How to CARVE LOW - WC Technique + DRILL

Hi,
In this weeks video we are going to take a closer look at a WC carving technique called FLEX TO RELEASE and RETRACTION TRANSITION. Basically you stay low all the time. Very close to the snow. High edge angles. Like the WC ski racers on TV.

Many of us me included have been taught to up-unweight our transitions, edge change between turns. This is a valid technique to ski crud and normal parallel skiing but when it comes to high end WC SL technique we need to do the complete opposite, we need to flex through the transition.

Check the video and enjoy :)

[bugsy]

I started skiing in my 50's and have spent the last 17 years trying to learn how to do what you are describing in your video. I am not sure how it happened but this season is the first time that I have learned how to adopted this technique in my skiing and it feels like a radioactive spider had bit me and I now can ski down steep terrain like some kind of Marvel superhero. It is the most amazing feeling that I have experienced since I was 5 years old when my Dad took off the training wheels from my bicycle.

[mikeallen]

At last, an instructor who is able to describe ACCURATELY the movements needed to produce the desired output. Too many instructors (including YouTubers) use vague language to describe skiing, but here is someone who is technically and mechanically correct.

[masab]

I had been stuck with my carving technique for several seasons. Not getting high enough edge angles, not getting fast transitions between the turns etc.. and losing the control totally on steeper parts of the slopes. Then I watched this video and really paid attention to not extend fully up (like I have been taught, lol) and boy it changed my skiing. First time this season I was able to touch the slope with my knuckles while doing carved turn on my 23m radius all-mountain skis! So, big thanks for this video, I think most of the guides on youtube do not explain this, even they are doing it also in their videos.

[dieterkaudel]

Wow, this seems to be the the first video about carving where someone is pointing out this particular move (at least as far as I know). It makes absolutely perfect sense! Thanks, well done my friend.

[bertrandrussell]

I have tried it today .... and boy😳😲 it is a gamechanger. Thank you very very very very much for this video.

[alterFritz-wy]

Es ist eine Freude, diesem Video zuzuschauen. Hier wird gezeigt, wie man seine Carvingtechnik noch weiter verbessern und verfeinern kann. Ich werde in der kommenden Saison daran arbeiten. Ich bin 78 Jahre alt und blicke auf eine 74 jährige aktive Skilaufgeschichte zurück. Es macht immer noch großen Spaß.

[petschem]

I'm 52... being skiing since I was 9. I was instructor in the late 80's into the 90's. So I learned (and taught), the gliding turn/extension into the turn technique. As such, my carving is very inconsistent. Going to try this next time I go out!

[darrenanderson]

This is your best explanation video. I was a cert 3, USA instructor, and I was having trouble understanding how the World Cup skier achieved such great angles. A flexed transition is definitely what they are doing! I have used a flexed transition for mogul skiing and even for powder, but I had not tried it for race carving. Thx!

[juliancousins]

Thanks very much for your series on carving. I was taught old skool given I’m 58 yrs old now. But I’ve never really ‘got’ carving until I watched these videos.

[matthammerquist]

This video is eye opening. I was one of those people that believed the stacked position was the only position. I can’t wait to get on the slopes with this new insight

[puregsr]

Harald Harb will be very proud of you, I swear that's all he talks about in his books (esp the "Essentials of Skiing").
Most people think I'm crazy for learning how to ski from books, but his books talk about tipping, flexing, fore/aft, counterbalancing, and counteracting in amazing details that I think all skiers MUST read. I'm a true believer, learned how to properly ski at age 42. His third book, Essentials of Skiing, is by far the best one.
I am continuing to expand to learn from other sources, since everyone has something to offer.
Thanks for sharing your videos and experience, the ski world needs more people like you.

[dennisweekes]

I’ve actually been doing this to a number of years but didn’t understand what I was doing. It’s fun. Even at Canada’s most southern ski area that is small it’s fun. This is the best video with clear demonstration. I’m going to get at it tomorrow morning Thanks so much for the encouragement from a 77 year old.

[dianzap]

This is an exceptional description of a perfect carved turn. The video and drills are top quality and I find myself getting into the flexed position in steeper terrain. I am a ski patroller and love seeing this broken down and know that it will help my skiing. Kudos!

[CrzyMountinGot]

Wow, I’ve not seen any video pointing that technique out. It’s such a golden nugget of wisdom for carving steeps.

[MeanLaQueefa]

I remember the first time I really bent a ski, carved deep on edge. I was 12yr. Old going around this slight bank at my local hill. I remember going low and pressing underfoot hard, turning camber into rocker. As soon as I released to link the carve, I shot out of the turn, and launched maybe 10 feet further than expected and wiped out hard. That was a great feeling and the day I learned how to put a ski on edge.

[zeroZEN]

Almost 30 years ago I was actually called out NOT to do this during my Level 3 PSIA exam by one of the examiners! I protested that it was the most efficient carved turn but then shrugged and gave them plenty of tall cross over. And, yes, I passed the exam. I also went away knowing I could out ski almost every one of the examiners. 😂

[ianishweb]

Totally awesome video. It really hit the nail on the head. As an older skier, I now realize that I am still a slave to the whole unweighting movement and this has been getting in the way of any improvement in the transition, despite plenty of practice. I have been using Carv to help with this, and it has been useful, but this was a revelation as to what I have been doing wrong. The whole unweighting of the ski by moving the body upward is no longer necessary in a carved turn. This was a real eye opener. Thanks.

[Alexans]

You know you are in the good place when most of the coments are from ski instructors. Thanks for helpful explanation. Every season I try to improve my skiing

[mikes]

Thanks for this Tom. I’ve been working on improving my carving by focusing on toppling and not really progressing. On occasion I’ve stumbled across the sensation of my knees coming up under me as I move through the transition followed by my legs extending out. When it happens it just feel right but it didn’t seem consistent with my “understanding” of what I should be doing. This lesson was a big light bulb moment for me and I can’t wait to get back out and work on this.

[jeffrymann]

Hey Tom. I want to say thank you for your videos. They help me so often. I am a life long skier and still avid about it. I am 68 years old, skiing over 100 days per year in Sun Valley Idaho. I raced for Aspen Ski Club in the 70's with 46 FIS points as my best. Then went on to be a fully certified ski instructor on Aspen Mtn for 16 years. I still work on my skiing and make an effort to stay current. I can leave rail road tracks and rip it. I do coach myself and find your videos super helpful. Making the transition from how we skied in the 70's to the current ability if the skis has been exciting and some work. Letting go of an A frame, using the inside ski have been new patterns. But often you remind me of something that needs attention in my skiing. Staying low in transition. Bringing my knees up in a half circle at transition. Trying not to over edge my new outside ski like we did. Retracting my inside knee, Weight change, And as Sasha Rarick said, 'kind of like riding a bike'. Anyway so many of the drills i use came from you and so often when i review your videos i am often reminded of something i have forgotten. Thank you so much. Jeffry Mann