Rounding your ski turns minimizes the friction between your ski and the slope, which will lead to a smoother and more enjoyable run than than the beginner's snowplow offers. The smoother ride is better for your knees, and since you don't lose much kinetic energy to friction during a carved turn, you'll experience less speed loss over the course of the run. Learning to turn by shifting your body weight instead of rotating your trunk is key for mastering rounded turns on the slopes.
Step 1
Choose a slope that you can complete easily before first practicing rounded turns.
Step 2
Stand at the top of the slope with your skis about hip-width apart. This stance require your feet to be closer together than a beginner's stance, which has the feet at shoulder distance.
Step 3
Begin skiing at an angle to the slope, heading toward the right of the trail and keeping a controlled pace.
Step 4
Lean forward slightly with your weight distributed evenly across both legs.
Step 5
Push your weight onto the inside edge of your right ski, driving the edge of the ski into the snow at a slight angle. The shift in weight initiates a turn to the left.
Step 6
Slide your left ski forward so it is positioned a few inches ahead of the right ski. Bend and lift your left knee slightly, transferring the bulk of your weight onto the inside edge of your right ski.
Step 7
Keep your torso steady as your turn. Avoid rotating the trunk of your body during the turn to minimize friction and skidding.
Step 8
Lean your body into the slope to maintain balance when executing rounded turns at higher speeds.
Step 9
Put more weight on your right ski to turn more quickly.
Step 10
Shift your weight from your right to your left ski when you're ready to start turning back toward the right side of the slope.
References
Writer Bio
Dan Howard is a sports and fitness aficionado who holds a master's degree in psychology. Howard's postgraduate research on the brain and learning has appeared in several academic books and peer-reviewed psychology journals.