• Skiing the ice well calls for a precise balance of the four basic skills: Balance, Edge control, Pressure control, and Steering.

Start in a traverse with your upper body slightly countered. Kick the downhill foot forward several times as you move across the hill.

Stay in balance, still keeping your weight primarily on the uphill foot, but notice that, as the foot is kicked, the pressure moves to the heel of the downhill foot.

Maintain contact between your shins and the tongues of your boots.

Do this kicking traverse in both directions.

Add the pole swing

Now, while still in a traverse, add a swing of the downhill pole--call it the flick to coincide with the kicking of the downhill foot. The kick and flick are to be timed as a joint action, kick/flick.

The last kick and flick should be directed down the hill. Your speed and the steepness of the terrain will dictate how quickly you enter the flow line. Be patient and don't force it.

Remain fairly compact with your chest over the downhill ski.

Now, while turning

Take this out of a traverse and into a medium to long radius turn, with a "preparatory" kick/flick and then, a for-real kick/flick that will change the direction of the skis.

Notice that when you kick and flick into the turn, your weight transfers early to the outside ski. That outside ski will edge progressively as it enters the flow line just by following the action of the kicking ski and the crossover aided by the pole action.

After you've kicked the ski, set it down on its little toe edge and guide the shape of the turn with your foot and knee.

At the same time that you're shaping the bottom half of the turn the outside ski, upon coming around the arc, should start kicking.

This action of kicking will pressure the tail of the ski and you should feel a bite in the snow.

Now, reduce the kick/flick to only one in each direction.

Slow the action down for a smooth long radius turn. Fluid motion is always important. There should never be any static period between the action of the flick/kicks.

• Keep the upper body facing slightly down the flow line.

Now, smooth out the kicking action so that you are just moving the ski forward and rolling it into the turn.

• Always be sure to chase the action of the inside leg with the outside leg.
• Stay in the Sweet spot!

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