A Gentle Touch......

In skiing, edging is an essential skill. But one misconception of many advanced and expert skiers is that more edging is better. Edge increase must be adjusted according to the variety of turns, the skier’s speed, as well as terrain and snow conditions.

Good edging is not necessarily putting the skis at a maximum angle in each turn. Heavy edging will slow down a skier but disrupts the glide of the skis and the real essence of downhill skiing. Keep in mind that you are wearing skis and not brakes! Braking applies a maximum pressure on the edges when the skis are across the hill. It may be reassuring but sure kills the momentum of skiing.  Excessive edging will also tire you out very quickly and cause very sore muscles the next day.

A light touch is often more efficient. Improve your edging with a round turn shape that encourages edging earlier in the turn. Speed control will naturally occur in the last third of the arc when the skis are gliding naturally accross the hill and just before the next turn. Release your edges earlier and maintain your momentum down the hill. Control is the result of a smooth, round arc.