The right way to ski

Author: Kobus Reyneke
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Photos and Videos coming soon!

Technique primarily deals with skiing efficiency, whilst style is something you don't necessarily want to give up. For the vast majority of us, skiing is meant to be enjoyed, so avoid getting clinical and loose the humor, joy and freedom of self expression.

In recent years the World Cup racing circuit has influenced skiing technique more than any other source and the PSIA (Professional Ski Teachers of America) has also been strongly influenced by the leading racers.

PSIA
The PSIA (Professional Ski Teachers of America) leads the world in the establishment of techniques to teach the sport. It conducts clinics and exams for its members on a national basis and backs all this training up with manuals, videos and other educational materials.

They recognize that skiing is a constantly evolving technical sport, allowing for personal style and under the guidance of the PSIA and other teaching organizations, we can stay abreast with the most efficient ways to ski.

The PSIA continues to be accused of teaching single-position, or "static" skiing. Critics (mostly outsiders,) feel that PSIA-trained instructors "all ski the same" in a robot-like fashion and never seem to be having much fun. That instructors ski similarly is undeniable, but I can assure you they are having fun. The fact that PSIA-trained instructors ski "the same," is evidence of the success the PSIA has achieved in training. For the most part, PSIA instructors ski efficiently and because of the effectiveness of the PSIA's training, their style is quite similar.

Much of the finger pointing stems from the public's (and many instructor's,) misconception of the "Center Line."

Center line
The PSIA developed the "Center line" concept for its internal use. Unfortunately, pieces of this concept sometimes find its way to outsiders, who then interpret it incorrectly. However, many ski instructors also misunderstand the Center Line concept and unfortunately "teach center line."

The Center Line is a model of skiing performance represented by specific skiing maneuvers. It represents only a reference point from which the PSIA instructor can determine what fundamental skills need to be developed.

Skills (Concept developed by PSIA)
As we grow we develop skills such as walking, talking, writing, etc. Similarly--according to the PSIA, in skiing we also develop 4 basic skiing skills:

1. Balancing yourself in a dynamically changing environment.
2. Controlling the force or pressure exerted on your skis. 
3. Controlling the angle your skis make with the snow. 
4. Your ability to point or steer your skis.

• Regardless of your ability, all skills play a roll in our skiing at all times, but are developed to different levels along the way.
• When we start skiing, our biggest effort is aimed at developing the balancing skill, but very subtly we also control the distribution of weight between and pressure on our skis, the angle our skis make with the snow and in which direction the skis point. All skills play a roll, but at different levels. Compare a wedge turner with a toddler, a christie turner with a teenager, etc. and you'll understand how skills develop at different stages.
• Good skiing movements are consistent from beginning to advanced; they just become more dynamic as you get better. We go faster, the hills get steeper and the forces of nature interact accordingly. It's much like a volume knob. As we improve, the volume increases and the intensity of movements do too.
• The exercises in Ski Smarts were carefully researched and designed by examiner, clinicians and other professionally trained PSIA instructors. Because we're all PSIA trained, we naturally use the skills concept and the exercises in Ski Smarts develop and blend these 4 skills at the appropriate stages. This expedites learning and makes it a pleasurable experience.

So what's good skiing?
What's good and what's best, will probably always be a major discussion point. The World Cup skier, the professional instructor, the best mogul skier you've ever seen and the extreme skier in the latest dazzling video are all good skiers.

Although they ski differently, they have in common several techniques which we should emulate. The main techniques are:

A "countered" stance:
Notice how the upper bodies of great skiers stay relatively steady facing somewhat down the hill compared to their legs and feet that constantly change direction. Especially in short turns, it seems as if their upper bodies float motionlessly down the hill while their skis weave underneath them.

Extension from the uphill ski: 
At the end of a turn (roughly when our skis cross the flow line) great skiers extend down the hill from their uphill ski and move their bodies down the hill and across the skis.

Relaxed stance: 
Body position is not concocted to fit a certain look, but relaxed and efficient, with feet slightly apart.

Active steering:
Both skis are simultaneously and actively steered in the same direction, to achieve a carved turn.

So what?

• Correct technique is more important than style and by doing the appropriate exercises in Ski Smarts correctly and intelligently, and taking lessons from qualified professional ski teachers, you are guaranteed to become a more efficient and able skier.
• With this efficiency and ability come less fatigue and guaranteed greater enjoyment.
• Cherish your style, but also keep an open mind how correctly applied technique can positively effect your skiing.

Print this out for future reference and remember to have fun!

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