Always Be Moving

Ever feel like your skis are trying to run away on you? That’s because they are… Every time you point your skis downhill, they’re going to accelerate – so you either move with them or you get left behind. To combat this you have to always be moving.

Try extending the leg that will be on the outside of each new turn at your hips and knees to keep up with your skis, not your ankles. If extension occurs at the ankles they “open.” which causes you to move up and back, into the “back seat.” Focusing on keeping your shins in constant contact with your boot tongues should help you keep your ankles flexed.

Remember, keep your body mass over your feet and your shins aligned with your back. Here Derek demonstrates a straight run with his ankles flexed and shins in contact with his boots.

Once you’ve started your turn, begin flexing slowly and progressively into your boot cuff as you enter the fall line (straight downhill), where acceleration will be the fastest. This technique will help you accelerate at the same rate as your skis so that you are in a better position to shape each turn.

Derek Althof has 16 years experience in the ski industry and is Deer Valley’s ski school training manager and an alpine examiner and clinic leader for the Professional Ski Instructors of America’s Central and Intermountain Divisions. Derek learned to ski at age 4 and has had a passion for good skiing ever since.

We hope you enjoy our weekly skiing tips. Please remember that they can help but will not eliminate risks, as skiing is a dynamic sport. These tips are meant to help you build skills  for a more enjoyable skiing experience.