HOW TO SKI WITH FLOW | 3 Tips for smoother skiing

"You will know when your skiing has reached the flow state. It will be effortless."

About a month ago, we met up with top-level Canadian and Austrian ski instructor Christian Aigner. We asked him to tell us a little bit more about what it means to ski with smoothness and flow.

It's a common goal for both intermediate and advanced skiers to make effortless, smooth turns like a pro... but it's often not clear how to get there.

In this video, Christian shares the key to smoother skiing along - with 3 tips that might just transform your next day on snow.

In the words of Christian:
"If you don't know what to work on, work on adding smoothness to your skiing."

We hope that you enjoy the video and it helps you take your skiing technique to the next level.

Want to find out more about the 'Edge Smoothness' metric Christian mentioned, as well as the other metrics in the Carv digital ski coach?

SUBSCRIBE today to get access to more ski lessons, real-time feedback and new skiing insights from Carv.

Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction to smooth skiing
1:03 - The key to smooth skiing: Active joint mobility
2:12 - Tip 1: Turn shape
3:55 - Tip 2: Shorten the inside leg
5:23 - Track your skiing smoothness using Carv
6:16 - Lesson recap

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Skier: Christian Aigner- Fully certified Canadian and Austrian Ski Instructor
Ski resort: Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Salzburg, Austria
Music Licensed by Music Bed: MB016LEK4HO8VRR

[joang]

I've been skiing for over 50 years but I think this video is actually going to help me this season. Thanks

[tomj]

Actively shortening the uphill leg is an excellent way to describe this essential technique for smooth, dynamic carving turns. Excellent lesson.

[thomasmedeiros]

I find your use of the bicycle analogy extremely useful when describing good ski technique. Most skiers also have ridden a bicycle so they can relate to it. The concept of shortening the inside leg also relates to riding through a corner with the outside leg extended and the inside leg up. Your weight is on the outside pedal as in a ski turn. Hands I front holding the handlebars, upper body quite with lower body doing the work. You look out in front always at where you want to go to steer your line as in skiing.Cycling requires momentum/ flow which helps you balance as you maneuver. The faster you go the easier balance becomes. Doing a track stand / balancing standing still is very challenging. I think that skiers who make Z turns are lacking the confidence to ride the skis like mountain bike on a downhill flow trail. They want to constantly put on the brakes instead of allowing the sidecut of the ski follow it’s built in turn radius.

[fredberg]

The idea of smooth joints, really smoothly moving your joints together, is a great way to think about a really important skill. I wish i could take a few runs right now and try but i’m gonna have to wait a few weeks. Thanks guy for the tip!

[brandondasher]

That bit about making sure to move the inside leg vertically not laterally is super helpful. Last season I was always trying to maximize my outside pressure but always felt like I was moving my legs too far apart. I am stoked to see how that bit of advice will help me there.

[apaul]

I have watched many tutorials like this. As a beginner I thought he explained the technique very well. We arrived yesterday, I'm watching this in my hotel room and in about an hour we gonna give it a try.

[umbertotelo]

After two years of lockdown I needed this video for the big return on the ski

[trackie]

For me, the most important part of the turn is the transition from the previous turn. It is important to be patient with the upper half of the turn and strive for keeping the nice round shape. A lot of skiers become uncomfortable with the upper half because they are increasingly turning downhill and accelerating.They try to rush to get to the lower half of the turn where they are turning more across the fall line - they feel more secure and in control. The result is a series of Z shaped turns.

[seths.]

The live visual examples helps a ton! Thanks for actively demonstrating it. The vertical lifting of the inside leg will be super helpful.

[mrc]

I've been skiing for 40 years and what helped me most with my flow (other than excellent advise like this) has been inline skating. After watching your vids, I now really want to get the Carv units in my ski boots next season. Thanks for the tips

[gamerpixels]

I haven't skied for 4 years until yesterday but man, i still got it! I also kind of used your method in a natural way but will for sure be trying implementing your tips next time I go out on the slope. Danke schön!

[MrKalrich]

I can't wait to get on the slopes this season. Carv helped my wife and I improve our skiing so very much last year. These videos are very helpful. Please keep them coming.

[PADCGAIAMA]

Thanks for the video! I think the second tip of actively retracting the inside leg is the most important one for me who has been struggling to learn curving. I will take it a try this winter!

[GoshenPrepping]

Thanks a ton! I was an avid skier in Colorado in my 20's and now, in my 50's, I'm venturing back into the sport. You did great in solidifying those subtle movements that skiers shoot for but rarely grasp without instruction. You made connections for me. From one channel to another, thank you!

[thibod]

Awesome! Smoothness on skis while changing direction is such a common pursue by all skiers. Thank you for sharing! Have a nice day.

[pandvsims]

Skiing has been a lifelong enjoyment for me. As I continued to ski I developed the coordination and style for successful maneuvering through all types of snow conditions. In spite of 50 years of experience I still continue to learn and Improve. I still love skiing with a passion!

[Stick]

Good teacher, explanation really makes sense. Helps me to improve skills. ( I ski over 40 years) Old habits need to be updated. Thnks.

[TheGruntski]

It is nice to see how Christian completes the last third of the turn before neutralizing and going into the next turn. Lovely to see such a good example

[Halfbakedceramics]

I was pleasantly surprised. I think his analogy with a bike rider is a great picture. I would say shorten the length of your leg and not the ski, though. You can't shorten the length of the ski without a saw lol.

[AntranikDotOrg]

I’m going skiing for first time this season and watching this again before my first run like I did last year to make for another great season! Thanks for the wonderfully well made video in every way