 ALPINE SKI LESSONS: SNOWPLOUGH |
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A technique for all levels |
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| The snowplough is wrongly considered to be a technique only meant for beginners. While it is easy to learn, it's also a useful technique for advanced skiers, especially when they want to brake in a reduced space (when pulling a sleigh, at the entrance of a ski lifts, etc.). |
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Snowploughs in straight runs |
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Snowploughs use the skid technique and, once more, your knees will be playing an essential part by controlling the edging.
Start with a straight run (no turns) on a gentle slope and on snow that's not too supple. Position yourself facing the slope on a berm. Bend your knees and spread apart your legs while pressing down in a homogeneous way on your heels. The ski tails will open and you can start moving all the while maintaining pressure on your heels. If your skis open too much and the spatulas seem in danger of overlapping, release a little pressure.
To increase your braking, position your knees inwards to increase the edging angle and push even more your heels away from the skis. |
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 Exercise
Practice changing the edging angle by positioning your knees inside your feet and controlling your speed this way. Remember that to be able to position your knees inside your feet, the knees need to be bent... |
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Making a snowplough turn |
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| To turn, press down on the ski facing the exterior of the turn (outside ski), turn your upper body towards the direction you wish to take and let your skis turn on their own. Keep your knees bent. Planting your poles isn't necessary. |
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Exercise
Make a snowplough turn while touching the knee that faces outwards with both hands. This trick will help you put your weight on the outside ski. |
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What you should be feeling |
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Your weight should feel like it's spread out on the boot's sole's entire surface, which is the sign of a good balance and a regular skid.
You should also feel a little pressure on the boot's tongue, because your knees are bent. |
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