Forward Movement

H. Kristoffersen/ Image by M. Pozza/Alamy

Overview

  • Movement 3: Move forward by using your back and abdominal muscles to move your core over your feet and down the hill. Feel pressure increase against your outside ski.

  • This description is the third of eight modules included in the Ski Technique module, describing how elite skiers and racers carve turns.

Move forward to create more edge angle and greater pressure on the outside ski.

The forward movement begins when you flex your outside ankle to start a new turn.

Watch Henrik Kristoffersen move forward rather than upward in the following video.

Video by Filip Chwistek

Coach’s Tip:

  • As you begin to gain speed, direct the centre of your core toward the snow near the front and beside your inside ski, as shown in the image below. The outside ski will roll onto its inside edge and you will feel the pressure on your outside ski increase and shift from the ball of your foot to your arch.

  • If you direct your core too far to the inside of the turn as you begin your forward movement, the pressure will shift to your inside foot, limiting your ability to carve.

Henrik Kristoffersen demonstrates moving forward at the start of the turn in the following image.

Image and Graphics by Arm Using Chatgpt Ai

Pressure on your outside foot will shift from the ball of your foot to your arch as you move forward. See below.

Screenshot from video by Ernesto Perez/Wording by ARM

  • To tighten the arc of your turn as your speed increases, continue moving your core toward the inside as the turn progresses while increasing pressure on your outside ski.

  • Your shoulders should be just ahead of the binding of the outside ski at the apex of the turn.

  • Too much forward action with the arms will cause the pelvis to move backwards putting pressure on the tail of the skis.

    Henrik Kristoffersen positions his shoulders ahead of his bindings in this picture.

H. Kristoffersen/ Image by M. Pozza/Alamy/Graphics by ARM

Watch about a MINUTE of this VIDEO for an analysis of the forward movement.

Video by Gilmore Gardens N.H.

  • The Forward Movement progresses until the body returns to the Athletic Stance ready to start the next turn.

  • Rolling the inside leg away from the outside leg and shortening it will also help you move forward, increase edge angle, and apply more pressure to the outside ski.

    The physical movements for moving forward are shown in this image.

Image by Ron LeMaster/Graphics by ARM

The “Get Over It” drill helps develop forward movement.

Mikaela Shiffrin provides her commentary of this drill in this video.

Video by Burke Mountain Acadmey

Forward Movement for Slalom, Giant Slalom and Speed Disciplines

  1. Slalom: In short radius turns the goal is to move your core down the fall line.

  2. Giant Slalom: Your body should move towards the fall line and continue moving forward until the body faces towards the direction of the next turn.

  3. Speed: The upper body tilts forward at the waist when using a high or low tuck stance.

Key Takeaways

  1. Use your core muscles to move your chest and core forward over your feet and down the hill.

  2. Forward movement increases the edge angle and pressure on the outside ski.

  3. Avoid excessive forward arm movements, as they can push your pelvis backward. Aim to have your shoulders and head slightly ahead of the outside ski binding at the apex of the turn.

Suggested Learning Modules

Go to Ski Technique 4. Roll the Inside Leg

To gain a deeper understanding of the muscle groups comprising the human core, go to the Core module.

Return to Ski Technique or Reduce Risk of Injury

Important Message: Skiing and ski racing involve inherent risks. It’s essential to ski responsibly and stay within your skill level and personal comfort limits.