Stivot Turns

Screenshot from Video by Alpine Ski Racing Coach’s Corner

Overview

  • Stivot turns, are an advanced skiing technique that allows skiers to change direction while maintaining speed on steep, icy, and rough terrain, useful for slalom and giant slalom races.

  • Stivot turns require a stable upper body and skis pivoted on flat bases, as demonstrated by World Cup racers.

  • The term ‘Stivot’ is a blend of ‘steer’ and ‘pivot’. It describes a technique where the skier starts a turn by pivoting the skis.

  • Stivot turns are effective on steep, icy and rough terrain where traditional carving turns might not be possible. They are used to change direction while maintaining speed, especially in slalom and giant slalom races.

World Cup racers perform Stivot turns in the following video.

Video by Alpine Ski Racing Coach’s Corner

How to Stivot

  • It’s important to maintain a stable upper body with a good ‘Athletic Stance.’

  • As you start your ‘Forward Movement’, lift the heels of both feet so the tails of the skis are off the snow or lightly touching it.

  • Ensure the skis are mostly flat on their bases, allowing them to smoothly glide in the air or slide on the snow.

  • Use the momentum from the previous turn to help move your feet and skis across the hill towards your next turn.

  • After the pivot, firmly press the arch of your foot against the outside ski to engage the edges and start the skis’ carving action.

A technical analysis of Mikaela Shiffrin performing a Stivot turn is featured in the following video.

Video by Big Picture Skiing

Learn to Pivot before trying to Stivot

The Stivot turn is an advanced skiing technique. Learn how to pivot your skis on a gradual slope before attempting Stivot turns at speed and on steep terrain.

This video demonstrates an effective drill to learn how to pivot your skis.

Video by Big Picture Skiing

Key Takeaways

  1. Stivot turns, a combination of steering and pivoting, enable skiers to efficiently change direction while maintaining speed on challenging terrains such as steep, icy, and rough slopes.

  2. Mastering the Stivot turn involves maintaining a stable upper body with an Athletic Stance, lifting the heels to pivot the skis with mostly flat bases for smooth gliding or sliding, and using momentum to transition into carving actions for the next turn.

Suggested Learning Modules

Return to Ski Steep Terrain or Advanced

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.