If you've mastered short radius turns and can effectively
modulate edging and absorption, you're ready to ski short, aggressive turns on
icy terrain. Be aware though that it can be frustrating and it is therefore
highly recommended that you start out on easy (icy) terrain and progressively
work yourself up to the black diamonds you're used to.
The idea is to get the skis to face across the hill as
quickly as possible, and then to jam the outside ski hard--"setting a hard
edge."
To make quick direction changes you'll have to pivot your
skis while keeping your upper body facing straight down the flow line. To
facilitate pivoting, you can retract your skis to lighten them and
"float" though that phase.
As the skis start facing across the flow line,
aggressively extend with the outside ski and briefly, but very firmly jam it
into the ice--immediately absorb the rebound and pivot into a new turn.
Some tips:
- Approach the icy slope making short radius turns so
that you're in rhythm by the time you reach it.
- Keep a wider stance.
- Stay in the Sweet spot.
- Don't stay on the jamming edge--pressure it hard and
immediately get off onto the new outside ski.
Print this out for future
reference and remember to have fun!
