Ski technique is the knowledge of the different movements and actions that we perform by modifying one or more of our body axes on skis and its consequences on the snow.
It is the knowledge of how we can use these actions depending on physical phenomena such as slope, terrain, and snow characteristics.
Technique can be defined as a set of specific movements for maximum performance and/or efficiency, taking into account the demands of the sport.
Other definitions of ski technique include:
- The motor behaviors skiers perform when sliding on snow.
- A set of movements to achieve actions.
- The execution of different actions and their consequences.
- A set of specific movements and actions to achieve a certain performance.
- Movements we make to control external forces when sliding and how to use internal forces (muscular effort) to properly act in the right place and at the right time.
- The set of ideal movements sought or aspired to in order to achieve a goal (the performance of one or a sequence of technical gestures).
We must clarify that a technical movement (a type of turn or jump) is not technique. Ski technique is the correct application of the internal state of a technical movement. This means that a technical movement is the physical and observable act of a movement or action, while technique itself is the correct way to apply that movement or action to achieve a specific purpose, connecting our intention with the movement. In other words, the technical gesture is the visible action, and the technique is the art of making that movement or action precise and efficient.
We say that technique is the precise and efficient application of the technical gesture. It is our knowledge and ability to use a movement or action in a certain way to achieve a goal. For example, the gesture of turning is a direction change through the edge change by moving our pelvis diagonally, but the technique is how we position ourselves, the force we apply when we move our pelvis, or the precise moment we execute that movement.
Proper technique is the result of repetition, but repetition is not just performing the same technical movement many times. When we repeat a movement, we need to observe ourselves internally.
We mentioned that there is no such thing as good or bad ski technique; there is only efficient and inefficient technique. We can judge whether a technique is efficient if it follows the natural principles of movement and does not apply muscular effort that resists this natural movement.
Some authors claim that there is only one ski technique that adapts movements and actions to different terrain, snow, speed, and skier’s skill level. Others prefer to define a technique for deep snow, one for moguls, one for competition, carving, freeriding, etc.
Although throughout the history of alpine skiing the outstanding skiers have been originators of different technical elements, in reality, there is no correct technique or one that is better than another; as we stated, there is an efficient technique and an inefficient one.
In addition to muscular effort categorization, we can also divide technique into:
- Ideal technique is the most efficient technique. It serves as a model, being an aspiration to achieve. It provides a guide for the acquisition and development of our personal technique.
- Personal technique is the technique that we interpret and try to reproduce, that is, the adaptation of the ideal technique according to our morphological characteristics and abilities. It contains the main elements of the ideal technique. In other words, it is the implementation of our image of the movements of the ideal technique, with the limitations imposed by the general conditions of the terrain, speed, snow, etc.
As for the objectives of the ski technique, it is always to provide a better response to old problems. Other objectives may be:
- To make skiing more enjoyable and rewarding.
- To ski more safely.
- To have more and better resources.
- To achieve a more stable and efficient skiing style.
- To discover new sensations.
- To actively experience the connection between skis and snow.
We can also define ski technique as the execution of geometric figures represented by semicircles that have a hypothetical center and possess the following characteristics:
- In turn linking, the most important movements should be performed towards the center of the next turn.
- To turn to one side in straight run or in traversing, the most important movements should be performed towards that side.
- Turning actions should be executed from inside to inside, from center to center.
For proper learning of the technique, we uphold the following principles:
- First achieve effectiveness, then movements’ efficiency.
- Efficient movements must be performed towards the direction of the fall line.
Once an efficient technique has been acquired, we must not fall into the trap of believing that it is “the” technique, but rather we should continue to search for new sensations. The technique reinvents itself, regenerates itself, modifies itself, mutates, but also repeats itself. We must not hold on to it, we must let it follow its own evolution.
Old-school ski technique vs. postmodern ski technique
The characteristics of old-school ski technique are as follows:
- The use of straight skis.
- The primacy of aesthetic skiing with skis together.
- A preference for rounded and controlled skidding.
- Control of the turn mainly through the outside ski.
- Employed a structured and unnatural body position.
- Prioritized style over efficiency.
- Emphasized visual teaching (following and imitating the instructor).
- Teaching was exclusively demonstrated and executed with no room for sensoriality.
- Required greater effort, as its foundation was: “The greater the muscular effort, the better the technique.”
- It was taught through tireless repetition of many exercises and positions.
- The position of the torso was emphasized.
- Marked vertical legs’ movements were used to unload at the beginning and apply pressure at the end of each turn.
- Teaching was focused more on the process of acquiring the technique than on the result obtained.
In contrast, the characteristics of postmodern ski technique are as follows:
- Radical parabolic or shaped skis are used.
- A functional body posture is prioritized through legs’ natural stance.
- It is considered a personal expression.
- It is easier.
- It is efficient.
- It emphasizes sensitivity (the effects of the movements are “felt.”)
- Its teaching is based not too much on demonstrations and ‘exercises’ but more on sensations.
- It takes advantage of equipment characteristics.
- Posture is a consequence of feet movements (more dynamic and less static).
- Active use of the inner leg and foot to maintaining a constant pressure.
- Emphasis on feet and legs rather than upper body.
- Lateral movements instead of just vertical movements.
- The aim is to carve on the edges right from the start of the turn (early edging).
- Less effort and greater control (efficient performance).
- Due to our current fast-paced culture, the teaching process is focused more on the result than on the learning process.
The difference between old-school ski technique (controlled skidding) and postmodern ski technique (carving) could be a potential source of frustration because certain skiers may feel the need to update their technique but find it difficult to break old habits. This is also because many skiers, and even instructors, still give advice based on an outdated and inefficient movements coming from the old-school ski technique.
One aspect seen in the slopes is skiers concerned about exaggeratedly extending their legs, rotating their torso, and pushing their body in an effort to turn state-of-the-art skis that only need to be tilted to one side in order to turn on their own. Postmodern ski technique is more from the feet up and not so much from the head down.
And about the efficiency of postmodern ski technique, the constant improvement in equipment design reduces the need for movements during all phases of the turn. Also, the grooming of the slopes reduces the need for movements to adapt to variations in snow and terrain.
It is comon to hear skiers in a lesson say to their instructor: “I see you turning effortlessly, what do you do to achieve that?”. However, some technicians are critical of reduced movement. They say: “Yes, you turn but you look motionless.” However, an almost ‘quiet’ silhouette may not necessarily be a bad image. In fact, it may represent the pinnacle of turning efficiency. Of course, movements can be exaggerated to illustrate the activity hidden within the joints, but exaggerating movements can lead to confusion about the true dynamics of the maneuver.
Nevertheless, the obvious movement is the first perceived in the process of acquiring a skill. Without a demonstration, the basic tool of the teaching process is lost.
To conclude, the carving revolution, which is the foundation of postmodern ski technique, was so great that we are still talking about it, even though it started almost forty years ago.
