A Guide to Faster Ski Turns Using Rotational Separation

Central Theme

This video addresses a common challenge for intermediate skiers: how to make quicker turns. It explains that mastering a technique called “rotational separation” is the key to improving agility, control, and safety on the slopes.

Key Points & Arguments

• The Problem with Whole-Body Rotation: Many intermediate skiers turn their entire body with their skis. This is inefficient, requires more effort, and results in slower turns.
• The Solution: Rotational Separation: The core concept is to separate the movements of your upper and lower body. For quick turns, you should keep your upper body (from the hips up) stable and facing down the hill while actively steering the skis with your legs.
• How It Works: By turning from the “bottom up” (using feet, shins, and legs), you use less energy and can transition between turns much more rapidly.
• Important Nuance: This technique is specifically for short, quick turns. For larger, long-radius turns, a twisted position is a disadvantage; in that case, your upper body should face the direction you are traveling. Good skiing involves adapting the amount of separation to the turn radius.

Practical Drills to Learn the Technique

The video suggests a step-by-step progression to develop this skill:

1. Static Twist: Stand still across the slope and twist your torso to face downhill.
2. Side Slipping: Maintain this upper-body position while side-slipping down the hill.
3. Linked Turns & Pivot Slips: Progress to linking turns and practicing pivot slips, always keeping your upper body oriented down the fall line.
4. Short Turn Practice: Apply the technique to normal skiing by making a series of short turns, focusing on keeping your jacket zipper pointed toward the bottom of the slope while ensuring you complete each turn to control speed.

Conclusion

To unlock faster and more agile turns, skiers must learn to turn with their legs while keeping the upper body quiet and facing downhill. Mastering this rotational separation provides greater control and allows for quicker reactions on the mountain.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=JQ1NmzY6PbI&si=e3R6nS8trX-iEoij