Set off down the hill, then gradually curve back up the hill. Feel the
condition of the snow as you do this. Does it feel easy to carve
through or difficult? Do you have a firm base to push against, or not?
Your first turn gives you the opportunity to test the snow conditions.
Step 1
Jump or pull your feet/skis out of the snow to change edges and direction. Essential if the snow feels very heavy, cruddy or slushy, or if you have no speed.
Step 2
Land softly, feel the conditions of the snow under your feet/skis. Use your arms to help your balance, maintain a strong stance, keeping your body in alignment with your skis.
Step 3
Dominate your equipment. Feel the pressure, through the instep and heel of your feet, against both your skis.
Step 4
Drive the skis through the snow maintaining a curve to gradually reduce your speed.
WHERE
Open terrain that is safe, no rocks, trees or
other objects. Not ideal for deep, powdery or steep
conditions.
TIPS
Focus
Be dominant and strong over your skis,
making sure you are driving the skis
through the snow and not waiting for the
skis to take you round the curve. Do not
pivot the feet/skis in this snow, this could
very easily cause injury to the knee.
Imagery
:
Imagine a knife slicing through a thick layer
of icing on a cake. Once the knife has cut
through there maybe a firm fruit cake
below this or possibly a soft sponge. If it's a
sponge your knife will suddenly become
light and you will have to control the
slicing action. If the next layer is a fruit cake
then you may have to push harder in order
to cut through the cake. Snow textures
and layers change like this and you have to
react with your skis accordingly.
Feedback
If you find yourself on your edges with no
pressure against your skis fight to bring
your balance back over your feet. Use your
stomach muscles and strength to pull your
torso back over your feet to help you stay
balanced and drive the skis through the
snow.
TOP TIP
Dominate and drive
the skis through
the snow.
More on Skiing Off-Piste
Download Sally's Top Tips for skiing off-piste (You can right click on your mouse and use the 'save target as' option.)
Use speed to power through
heavier, firmer off piste.
The Pockit Book - 
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