I think it's time for another lesson

[Greg]

Got this tip from a j(x) race instructor; another thing you can try is curling the toes. Curl it downwards (like clawing on the boots) will make the shin pressure the tongue and get you forward. Curl the toes upwards will get you in the back seat and ride the tails.

I sometimes do this instinctively, but I always thought "grabbing" with the toes was a bad thing...

 

[tirolerpeter]

Amen!

Harold was right. Keep pressuring your boots. The steeper it gets, the more pressure you should have on those boots. That doesn't necessarily mean you should be leaning forwards. You should keep your posture nicely upright (don't hunch forward), knees slightly bent (to maintain boot pressure and flex capability) and do not stick your butt out back. When you feel tension in your quads it is because your weight is back and the pressure is off your boots. If you feel tension in your quads consciously hold your arms forward (while staying upright) and you will feel the stress easing.

The "tail swishing" style you describe is common in many skiers. It works well (up to a point) and even looks kind of cool. However, it fails you on the steeps. It does not allow you to "angulate" (lay your skis over on their edges) and consequently you get no edge bite. Just when you need the most edge bite, you are flattening out your skis. In fact, if you have modern "shaped" skis you are NOT using their capabilities when you engage in "tail-swishing." The arcs (and edge bite) they are capable of generating can only happen if you are laying them on their sides. If at the same time, you are "forward" (not in the "back seat") and your stance is not too tight, (keep your feet about shoulder width apart) you will be amazed at the carving you can do. In fact, with a little practice you will find yourself carving with BOTH edges on all your turns. Think of the "holding power" of that combo!

Staying forward on the steeps is "counter-intuitive." Humans tend to shy or lean away from perceived danger. If you do that on steep terrain, you will lose your edges and control. Try a few runs with your elbows even with your hips, and your hands forward (while maintaining the posture described above). You will definitely feel the difference. Any time the terrain steepens, consciously keep pushing your arms forward, maintain your upright stance, keep your shoulders perpendicular to the fall-line, and lay your knees over slightly. You will be pleasantly surprised. Oh yes, and your "quads" will love you too.

Amen to this! In fact, the steeper the terrain the more important it is to stay "forward." That combined with "angulation" will give you the "edge" bite you need for control.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Mea Culpa

I just realized that I quoted myself! Oh well, still not bad advice.

 

[bigbog]

....

...Right in there with you Uphill,
Good ideas for everyone tirol! When I sometimes slip into the past;-) and begin to muscle it...my upper gradually begins to lose that slightly countered posture on short to medium radius stuff, not to mention any quickness in the lower legs, and on any kind of pitch it really makes me pay..

 

[jack97]

I sometimes do this instinctively, but I always thought "grabbing" with the toes was a bad thing...

Depends on what is happening when you curl the toes. For me, when I grab, I automatically press my knees forward. Conversely, when I curl my toes, I place the weight on the heels. Others may not do the same.

But the important part is moving the weight or com more forward. Pushing the hands or knees or hip.... all seem to get it there.