Keep An Eye On Your Arms.

Note arms elevated and away from the body, a key to stability and balance. That’s Ted Ligety, by the way.

One of the best tips I ever got was from a guy who was a former Colorado Pro Tour racer.  Frank Anderes had a keen eye for what was happening on the hill and besides telling me that it was important to make a lot of turns on a smaller hill, his tip about balance still resonates with me today.  One day in the lodge, Frank remarked that I skied with my hands too far inside.  He said that I would never guard anyone in basketball with my hands  in tight or hit a tennis ball with hands in too tight.  The  reason to get the hands out wider is primarily for balance.  He then showed me a graphic example of how that works.  He asked me to put my hands in tight to my body and immediately he knocked me off balance with a push to my left side.  He then said, “ Pat – get those hands out to your sides in peripheral vision range and see what happens.  He then tried to knock me over again but I was able to remain stable on my feet.

When I look at the forces that occur in a ski turn, like what is shown here with Ted Ligety, it would be next to impossible to execute a powerful turn like that with your hands in tight to your body.  Unfortunately a lot of skiers get lazy and keep their hands in tight and low and skid through the turns.  In order to make a dynamic turn, one has to put a lot of pressure on the outside ski and bend it. In order to  maintain that balance and fight the centrifugal force, you have to have those hands out just like Ted.  A slightly countered position facing the new turn with the hands out wide, will enable you to create a strong edge angle, be solid on your feet and execute a strong turn.  So, if you have played any sport, you will remember the coaches referring to the “ready” position.  Hands outside, joints flexed, ready for action.  Think Snow!!!