Release, Level the Hips and Pole Plant
Overview: Movement 7: Release pressure against your outside ski once your skis are moving towards the next turn. Level your hips, plant or touch your outside pole on the snow and return to the Athletic Stance, ready to start your next turn.
This description is the last of seven modules included in the Ski Technique module, describing how elite skiers and racers carve turns.
As you transition into the next turn, gradually release pressure from the outside ski. When the outside ski bends and accelerates, it may cause the body to rise between turns. Therefore, advanced racers sometimes allow their knees to rise to prevent their body from ‘popping up’, enabling them to return to the Athletic Stance before starting their next turn.
Release
Once your skis are moving towards the next turn, start releasing pressure against the outside ski. Maintain some pressure to prevent the energy in the ski releasing too quickly.
Return to the Athletic Stance, ensuring you are in a prime position to start the next turn.
Start applying pressure onto the ‘new’ outside ski.
Watch Paul Lorenz explain and demonstrate these movements.
When the outside ski bends and accelerates the energy in the ski may force the body to rise up between turns. As Paul Lorenz explained, it is sometimes best to allow the knees rise to prevent the body moving upwards.
The bending or shortening of the outside leg is not an “absorbing or retraction” movement as some pressure on the outside ski during transition will cause the ski to continue accelerating.
This action is shown by this picture of Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway.
A good demonstration of the body not “popping up” between turns by allowing the knees to rise is provided by the FIRST MINUTE of this VIDEO.
Level your Hips and Pelvis
To learn how keeping your hips and pelvis level during the transition can make it easier to start your next turn; Click below.
Pole Plant and Touch
The pole plant and touch are fundamental skills in alpine skiing and racing that enhances balance, control, and rhythm. To learn more; Click below.
Video on How to Transition
For a good analysis of how to transition from one turn to the next, watch the following video.
Key Takeaways
- When moving towards the next turn, release pressure from the old outside ski while maintaining some pressure to prevent rapid energy release. Start applying pressure onto the ‘new’ outside ski. Engage your core muscles to return to the Athletic Stance, ensuring you’re ready for the next turn.
- Releasing pressure from the outside ski during the transition can lead to the body rising or “popping up.” Advanced racers sometimes allow their knees to rise to prevent upward movement and help return to the Athletic Stance.
- In different turn types, adjust your pole plant or touch. In short slalom turns and on steep terrain, target your pole plant downhill in line with your boots. For longer arced turns, aim further towards the front of the skis. Pole planting plays a role in guiding your movements and ensuring proper timing.
Suggested Learning Modules
Return to Ski Technique or Learn to Race
Important Note: Skiing and ski racing come with inherent risks. As such, it is imperative to ski responsibly and remain within the boundaries of your skill level and personal comfort zone.
