Snow Skills

The final men’s alpine skiing event of the Torino 2006 Olympics will be held today, Saturday, February 25, 2006; Men’s Slalom event. America’s Bode Miller will be attempting to score a medal after coming up short in the other four alpine events. Even if Bode doesn’t make the medal podium, we can learn alot about making good short turns from his technique. Check out his runs and focus on the following:

Watch how tall Bode stands while ripping through the slalom course. In short turns, there isn’t time to bend your legs and create high edge angles. The image he’ll give is that he’s tipping his skis onto edge mostly with his ankles, with his knees in a supporting role. That’s the key to quickness and steady balance in short turns; smaller, precise movements that allow you athletic agility.

Another great image that Bode shows for short turns is the way he steers his skis with his feet. He uses his entire legs to redirect the skis at the same time, with a constant distance between the skis. The ski tips will turn together, sweeping a pair of arcs that are almost purely parallel. Also focus on his upper body as well; notice that his legs are turning very actively while his torso is turning very slightly. Two good images with a single conclusion; steer your legs, not your body!

Short turns aren’t just about the bling of Olympic medals; they’re an important part of skiing tactics. Practice them often and look for these positive indicators to know that you’re making good ones.