Steve Lawrence Program Director