Short Turns

Effective short turns are the key to advanced skiing. Not only are they useful on narrow or crowded pistes, but are also behind successful bumps, powder, and steep skiing. Short turns, Robert Leslie explains, are a matter of quickening the pace of your movements, while maintaining their accuracy. If you resort to twisting, steering, or pushing the tail of the outside ski, you might make one or two short turns you will find it hard to maintain control.

Short turns require an accurate and rapid transfer of balance from one ski to the other. They do not require hopping or vigorous twisting of the legs and skis. This will actually reduce your skis' ability to hold an arc and also exhaust you!

Start on very gentle terrain, so you can work on the timing of your movements and turns without picking up too much speed. Aim both skis straight downhill with your feet about 4-6" apart.

Keep your weight over the centre of your skis, enabling them to rotate easily beneath your feet. Excess forward or rear weighting will cause you skis to drag or skid.

Transfer weight evenly and rhythmically from ski to ski. Edge your skis by rolling your ankles and knees as quickly as possible after you make the weight shift to your outside ski.

Keep your ski poles moving. Think of having a pole in the snow at all times. This helps to anticipate the next turn and also helps to establish rhythm

Turn the skis with your legs not your hips or shoulders. A centred stance and good edging movements from the lower leg will allow your legs to make all the movements and keep your upper body "quiet."

Have a look at the Pole Plant tips for more help with your short turns