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YOU’VE GOT LEGS…

     learn how

       TO USE THEM!    Alpine Tip

Using your head while skiing is strongly recommended, but it’s your legs that get you down the mountain. They’re your suspension and steering. This may seem obvious, but most out-of-balance skiers are usually missing a couple of basic moves that their legs can provide.

Balancing while sliding means staying loose… Mobile feet and legs are the suspension beneath a smooth ride. Ankles, knees and hips respond together to the terrain. The feet never drag behind, but are placed to meet the resistance of the terrain and snow. It’s a lot quicker to move your feet beneath you to catch your balance than it is to move your body to stay over your feet.

YOUR LEGS ARE THE

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

AND THE STEERING

Turning starts from down below… The other big part of staying in balance is to start the turn by turning your legs. Use your legs to change direction, avoid the classic error of letting the shoulders and hips twist into the new turn. For solid balance, your legs have to turn first, leaving the upper body undisturbed.

Combining the shock-absorption potential of the legs with their ability to steer takes mileage and focus. But both skills are essential for good balance. Legs are your suspension system and steering. Use your head too, but it’s your legs that will carry you through the day.

By John Gillies


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