Sophie and Steven were prepared for steeper slopes by learning how to make sharper turns with using “Foot Forward Technique”. In addition they were prepared to use a snowplough on steeper terrain by initiating the turn with the weight firmly on the downhill ski – and using it as a brake – pivoting – until directly the plough was directly pointing downhill – then the outside ski takes over – both skis having created one continuous braking effect. Dynamics were still applied throughout as learned on day 1.
Foot Forward Technique
This gives security through the start of a turn on steep terrain.
Pushing the outside (uphill initially) foot forward during the turn. The foot never gets in front of the other foot – it just tightens the turn instead.
The exercise is practised with skis off and standing in ski boots. For this static exercise we use ski pole support with the body faced downhill with the uphill foot pointing across the hill and the downhill foot pointing downhill and the heel jammed into the snow. The uphill boot is pulled over onto its inside edge and pushed forwards in a natural arc.
Here is some video of exactly the same action in ice hockey training. In skiing the overall direction of travel would be straight downhill instead of straight ahead on the flat ice.
Pivot (Skis sliding Sideways)
Pivoting is derived from the skis sliding sideways and can be developed from side slipping (It’s a braking form of turning). With a “pure pivot” as an exercise there is no forward travelling of the ski across the hill. Support for the centre of mass is now provided by support from a downhill pole plant. This is the real reason why we have ski poles! There is a full dedicated explanation of pivoting at the following link: “PIVOT“