How to Improve Skiing Techniques: Learning to Carve
Once you know how to make parallel turns and feel confident doing so, the next natural step is learning how to carve. The carving ski technique essentially involves getting your skis up on their edge. When you make parallel turns, the bottom (flat surface) of your skis makes contact with the snow. When you carve, the metal edge (sides of your skis) does all the work. As such, a parallel turn is a foundation for carving.
Start in your normal parallel turn position. As you exit the turn, begin to lean your knees into the hill so that the edges of your skis are digging into the slope. If you were to look behind you, you’d clearly see two thin, parallel lines. It helps to have some momentum for this manoeuvre - we recommend roughly a 45-degree angle.
When you reach the other side of the slope, you’ll need to transition edges and change your weight from ski to ski. Experts make the transition early into the turn and quickly. Once you’re balanced on the outside ski, you can move your legs out from under your body and lean into the hill. Your body should remain straight, rather than bent at the waist.
It’ll take a bit of practice and patience before you can overcome (and even enjoy) the centrifugal forces at work during your turns! When you get it right, it’ll feel like the ski has turned itself and you’ll fly across the slope. By learning to carve, you’ll not only become a better skier, but you’ll also be able to ski at higher speeds with greater control.
