Ski Tip for Groomers #1
THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT.
We hear a lot about "long leg short leg" as if it is some magic new way of skiing. It's not. However, since the advent of shaped skis with better materials, carving is more available at slower speeds so the methods become more out in front.
"Long leg/short leg" is simply this: For the skis to carve two parallel tracks on a slope each leg needs to do a very different movement. The inside leg needs to be shorter, and more compact than the outside leg in order to leave room for both legs to lean inward. If the inside leg were long, you just would not be able to achieve the platform angle necessary to make the edges hold. This is a UNIVERSAL. You will NOT see a skier carving without the inside leg being shorter than the outside leg. So in a sense, all you have to do to show the soles of your skis to the cheering crowds below is shorten the inside leg as you initiate the edge change. Try it on a nearly flat slope (preferably a convex one--over a little knoll). Start traversing and (while maintaining pressure on the outside/downhill ski) ONLY flex the ankle and knee of the inside/uphill ski). DO NOT try to turn with this exercise. Just let the skis do it. You've given them all the input they need. Now take it on the road. Try it everywhere.
One caution: There is a strong tendency to advance the inside leg as you shorten it. Keep the inside ankle bending throughout. It will help with your alignment AND it will prepare you to be forward enough to start the next turn.
Another note: This is not the same as getting low in the turn. Certainly the center of the body is closer to the slope than it would be with both legs straight. However, the outside leg is quite long. Therefore, dynamically, in the turn, the skier is quite tall and long even though the hips are close to the snow.
Check the right leg in the image below. And notice that the bases of the skis are very clearly off of the snow. And notice that the skier is very very happy!
Posted On: February 23rd, 2010 in Groomed By: Weems Westfeldt
