What causes the skis to change direction.
Hips, Legs, Feet??
Drifted Parallel Turns
How do we change direction while skiing?
Seems like a simple question...
Some people says: “Hey, turn your feet”... but this isn’t entirely accurate !
A turning effort or force does come from the lower body (The legs)
It’s the rotational muscles in the hip and legs (Upper Femur & Lower Tibia)
These muscles are called the Adductors
If you’re on a gentle slope (Green) and your legs are extended, it’s probably more of the hip rotary muscles that are used to turn
If you’re on a steeper slope (Blue, Black), your legs will be more flexed as a point in the turn where the Leg Adductor muscles become more engaged to turn the skis.
In a drift turn on Blue Run, try not to have a long leg or extended body to make the turn. In between turns (The transition), allow your legs to manage the pressure (flex) and use your Adductor Leg muscles to rotate or turn the skis into the new direction.
RESULT?
Better balance throughout the turn
Earlier grip before or at the fall line
Rounder turn shape for control and managing your speed.