Traditional Technique or Modern Technique

[riverc0il]

I use what ever technique the current conditions require. I don't separate traditional and modern in my mind. I use a lot of techniques that are neither. There is a lot of technique you have to figure out for yourself.

All you guys saying that traditional is more graceful than modern just haven't seen many graceful modern skiers. There are a lot of "modern" technique skiers that are graceful. Arcing turns... well, maybe that isn't graceful. But modern technique can be used in a graceful way. I don't know if anyone would consider my skiing graceful (maybe if I was 50lbs lighter, I need to use some muscle to throw my body around), but I always think of skiing as dancing (in my own special way).

Regarding traditional technique being graceful, hardly. I have seen a few select traditional skiers that were graceful. But that is the skier who is graceful and fun to watch, it isn't the technique. I see a lot of hack old school skiers on the slopes using traditional technique, I find it rather ugly to watch. My favorite is the exaggerated body sway with the hands and poles going up to head height or higher after every pole plant.

 

[jrmagic]

I concur with Riv. I do different things in different conditions whihc is more of a reaction to those conditions rahter than a conscious effort to ski a certain way.. If i'm ripping down a groomer I'm apt to be railing it with my skis further apart than if I am in the bumps or trees or skiing something more technical.

 

[Abubob]

Arlberg

or maybe ...



I don't think these guys turn.

 

[Sick Bird Rider]

Wow, this one really interests me.

OK so growing up, my dad was almost religious about skis tight together, boot buckles touching.

If your boot buckles are touching, you've got your boots on the wrong feet.

 

[crank]

TEchnique bagam moving away from feet locked together back in the early 80's - long before "shaped" skis came into vogue. That said, the technique, other than a wider stance and some independent leg action was essentially the same. The shaped boards will ski fine with the old technique, but there are easier ways to turn them.

 

[goldsbar]

Don't be fooled by pictures of racers. They may look like they're skiing wide because the angles are so high. In fact, often their feet are close together. It just happens that one foot is much higher up the hill than the other due to angulation. Vertical and horizontal distance are not the same.

My feet are fairly close and I promise you I can lay down rr tracks. My hips are also narrow. All depends on the skier. That said, a very wide stance will make it more difficult to change direction. Just physics.

 

[Nick]

If your boot buckles are touching, you've got your boots on the wrong feet.

Good point, hahaha :lol: