Central Theme
This video explains that the “Turn Shape” metric in the Carv ski app measures the consistency of your skis’ rotation rate throughout a turn, not the geometric arc you create on the snow. The primary goal is to use this metric as a tool for awareness rather than an absolute measure of good skiing.
Key Points & Arguments
- How it’s Measured: Turn Shape scores are based on maintaining a constant rate of rotation. For example, turning 10 degrees for every meter you travel forward would produce a very high score.
- High vs. Low Scores: A smooth, continuous turn with a steady rotation rate, even a simple snowplow, can score nearly 100%. Conversely, an inconsistent rate—like a sharp pivot at the beginning of a turn followed by a long, straight glide—will result in a very low score.
- Technique and Terrain Influence Score: A pure, carved turn where the ski’s sidecut dictates the arc tends to score high naturally. However, tactical adjustments like aggressive steering at the top of a turn, which is often necessary on steep terrain to control speed, will deliberately create an inconsistent rate and thus a lower score.
Significant Conclusions & Takeaways
The main benefit of the Turn Shape metric is to increase your awareness of how you are controlling your skis’ rotation. It helps you feel the difference between a smooth, continuous movement and an erratic one.
Crucially, you should not always aim for a 100% score. A lower score is not necessarily bad; it often reflects a skillful and necessary adaptation to challenging terrain or a specific turn type (like a quick, skidded short turn). The key is to understand why your score is what it is, not just to chase a high number.
Mentoring Question
When you ski, on what kind of runs do you think you naturally make more ‘perfect’ round turns, and where do you find yourself needing to pivot or steer more aggressively? How does this change your approach to controlling speed and your line?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-FyxoqXLkjI&si=NmR34i-nn84rjT8o
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