Is the “pre-turn” still taught?
I have not heard it mentioned in a very long time. There have been several threads on this site recently talking about ‘short turns’ and ‘turning on steep’; those are just 2 places where the pre-turn excelled. It was taught and used a lot in the 60’s and 70’s, but do not remember it being spoken of in years. It was a time when the equipment made turn initiation a bit more challenging. This was a maneuver that helped a skier progress from intermediate to advanced. This would not be something seen on a modern race course but if you watch old footage it was used there too.
Here is how it worked.
From a traverse soften the edge angle on the skis and move your weight slightly forward. Often done by lowering the body position slightly.
As the skis turn into the hill increase the edging; this flexes the skis and creates the body position seen at the end of turn. You have loaded the skis by flexing them if you will. The increased edging was normally done from the ankles or knees.
Start the turn of your choice. Don’t think there is a better time to start your next turn than at the end of your current turn and that is what the skier has just simulated.
This can be drilled in a garland in the bumps and at just about any speed or snow condition. If you get the chance, play with it this weekend, you might like it.
Back to the original question. An old gray beard wants to know; Is the pre-turn still taught?
I have not heard it mentioned in a very long time. There have been several threads on this site recently talking about ‘short turns’ and ‘turning on steep’; those are just 2 places where the pre-turn excelled. It was taught and used a lot in the 60’s and 70’s, but do not remember it being spoken of in years. It was a time when the equipment made turn initiation a bit more challenging. This was a maneuver that helped a skier progress from intermediate to advanced. This would not be something seen on a modern race course but if you watch old footage it was used there too.
Here is how it worked.
From a traverse soften the edge angle on the skis and move your weight slightly forward. Often done by lowering the body position slightly.
As the skis turn into the hill increase the edging; this flexes the skis and creates the body position seen at the end of turn. You have loaded the skis by flexing them if you will. The increased edging was normally done from the ankles or knees.
Start the turn of your choice. Don’t think there is a better time to start your next turn than at the end of your current turn and that is what the skier has just simulated.
This can be drilled in a garland in the bumps and at just about any speed or snow condition. If you get the chance, play with it this weekend, you might like it.
Back to the original question. An old gray beard wants to know; Is the pre-turn still taught?